ἀναζώννυμι (anazōnnumi)
anazōnnumi
to gird
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb anazōnnumi literally means to gird up or fasten clothing around the waist. In the ancient Near East, people wore long, flowing robes that could easily trip them up during physical work or travel. To move freely and effectively, they would pull the fabric up and secure it with a belt, freeing their legs for action.
In Scripture, this practical image becomes a metaphor for mental and spiritual readiness. It appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 1:13, where believers are urged to "gird up the loins of your mind." This calls for a disciplined alertness, stripping away distraction or passivity so that one can fully focus on the hope set before them.
The word emphasizes preparation for exertion. Just as a worker secures their garments before labor, the Christian is called to brace their thoughts against complacency. It suggests an active stance of attention and strength, rather than a passive state of rest.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In ancient times, people wore long robes that could easily trip them up during work or travel. To move freely and effectively, they would pull the fabric up and secure it with a belt. This simple act of girding oneself was a practical preparation for physical exertion. It signaled a shift from rest to action.
The New Testament uses this image in 1 Peter 1:13 to describe spiritual readiness. Here, believers are urged to "gird up the loins of your mind." This is not about physical clothing but mental discipline. It calls for stripping away distraction and complacency so that thoughts are focused on the hope set before them.
For your daily life, this word invites a gentle alertness. When challenges arise or when you need to focus on God's promises, consider this posture of preparation. It is an invitation to brace your thoughts against passivity and to stand ready in faith. This active stance helps you face each day with clarity and strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having girded up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀναζωσάμενοι1×