חָגַר (cha.gar)
cha.gar
to gird
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 35 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chagar means to gird oneself, typically by fastening a belt or sash around the waist. In the ancient Near East, loose robes were impractical for physical labor or battle, so pulling them up and securing them with a belt was a necessary act of preparation. This word appears frequently in the historical books, such as when David puts on Saul’s armor (1 Samuel 17:39) or when priests are clothed in their sacred garments (Leviticus 8:13).
Its meaning extends beyond simple clothing to include readiness for action. The sources note its use in military contexts, where soldiers gird themselves with swords (Psalm 45:4), and in ritual contexts, where prophets wear sackcloth as a sign of mourning or repentance (Jeremiah 49:3). It can also describe metaphorical preparation, such as the woman of valor in Proverbs 31 strengthening her arms for work.
A notable feature of chagar is its occasional use in poetic imagery to personify nature. Psalm 65:13 describes hills being girded with joy, while other passages speak of God restraining enemies or preparing for judgment. This usage highlights the word’s theological weight: just as a belt secures clothing for movement, divine action secures order and purpose. The verb captures a moment of transition from passivity to active engagement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about girding oneself in Scripture, we are seeing a physical act that points to a spiritual reality. In ancient times, loose robes were impractical for work or battle. Pulling fabric up and securing it with a belt was a necessary step before moving forward. This word captures that moment of transition from passivity to active engagement.
For your faith life, this suggests that readiness is not just about feeling prepared, but about taking deliberate steps. Whether you are facing a difficult conversation or a long season of service, the image of girding up reminds us to secure our hearts with purpose. It invites us to set aside distractions and focus on what lies ahead.
Consider the Passover meal in Exodus 12:11. The people ate with belts on their waists, ready to leave Egypt at a moment's notice. This posture of readiness is a gift. It helps us live with intention, trusting that God equips us for the path He has set before us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 35 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he girded5×
- girded4×
- [was] girded3×
- they have girded on2×
- gird yourselves2×
- gird yourself2×
- gird up2×
- [one who] girds on2×
- she girds1×
- he will gird himself1×
- he girds on/ it1×
- girded of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָג֖וּר3×
- וַ/יַּחְגֹּ֤ר3×
- חֲגֹ֣ר2×
- וַ/יַּחְגֹּ֣ר2×
- יַחְגֹּ֔ר1×
- יַחְגְּרֶֽ/הָ\׃1×
- חֹגֵ֤ר1×
- חֹגֵ֖ר1×
- חָגְר֖וּ1×
- חָג֣וּר\׀1×
- חָג֣וּר1×
- חָֽגְרָ֣ה1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 12:11
This is how you shall eat it: with your belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is Yahweh’s Passover.
This verse links the physical act of girding to a posture of urgent readiness and trust in God's deliverance.
-
I Samuel 17:39
David strapped his sword on his clothing and he tried to move, for he had not tested it. David said to Saul, “I can’t go with these, for I have not tested them.” Then David took them off.
David’s attempt to wear Saul’s armor shows that true readiness comes from using what fits and what has been tested, rather than relying on external appearances.
-
Proverbs 31:17
She arms her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong.
This poetic description of the woman of valor uses girding to symbolize inner strength and capability in daily work.
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II Kings 4:29
Then he said to Gehazi, “Tuck your cloak into your belt, take my staff in your hand, and go your way. If you meet any man, don’t greet him; and if anyone greets you, don’t answer him again. Then lay my staff on the child’s face.”
Elisha’s instruction to Gehazi highlights how girding one's cloak signifies a focused, undistracted mission.