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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". .

    • Girdle

    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 )

    Source: A King James Dictionary. (Used with permission. Copyright © Philip P. Kapusta)
    Bibliography Information

    "Entry for 'Girdle'". A King James Dictionary.

    Girdle, [N] [E]

    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 )

    [N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible
    [E] indicates this entry was also found in Easton's Bible Dictionary
    Bibliography Information

    Smith, William, Dr. "Entry for 'Girdle,'". "Smith's Bible Dictionary". . 1901.

    GIRDLE

    gur'-d'-l.

    See ARMOR; DRESS.

    Copyright Statement
    These files are public domain.

    Bibliography Information
    Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'GIRDLE'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915.