περιζώννυμι (perizōnnumi)
perizōnnumi
to gird
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb perizōnnumi means to fasten a garment with a belt or girdle, preparing for immediate action. In the ancient world, long robes were impractical for work or travel, so pulling them up and securing them with a belt was a necessary act of readiness. This physical image carries significant weight in Scripture, appearing six times to describe both literal preparation and spiritual alertness.
Its meaning shifts subtly depending on context. In Luke 12:35-37, Jesus uses the active voice to urge his followers to keep their belts fastened, ready to serve their master whenever he returns from a wedding feast. Here, it denotes physical readiness for service. In Ephesians 6:14, Paul employs the passive participle metaphorically, urging believers to have "the belt of truth" strapped around their waists. This draws on Old Testament imagery where strength and integrity are symbolized by a girded loins.
The word combines peri ("around") and zōnnumi ("to gird"), emphasizing the encircling nature of the action. Translators typically render it simply as "gird," preserving the concrete, physical sense that underlies its spiritual applications. Whether describing a servant waiting for his master or a soldier standing firm in truth, the word consistently points to a state of preparedness and disciplined focus.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the ancient world, long robes were beautiful but impractical for work or travel. To move freely, a person had to pull the fabric up and secure it with a belt. This simple act of girding oneself was a signal that immediate action was required. When Scripture uses this image, it is not just describing clothing; it is describing a posture of the heart ready to serve.
Jesus invites us into this same readiness in Luke 12:35, urging His followers to keep their lamps burning and belts fastened. He does not ask for passive waiting, but for active vigilance. Whether we are facing daily responsibilities or spiritual battles, this word calls us to shed the distractions that slow us down and focus our energy on what matters most.
Paul takes this physical preparation and applies it to our spiritual life in Ephesians 6:14. He tells us to buckle the belt of truth around our waists. Just as a soldier cannot fight effectively with loose clothing, we cannot stand firm against doubt or deception without the grounding reality of God's word. Let this image encourage you today: secure yourself in truth, and move forward with confidence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will gird himself1×
- having girded yourself about1×
- having girded themselves with1×
- having girded himself about1×
- having girded1×
- girded1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιζώσεται1×
- περιζωσάμενος1×
- περιζωσάμενοι1×
- περιεζωσμένον1×
- περιεζωσμένοι1×
- περιεζωσμέναι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 12:35
“Let your waist be dressed and your lamps burning.
Jesus uses the active command to urge immediate readiness for His return, linking physical preparation with spiritual vigilance.
-
Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Paul transforms the literal act of girding into a metaphor for grounding one's life in the truth of God before engaging in spiritual conflict.
-
Revelation of John 1:13
And among the lamp stands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest.
The vision of Christ wearing a golden sash highlights His priestly authority and divine majesty, showing that readiness is also about honoring who He is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does perizōnnumi mean in the Bible?
How is this word used in Ephesians 6?
Why did Jesus mention girding in Luke 12?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
Luke 3 verses
“Let your waist be dressed and your lamps burning.
Luke 12:37Blessed are those servants whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you that he will dress…
Luke 17:8Wouldn’t he rather tell him, ‘Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me while I eat and drink.…