Girdle

Girdle [N] [S]

  • Heb. hagor, a girdle of any kind worn by soldiers ( 1 Samuel 18:4 ; 2 Sam 20:8 ; 1 Kings 2:5 ; 2 Kings 3:21 ) or women ( Isaiah 3:24 ).

  • Heb. 'ezor, something "bound," worn by prophets ( 2 Kings 1:8 ; Jeremiah 13:1 ), soldiers ( Isaiah 5:27 ; 2 Sam 20:8 ; Ezekiel 23:15 ), Kings ( Job 12:18 ).

  • Heb. mezah, a "band," a girdle worn by men alone ( Psalms 109:19 ; Isaiah 22:21 ).

  • Heb. 'abnet, the girdle of sacerdotal and state officers ( Exodus 28:4 Exodus 28:39 Exodus 28:40 ; 29:9 ; 39:29 ).

  • Heb. hesheb, the "curious girdle" ( Exodus 28:8 ; RSV, "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 ; Matthew 3:4 ); a finer sort of linen ( Jeremiah 13:1 ; Ezekiel 16:10 ; Daniel 10:5 ). Girdles of sackcloth were worn in token of sorrow ( Isaiah 3:24 ; 22:12 ). They were variously fastened to the wearer ( Mark 1:6 ; Jeremiah 13:1 ; Ezekiel 16:10 ).

    The girdle was a symbol of strength and power ( Job 12:18 Job 12:21 ; 30:11 ; Isaiah 22:21 ; 45:5 ). "Righteousness and faithfulness" are the girdle of the Messiah ( Isaiah 11:5 ).

    Girdles were used as purses or pockets ( Matthew 10:9 . A. V., "purses;" RSV, marg., "girdles." Also Mark 6:8 ).

    These dictionary topics are from
    M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
    published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.

    [N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible
    [S] indicates this entry was also found in Smith's Bible Dictionary

    Bibliography Information

    Easton, Matthew George. "Entry for Girdle". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". .