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 ).
Belt.And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a GIRDLE of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey. ( Mark 1:5 )
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 )
GIRDLE
gur'-d'-l.
See ARMOR; DRESS.
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