Bible Dictionary
Girdle
A girdle was a band or belt worn around the waist by men and women, including soldiers, prophets, kings, and priests. It could hold a sword or serve as a purse, and “girding up the loins” expressed readiness for action.
Definition
A girdle was a belt or band worn around the waist by men and women. It could be made of leather, linen, or finer embroidered materials, and could support a sword or serve as a purse or pocket.
Biblical Usage
Girdles were worn by soldiers, prophets, kings, women, and priests. “Girding up the loins” expressed readiness for battle or active service. The girdle could also symbolize strength, power, righteousness, and faithfulness.
Historical Background
Common girdles were made of leather, while finer ones were made of linen and might include embroidery, gold, silver, or precious stones. Sackcloth girdles expressed sorrow, and the priestly girdle formed part of official sacred dress.
Scripture References
1 Samuel 18:4
2 Samuel 20:8
1 Kings 2:5
2 Kings 3:21
Isaiah 3:24
2 Kings 1:8
Jeremiah 13:1
Isaiah 5:27
Ezekiel 23:15
Job 12:18
Psalms 109:19
Isaiah 22:21
Exodus 28:4
Exodus 28:39
Exodus 28:40
Exodus 28:8
Matthew 3:4
Ezekiel 16:10
Daniel 10:5
Isaiah 22:12
Mark 1:6
Job 12:21
Isaiah 45:5
Isaiah 11:5
Matthew 10:9
Mark 6:8
Revelation 1:13
Revelation 15:6
Judges 3:16
Psalms 45:3
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1.) Heb. hagor, a girdle of any kind worn by soldiers (1 Sam. 18:4; 2 Sam. 20:8; 1 Kings 2:5; 2 Kings 3:21) or women (Isa. 3:24). (2.) Heb. ‘ezor, something “bound,” worn by prophets (2 Kings 1:8; Jer. 13:1), soldiers (Isa. 5:27; 2 Sam. 20:8; Ezek. 23:15), Kings (Job 12:18). (3.) Heb. mezah, a “band,” a girdle worn by men alone (Ps. 109:19; Isa. 22:21). (4.) Heb. ‘abnet, the girdle of sacerdotal and state officers (Ex. 28:4, 39, 40; 29:9; 39:29). (5.) Heb. hesheb, the “curious girdle” (Ex. 28:8; R.V., “cunningly woven band”) was attached to the ephod, and was made of the same material. The common girdle was made of leather (2 Kings 1:8; Matt. 3:4); a finer sort of linen (Jer. 13:1; Ezek. 16:10; Dan. 10:5). Girdles of sackcloth were worn in token of sorrow (Isa. 3:24; 22:12). They were variously fastened to the wearer (Mark 1:6; Jer. 13:1; Ezek. 16:10). The girdle was a symbol of strength and power (Job 12:18, 21; 30:11; Isa. 22:21; 45:5). “Righteousness and faithfulness” are the girdle of the Messiah (Isa. 11:5). Girdles were used as purses or pockets (Matt. 10:9. A. V., “purses;” R.V., marg., “girdles.” Also Mark 6:8).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
an essential article of dress in the East, and worn by both men and women. The common girdle was made of leather, (2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4) like that worn by the Bedouins of the present day. A finer girdle was made of linen, (Jeremiah 13:1; Ezekiel 16:10) embroidered with silk, and sometimes with gold and silver thread, (Daniel 10:5; Revelation 1:13; 15:6) and frequently studded with gold and precious stones or pearls. The military girdle was worn about the waist; the sword or dagger was suspended from it. (Judges 3:16; 2 Samuel 20:8; Psalms 45:3) Hence girding up the loins denotes preparation for battle or for active exertion. Girdles were used as pockets, as they still are among the Arabs, and as purses, one end of the girdle being folded back for the purpose. (Matthew 10:9; Mark 6:8)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>gur'-d'-l.</p><p>See ARMOR; DRESS.</p>