### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ζώνη (zṓnē, `{{G2223}}`) fundamentally denotes a "belt" or "girdle." Its etymological root is likely connected to ζυγός (zugos, `{{G2218}}`), meaning "yoke," suggesting an item that binds, fastens, or holds things together. This primary meaning refers to a strip of cloth, leather, or other material worn around the waist, serving to secure outer garments or to gather the flowing robes of the ancient world, thus facilitating movement and activity. Beyond its literal function, ζώνη also developed a secondary, implied meaning: "a purse" or "money belt." This arises from the common practice in antiquity of tucking money, small tools, or other personal items into the folds of the garment secured by the belt, or directly into a pouch attached to or formed by the belt itself. Thus, its semantic range encompasses both the utilitarian clothing accessory and a practical means of carrying provisions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ζώνη appears several times in the New Testament, each instance offering specific contextual nuances:
* **John the Baptist's Attire:** In the Synoptic Gospels, John the Baptist is described as wearing a "leather belt" (ζώνη δερματίνη) around his waist ([[Matthew 3:4]]; [[Mark 1:6]]). This detail emphasizes his ascetic lifestyle, echoing the prophetic tradition of Elijah ([[2 Kings 1:8]]) and setting him apart from the conventional attire of the day. It signifies a life of simplicity, dedication, and separation unto God's prophetic call.
* **Disciples' Mission Instructions:** Jesus instructs His disciples not to take gold, silver, or copper in their "belts" (ζώνη) when embarking on their mission ([[Matthew 10:9]]). Similarly, Mark's account states "no money in their belts" ([[Mark 6:8]]). Luke's parallel instruction is "carry no purse" (βαλλάντιον, `{{G905}}`) but the underlying concept of carrying provisions in a belt/purse is the same ([[Luke 9:3]]). This command underscores radical dependence on God's provision and the urgency of their mission, unburdened by worldly concerns or preparations. The "girded loins" (ἀναζωννύω, `{{G328}}` or περιζωννύω, `{{G4024}}` often involving ζώνη) concept in [[Luke 12:35]] also implies readiness and preparedness for action, particularly for the Master's return.
* **Visions in Revelation:** ζώνη takes on a highly symbolic meaning in the book of Revelation.
* The Son of Man is depicted with a "golden girdle" (ζώνην χρυσᾶν) around His chest ([[Revelation 1:13]]). This imagery evokes the priestly attire of the Old Testament (e.g., the high priest's ephod, [[Exodus 28:8]]) and symbolizes divine authority, purity, and perhaps a readiness for judgment or service. The placement around the chest rather than the waist suggests a position of honor and power.
* Seven angels are seen clothed in pure, bright linen, "girded with golden girdles" (ζώνας χρυσᾶς) around their chests ([[Revelation 15:6]]). Here, the golden ζώνη signifies the holiness, purity, and divine commission of these angelic beings as they prepare to pour out the bowls of God's wrath.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ζώνη is enriched by examining its relationship with other biblical terms and concepts:
* **Verbal Forms:** The verb ζωννύω (zōnnymi, `{{G2224}}`), "to gird" or "to put on a belt," is directly related and frequently used in contexts of preparation for action or service. Phrases like "gird up your loins" (ἀναζωννύω, `{{G328}}` or περιζωννύω, `{{G4024}}`) are common idioms for readiness and spiritual alertness ([[1 Peter 1:13]]).
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** In the Old Testament, the primary Hebrew word for "belt" or "girdle" is חֲגוֹרָה (chagorah, `{{H2290}}`). This term is used for various types of girdles, including those worn by priests ([[Exodus 28:4]]), soldiers ([[2 Samuel 20:8]]), and as a general article of clothing. The symbolic associations of readiness and strength are consistent across both testaments.
* **Concepts of Preparedness:** The act of girding up one's loins was essential for physical activity, such as running, working, or fighting, as it prevented long garments from impeding movement. This practical act became a powerful metaphor for spiritual preparedness, vigilance, and readiness to act upon God's commands or for the coming of the Lord.
* **Poverty and Provision:** The ζώνη as a "purse" connects to broader themes of material possessions, reliance on God, and the nature of discipleship. The instruction to take no ζώνη for money underscores a radical trust in divine provision and a detachment from worldly security.
* **Authority and Status:** The use of ζώνη in Revelation, particularly the "golden girdle," aligns with Old Testament imagery where elaborate girdles were part of priestly or royal attire, signifying honor, authority, and sacred office.
### Theological Significance
The ζώνη (zṓnē) transcends its mundane function to carry significant theological weight in the New Testament:
* **Symbol of Readiness and Vigilance:** The most pervasive theological implication of ζώνη is its association with preparedness. To "have your loins girded" ([[Luke 12:35]]) is a call to spiritual alertness, readiness for the Master's return, and a willingness to serve without delay. This echoes the Passover instructions in [[Exodus 12:11]], where the Israelites ate with loins girded, ready for immediate departure, symbolizing their readiness for God's deliverance. In the New Testament, this translates into a posture of active waiting and diligent service for believers.
* **Emblem of Humility and Dependence:** John the Baptist's simple leather ζώνη signifies a life of asceticism and prophetic humility, rejecting worldly adornment for a focus on God's call. Similarly, Jesus' command for disciples to carry no money in their ζώνη highlights a radical dependence on divine provision and a commitment to the mission unhindered by material concerns. It teaches that true security lies not in earthly possessions but in God's faithfulness.
* **Representation of Divine Authority and Purity:** In the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, the "golden girdle" worn by the Son of Man ([[Revelation 1:13]]) and the angels ([[Revelation 15:6]]) elevates the ζώνη to a symbol of divine majesty, purity, and authoritative service. The gold signifies divinity and incorruptibility, while its placement around the chest often denotes strength and a position of honor, reflecting Christ's supreme authority as King and High Priest, and the holy nature of those who execute His judgments.
* **Practicality for Spiritual Living:** The ζώνη, in its various uses, encapsulates the tension between the practicalities of life and profound spiritual truths. It reminds believers that spiritual discipline, readiness for service, and dependence on God are not abstract concepts but are to be embodied in their daily walk, much like the physical act of girding oneself for the tasks ahead.
### Summary
The Greek word ζώνη (zṓnē, `{{G2223}}`), meaning "belt" or "girdle," and by implication "purse," serves as a rich symbolic term in the New Testament. From the simple leather belt of John the Baptist signifying prophetic asceticism and humility, to the practical instruction for disciples to forgo money in their ζώνη emphasizing radical dependence on God's provision, the term consistently points beyond its literal meaning. Most profoundly, in the book of Revelation, the "golden girdle" transforms ζώνη into a powerful emblem of divine authority, purity, and readiness for holy service or judgment. Across its biblical occurrences, ζώνη ultimately underscores the vital theological concepts of spiritual preparedness, vigilance, humility, and trust in God's sovereign care and power.
TRV