חֲגוֹר (cha.gor)
cha.gor
belt
H:N-M/FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M/F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chagor refers to a belt or girdle, typically worn around the waist. In the ancient Near East, this was not merely an accessory but a practical necessity for daily activity. Without it, loose robes would hinder movement, so the belt served to secure clothing and keep garments out of the way.
Its usage extends beyond simple attire to include functional utility. Sources note that it could serve as a pouch for carrying items or even hold a weapon such as a sword. This dual role appears in texts like Isaiah, where the imagery suggests readiness and preparedness for action or judgment.
The word occurs eight times in the Hebrew Bible, with significant appearances in II Samuel, Proverbs, and Isaiah. In these contexts, it often symbolizes strength or the ability to act decisively. The physical act of girding oneself is closely linked to mental and spiritual alertness, marking a transition from rest to work or battle.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chagor refers to the belt or sash worn around the waist in ancient times. It was far more than a decorative accessory; it was a practical tool that secured loose robes and allowed for free movement. Without this simple item, daily work or travel would be hindered by tangled fabric. This object symbolized readiness, linking physical preparation with mental alertness.
In Scripture, girding oneself often marks a transition from rest to action. It suggests a posture of preparedness for service or battle. When we consider our own lives, this image invites us to prepare our hearts for the tasks ahead. It reminds us that faith involves active engagement rather than passive waiting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a belt2×
- a belt2×
- on/ belt/ his1×
- loin coverings1×
- belt/ his1×
- a belt of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֲגוֹרָ֤ה1×
- חֲגֹרֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- חֲגֹרֹֽת\׃1×
- חֲגֹרָה֙1×
- חֲג֥וֹר1×
- וַ֝/חֲג֗וֹר1×
- וַ/חֲגֹרָ֖ה1×
- בַּ/חֲגֹֽרָת/וֹ֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 20:8
When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was clothed in his apparel of war that he had put on, and on it was a sash with a sword fastened on his waist in its sheath; and as he went along it fell out.
This verse highlights the belt's functional role in holding a sword, emphasizing readiness for conflict.
-
Proverbs 31:24
She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.
Here the sash represents skilled craftsmanship and economic contribution within the household.
-
Isaiah 3:24
It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be rottenness; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well set hair, baldness; instead of a robe, a wearing of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty.
The replacement of a belt with a rope serves as a stark symbol of humiliation and loss of status.