### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαζώννυμι (diazṓnnymi, `{{G1241}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "apart," often intensifying the action, and the verb ζώννυμι (zōnnymi), meaning "to gird" or "to put on a belt." The combination thus signifies "to gird tightly" or "to gird around."
Literally, to "gird oneself" involved gathering up the long, flowing robes common in ancient Near Eastern dress and securing them with a belt or sash. This action was essential for any strenuous activity, work, travel, or service, as loose garments would impede movement. Therefore, the primary semantic range encompasses:
1. **Physical Preparation:** The act of preparing oneself or another for active engagement, work, or journey.
2. **Postural Readiness:** Implies a state of being ready for immediate action or service.
3. **Symbolic Humility/Servanthood:** In certain contexts, to gird oneself (especially with a towel) was the posture of a servant or slave preparing to perform menial tasks.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διαζώννυμι appears in the New Testament in four significant passages:
* **[[Luke 12:37]]**: "Truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them." Here, Jesus speaks of the master's unexpected act of humility and service towards his vigilant servants. The master διαζώννυμι himself, taking on the role of a servant to honor those who were faithful. This is a profound reversal of typical societal roles, highlighting Christ's own servanthood and the nature of the coming kingdom.
* **[[John 13:4-5]]**: "he laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet..." In this deeply symbolic act of the Last Supper, Jesus διαζώννυμι himself with a towel, adopting the posture of the lowest servant to wash the disciples' feet. This action vividly illustrates the core of Christ's ministry – radical humility, self-sacrificial love, and the call to mutual service among believers. The tight girding with a towel signifies readiness for the most humble and intimate service.
* **[[John 21:18]]**: "Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not want to go." In this prophetic word to Peter, διαζώννυμι is used twice. The first instance refers to Peter's youthful autonomy, where he girded himself for his own purposes. The second instance, however, speaks of a future time when another will gird him, signifying a loss of autonomy and control, widely understood as a prophecy of Peter's martyrdom, where he would be led to a place of suffering for Christ's sake.
* **[[Acts 12:8]]**: "And the angel said to him, 'Dress yourself and put on your sandals.' And he did so. And he said to him, 'Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.'" As Peter is miraculously freed from prison, the angel commands him to διαζώννυμι himself, a practical instruction to prepare for immediate movement and escape. Here, the word retains its literal meaning of preparing for action, signifying obedience and readiness for deliverance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of διαζώννυμι is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and thematic connections:
* **ζώννυμι (zōnnymi, `{{G2223}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to gird," from which διαζώννυμι is derived. The prefix διά intensifies the action, suggesting a more complete or tighter girding.
* **ζώνη (zōnē, `{{G2224}}`)**: The noun for "belt" or "girdle," the instrument used for girding.
* **περιζώννυμι (perizōnnymi, `{{G4024}}`)**: Another compound verb meaning "to gird around," often used interchangeably with διαζώννυμι in some contexts, emphasizing the encircling action.
* **Humility (ταπεινοφροσύνη, tapeinophrosynē, `{{G5012}}`)**: The actions of Jesus in [[Luke 12:37]] and [[John 13:4-5]] are quintessential examples of divine humility, embodied by the act of girding oneself for service.
* **Servanthood (δουλεύω, douleuō, `{{G1398}}`)**: The posture of one who διαζώννυμι is often that of a servant or slave, ready to minister to others. This aligns with the New Testament emphasis on Christian service.
* **Readiness (ἑτοιμασία, hetoimasia, `{{G2091}}`)**: The practical aspect of girding implies a state of preparedness for work, journey, or spiritual vigilance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διαζώννυμι is profound, particularly in its association with the person and ministry of Jesus Christ:
1. **Incarnational Humility and Servanthood:** The most striking theological implication comes from Jesus' actions in [[Luke 12:37]] and especially [[John 13:4-5]]. By girding Himself, the Lord of glory took on the posture of a slave, demonstrating the radical humility that defines His character and the new covenant. This act redefines power and leadership, establishing a paradigm where true greatness is found in self-sacrificial service to others. It is a visual sermon on the nature of God's love and the core ethic of the kingdom.
2. **Discipleship and Emulation:** Jesus' command in [[John 13:15]] to "do as I have done to you" extends the theological weight of διαζώννυμι to His followers. Disciples are called to emulate Christ's servant-heartedness, to be ready and willing to humble themselves and serve one another, even in the most menial tasks.
3. **Sovereignty and Surrender:** The prophetic use in [[John 21:18]] highlights the theme of divine sovereignty over human life and destiny. While in youth Peter girded himself according to his will, in old age, he would be girded by another, signifying a complete surrender of his will and life to God's purpose, culminating in martyrdom. This speaks to the costly nature of discipleship and the ultimate submission required of those who follow Christ.
4. **Readiness for Action:** In a broader sense, διαζώννυμι speaks to the practical readiness required for the Christian life. Whether for service, spiritual vigilance (as implied in the context of [[Luke 12:37]]), or obedience to divine command (as in [[Acts 12:8]]), the believer is called to be prepared and alert.
### Summary
The Greek verb διαζώννυμι (diazṓnnymi, `{{G1241}}`) literally means "to gird tightly," an action involving the gathering and securing of garments for readiness and activity. Its biblical occurrences, though few, carry immense theological weight. Primarily, it serves as a powerful symbol of profound **humility and servanthood**, most vividly demonstrated by Jesus Christ Himself as He girded Himself to serve His disciples in [[John 13:4-5]] and promised to serve His faithful servants in [[Luke 12:37]]. This act redefines the nature of leadership and discipleship within the Christian faith, calling believers to emulate Christ's self-sacrificing love. Furthermore, διαζώννυμι also conveys the concept of **readiness and preparation** for both practical action, as seen in Peter's escape in [[Acts 12:8]], and spiritual vigilance. Finally, in its prophetic usage in [[John 21:18]], it speaks to the **surrender of individual autonomy** to God's sovereign will, even unto martyrdom, underscoring the ultimate cost and commitment of following Christ. Thus, διαζώννυμι encapsulates themes of divine humility, Christ-like service, and the call to obedient readiness in the life of a believer.
TRV