### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ζώννυμι (zṓnnymi) `{{G2224}}` is derived from the noun ζώνη (zōnē) `{{G2223}}`, meaning "belt" or "girdle." Its core meaning is "to bind about," specifically referring to the act of securing one's loose outer garment with a belt or girdle. In the ancient world, this was a practical necessity for anyone engaging in physical activity, work, travel, or battle, as it gathered the long folds of the tunic, allowing for freedom of movement. Semantically, therefore, ζώννυμι extends beyond a mere physical action to imply preparation, readiness, active engagement, and the assumption of a state of preparedness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ζώννυμι `{{G2224}}` appears in the New Testament with both literal and prophetically symbolic force:
* **[[John 21:18]]**: "Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded (ἐζώννυς) yourself and walked wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will gird (ζώσει) you and lead you where you do not wish to go."
* In this pivotal passage, Jesus prophesies Peter's future. The first use of *zṓnnymi* describes Peter's youthful independence, where he dressed himself and moved freely. The second use, however, foretells a time when another will "gird" him, signifying a loss of autonomy, being bound, and led to a place he does not desire, alluding to his martyrdom. The transition from self-girding to being girded by another powerfully illustrates a shift from self-determination to divine appointment and suffering.
* **[[Acts 21:11]]**: "and he came to us and took Paul’s belt and bound (ἔζωσεν) his own feet and hands, and said, 'Thus says the Holy Spirit, "In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind (ζώσουσιν) the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles."'"
* Here, the prophet Agabus performs a dramatic object lesson using Paul's belt. The act of "girding" is explicitly used to mean "binding" or "tying up" as a means of restraint and capture. This is a literal demonstration of the impending imprisonment and delivery of Paul into Gentile hands, serving as a stark prophetic warning.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of "girding" is rich in biblical language, with several related terms and concepts:
* ζώνη (zōnē) `{{G2223}}`: The foundational noun, referring to the belt or girdle itself. This is the instrument by which one *girds*.
* περιζώννυμι (perizōnnymi) `{{G4024}}`: A compound verb meaning "to gird around" or "to gird oneself." This word is frequently used metaphorically for spiritual readiness, as in [[Ephesians 6:14]] ("Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth") and [[Luke 12:35]] ("Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning").
* ἀναζώννυμι (anazōnnymi) `{{G328}}`: Another compound, meaning "to gird up," found in [[1 Peter 1:13]] ("Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"). This explicitly links the physical act of girding with mental and spiritual preparedness.
* διαζώννυμι (diazōnnymi) `{{G1241}}`: "To gird through" or "to gird around," notably used in [[John 13:4-5]] when Jesus "girded Himself with a towel" to wash the disciples' feet, symbolizing humble service.
* **Old Testament Imagery**: The concept of "girding up the loins" is a pervasive idiom in the Old Testament (e.g., [[Exodus 12:11]], [[1 Kings 18:46]], [[Job 38:3]], [[Proverbs 31:17]]). It consistently denotes preparing for arduous tasks, travel, battle, or any significant undertaking requiring strength and readiness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ζώννυμι and its related terms is multifaceted:
1. **Readiness and Vigilance**: The primary theological implication is the call to be prepared and vigilant. Just as ancient people girded themselves for action, believers are exhorted to be spiritually ready for service, for the challenges of faith, and for the Lord's return. This preparedness involves both active engagement in righteousness (e.g., the "belt of truth" in spiritual armor) and a watchful anticipation.
2. **Humility and Service**: While ζώννυμι itself does not directly convey humility, the broader concept of "girding" is powerfully linked to humble service through the actions of Christ in [[John 13:4-5]], where He girded Himself to serve His disciples. This act transforms the practical action of girding into a profound symbol of servant leadership.
3. **Divine Sovereignty and Suffering**: The prophetic occurrences in [[John 21:18]] and [[Acts 21:11]] reveal a deeper, more challenging theological dimension. Here, "girding" signifies being bound by an external force, leading to suffering, imprisonment, and even martyrdom. This illustrates that God's sovereign plan may involve a loss of personal autonomy for His servants, transforming the instrument of readiness into a means of restraint and testifying to the cost of discipleship. It underscores that even in suffering, believers are part of a divine narrative, "girded" not by their own will, but by God's purpose.
### Summary
The Greek verb ζώννυμι (zṓnnymi) `{{G2224}}`, meaning "to gird" or "to bind about," encapsulates a fundamental aspect of ancient life: preparing for action by securing one's garments. In the New Testament, its literal uses in [[John 21:18]] and [[Acts 21:11]] carry profound prophetic weight, depicting both the exercise of personal freedom and, paradoxically, the surrender of that freedom through being bound for Christ's sake, often leading to suffering or martyrdom. Within the broader biblical context, ζώννυμι and its related terms (such as `{{G2223}}`, `{{G4024}}`, `{{G328}}`) consistently underscore the vital theological themes of readiness, spiritual vigilance, preparedness for service, and the sovereign will of God in the lives of His people, even when it entails hardship. It is a word that speaks to both human agency and divine orchestration in the journey of faith.
TRV