ζώννυμι (zōnnumi)
zōnnumi
to dress
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb zōnnumi means to gird or bind oneself, specifically by tying a belt around the waist. In the ancient world, this was not merely a fashion choice but a practical preparation for physical labor, travel, or combat. The sources note that it serves as the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word chagar, which carries the same sense of securing loose garments to enable movement and action.
This word appears in only two New Testament passages, yet both are vividly concrete. In John 21:18, Jesus uses it to describe Peter’s future life, contrasting his youthful freedom with the older man’s servitude, where he will be girded by others rather than girding himself. In Acts 12:8, the angel commands Peter to gird himself before following him out of prison, signaling an immediate transition from rest to urgent obedience.
The action implies readiness. To gird oneself was to remove the hindrance of loose robes and prepare for serious work. By using this specific term, the biblical authors highlight a shift in state—from idleness or sleep to active engagement with God’s purposes. It captures the physical posture of someone about to undertake a task that requires focus and strength.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zōnnumi captures a simple but vital physical act: tying up loose robes with a belt to prepare for work or travel. In ancient times, long garments were impractical for running or labor, so girding oneself was the first step toward action. It signals a shift from rest to readiness, removing hindrances to move freely and purposefully.
Jesus uses this image in John 21:18 to describe Peter’s life journey. He contrasts Peter’s youthful freedom with his future servitude, where others would gird him. This reminds us that our path may change from self-directed ease to guided obedience, yet both are part of God’s plan.
In Acts 12:8, the angel commands Peter to gird himself before fleeing prison. The immediate action shows that divine rescue requires human response. We are invited to prepare our hearts and lives for God’s call, trusting that He guides our steps even when the way is uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you were dressing1×
- will dress1×
- do dress yourself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐζώννυες1×
- ζῶσαι1×
- ζώσει1×
Key Verses
-
John 21:18
Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you don’t want to go.”
Jesus uses the word to contrast Peter's youthful independence with his future submission, showing how God’s call can shift us from self-direction to guided obedience.
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Acts 12:8
The angel said to him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” He did so. He said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.”
The angel’s command for Peter to gird himself highlights the necessity of immediate, practical readiness in response to divine intervention and urgent mission.