אָזַר (a.zar)
a.zar
to gird
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb azar describes the physical act of girding or tightening one’s garments, a necessary preparation for movement or labor in the ancient Near East. In its most literal sense, it refers to pulling up loose robes and securing them with a belt so that the wearer is not hindered by trailing fabric. This practical image appears frequently in narratives where characters are about to undertake a journey or engage in strenuous activity.
Beyond the physical, the word carries significant metaphorical weight, particularly when applied to divine strength. In passages like Psalm 18:32 and Isaiah 11:5, God is described as girding Himself with power or righteousness. This imagery suggests that strength is not merely an abstract quality but an active, ready-to-use force, akin to a warrior preparing for battle. The sources note this usage in Job and Psalms, where the act of being girded signifies readiness for action.
Translators often render azar as "gird" or "equip," preserving the tactile nature of the original term. While modern English speakers might use phrases like "get ready" or "prepare," these lack the specific visual of securing one’s clothing for work. The word reminds readers that biblical strength is often depicted as something put on, a deliberate act of preparation for the tasks ahead.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word azar paints a vivid picture of preparation. In ancient times, people wore long, loose robes that could easily trip them up or get in the way during work. To move freely, they would pull these garments up and secure them tightly with a belt. This simple act of girding oneself was a practical necessity for labor, travel, or battle. It signifies getting ready to face what lies ahead without hindrance.
Beyond the physical image, this word carries deep spiritual weight. Scripture often uses it to describe God equipping us with strength. When Psalm 93 says Yahweh is armed with strength, it portrays divine power as something active and ready for use. Similarly, in Jeremiah 1:17, God tells the prophet to put his belt on his waist before speaking to a difficult people. This was not just about clothing; it was about mental and spiritual readiness to endure hardship and deliver a hard message.
For your faith life, this word invites you to view preparation as an act of trust. When you face challenges, whether they are daily tasks or significant trials, you are called to be like those who girded themselves for work. God does not leave you unprepared. He strengthens you so that you can stand firm. This image reminds us that spiritual resilience is not passive; it is a deliberate act of relying on God’s power to equip us for the journey ahead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gird yourselves2×
- gird up2×
- you will gird1×
- they gird on1×
- he has girded himself1×
- he girds about/ me1×
- and/ you have girded/ me1×
- [who] gird on1×
- [was] girded1×
- I will gird/ you1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֱזָר\־2×
- תֶּאְזֹ֣ר1×
- מְאַזְּרֵ֣י1×
- יַֽאַזְרֵֽ/נִי\׃1×
- וַ/תַּזְרֵ֥/נִי1×
- הִתְאַזָּ֑ר1×
- הִתְאַזְּר֣וּ1×
- הִֽתְאַזְּר֖וּ1×
- אָז֣וּר1×
- אָ֥זְרוּ1×
- אֲאַזֶּרְ/ךָ֖1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 22:40
For you have armed me with strength for the battle. You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.
This verse explicitly links divine action with human capability, showing that God arms the believer with strength specifically for conflict.
-
Psalms 93:1
Yahweh reigns! He is clothed with majesty! Yahweh is armed with strength. The world also is established. It can’t be moved.
Here the term describes Yahweh’s own nature, portraying His reign as supported by active, unshakeable power rather than abstract authority.
-
Jeremiah 1:17
“You therefore put your belt on your waist, arise, and say to them all that I command you. Don’t be dismayed at them, lest I dismay you before them.
God commands Jeremiah to gird himself before receiving a difficult prophetic mission, linking physical preparation with spiritual courage and obedience.
-
Job 38:3
Brace yourself like a man, for I will question you, then you answer me!
God uses this imperative to challenge Job to prepare his mind and spirit for a serious encounter with divine wisdom.