English · KJV
G2224

ζώννυμι

zṓnnymi /dzone'-noo-mi/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ζώνη
Meaningto bind about (especially with a belt)
KJV usagegird.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of zṓnnymi — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word zṓnnymi, represented by G2224, is derived from ζώνη and means to bind about (especially with a belt), or to gird. Though its base meaning is simple, it is used with significant metaphorical weight. It appears 2 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of G2224 is in John 21:18, where Jesus speaks to Peter, creating a powerful contrast between two stages of life. In youth, Peter "girdedst G2224 thyself G4572, and G2532 walkedst G4043 whither G3699 thou wouldest G2309," illustrating a life of self-determination and freedom. This is directly contrasted with his old age, when "another G243 shall gird G2224 thee G4571, and G2532 carry G5342 thee whither G3699 thou wouldest G2309 not G3756." Here, the act of being girded by another signifies a loss of personal autonomy.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words from its context in John 21:18 illuminate the meaning of zṓnnymi:

  • G3501 néos (young): This word, meaning youthful or "new," establishes the initial state of independence where one has the power to gird oneself John 21:18.
  • G1095 gēráskō (be old): Meaning to be senescent, this term marks the turning point in the prophecy, introducing the state in which one will be girded by another John 21:18.
  • G5342 phérō (carry): This word means to "bear" or carry and describes the ultimate consequence of being girded by another, highlighting a journey directed by an external will John 21:18.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2224 is demonstrated through the contrast it establishes in Peter's life.

  • From Autonomy to Submission: The primary theme is the shift from self-will to submission. To gird oneself is to be in control of one's own path. To be girded by another is to yield that control, following a path determined by another's will.
  • Prophetic Foretelling: Jesus's words are prophetic. The act of another girding Peter points to a future where his life is no longer his own. He would "stretch forth G1614 thy G4675 hands G5495" and be carried to a place he would not choose, symbolizing his ultimate service and martyrdom John 21:18.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: The imagery portrays the journey of a disciple. While one begins with their own will, true discipleship leads to a point of surrender where one is led, even through hardship, according to a divine purpose.

Summary

In summary, G2224 zṓnnymi is more than just the action of putting on a belt. In its single biblical context, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the transition from a self-directed life to one of complete submission to a higher calling. It encapsulates the spiritual journey from youthful independence to the ultimate surrender required of a follower of Christ, illustrating how one's life is ultimately yielded to be used for a purpose beyond personal choice.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 3 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Aorist Middle Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 2nd Singular 1×
Singular
One.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G4572 σεαυτοῦ genitive case from σέ and αὐτός, also dative case of the same, , and accusative case G2532 καί apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too G4043 περιπατέω from περί and πατέω; to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, de G3699 ὅπου from ὅς and πού; what(-ever) where, i.e. at whichever spot:--in what place, where(-as, -soever), whither (+ soever). G2309 θέλω apparently strengthened from the alternate form of αἱρέομαι; to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; G243 ἄλλος a primary word; "else," i.e. different (in many applications):--more, one (another), (an-, some an-)other(-s, -wise).

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in John — and none of the other 26 New Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.