### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **perizṓnnymi**, represented by `{{G4024}}`, means to **gird all around**, or to fasten on one's belt. Derived from περί and ζώννυμι, it appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used both literally to describe the act of getting dressed for action and figuratively to convey a state of readiness, service, and spiritual preparedness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G4024}}` consistently communicates a sense of preparation for a task. It appears as a direct command for immediate action, as when the angel tells Peter to **Gird thyself** and put on his sandals to escape prison [[Acts 12:8]]. It is also used figuratively to describe a state of spiritual alertness, with believers commanded to let their **loins be girded about** [[Luke 12:35]] and to stand firm having their loins **girt about with truth** [[Ephesians 6:14]]. The term also defines a posture of service, seen when a servant is instructed to **gird thyself, and serve me** [[Luke 17:8]], and in the profound reversal where the returning lord will **gird himself** to serve his watchful servants [[Luke 12:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the concept of being girded for readiness and service:
* `{{G3751}}` **osphŷs** (loin): This is the part of the body that is girded, representing the core of a person's strength and readiness. Paul uses this imagery when he tells believers to have their **loins** girt about with truth [[Ephesians 6:14]].
* `{{G1247}}` **diakonéō** (to serve): This word for service is directly linked to the act of girding. The act of girding oneself is the preparation needed to **serve** a master [[Luke 17:8]].
* `{{G1127}}` **grēgoreúō** (watch): Being girded is often paired with a state of watchfulness. The lord finds his servants **watching**, and in response, he girds himself to serve them [[Luke 12:37]].
* `{{G2223}}` **zṓnē** (a belt): This is the instrument used for girding. Heavenly beings, such as the Son of man and the seven angels, are described as being girt with a golden **girdle** ([[Revelation 1:13]], [[Revelation 15:6]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4024}}` is centered on the believer's posture before God and the world.
* **Spiritual Readiness:** The instruction to "Let your loins be girded about" is a call to constant spiritual vigilance and preparedness for the Lord's return. It is an active, not a passive, state of waiting [[Luke 12:35]].
* **Prepared for Service:** Girding oneself is the essential first step for service. This applies both to the believer's duty to serve [[Luke 17:8]] and to Christ's own example as a master who takes the posture of a servant for his people [[Luke 12:37]].
* **Armored in Truth:** In the spiritual armor of God, having the loins **girt about with truth** is the foundational element that holds everything else in place, signifying that a believer's strength and readiness are rooted in divine truth [[Ephesians 6:14]].
* **Divine Authority:** The image of Christ and angels **girt** with golden girdles signifies their holy status, authority, and preparation to carry out God's divine will and judgment ([[Revelation 1:13]], [[Revelation 15:6]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4024}}` is far more than a simple instruction to fasten a belt. It is a powerful biblical metaphor for a life of readiness, vigilance, and service. From the command to Peter to prepare for freedom [[Acts 12:8]] to the image of believers girding themselves with truth [[Ephesians 6:14]], the word consistently calls for a state of preparedness. It ultimately points to the character of Christ, the master who girds himself not for his own comfort but to serve his people.
TRV