girdle Summary and Overview

(1.) Heb. hagor, a girdle of any kind worn by soldiers (1 Sam. 18:4; 2 Sam. 20:8; 1 Kings 2:5; 2 Kings 3:21) or women (Isa. 3:24). (2.) Heb. 'ezor, something "bound," worn by prophets (2 Kings 1:8; Jer. 13:1), soldiers (Isa. 5:27; 2 Sam. 20:8; Ezek. 23:15), Kings (Job 12:18). (3.) Heb. mezah, a "band," a girdle worn by men alone (Ps. 109:19; Isa. 22:21). (4.) Heb. 'abnet, the girdle of sacerdotal and state officers (Ex. 28:4, 39, 40; 29:9; 39:29). (5.) Heb. hesheb, the "curious girdle" (Ex. 28:8; R.V., "cunningly woven band") was attached to the ephod, and was made of the same material. The common girdle was made of leather (2 Kings 1:8; Matt. 3:4); a finer sort of linen (Jer. 13:1; Ezek. 16:10; Dan. 10:5). Girdles of sackcloth were worn in token of sorrow (Isa. 3:24; 22:12). They were variously fastened to the wearer (Mark 1:6; Jer. 13:1; Ezek. 16:10). The girdle was a symbol of strength and power (Job 12:18, 21; 30:11; Isa. 22:21; 45:5). "Righteousness and faithfulness" are the girdle of the Messiah (Isa. 11:5). Girdles were used as purses or pockets (Matt. 10:9. A. V., "purses;" R.V., marg., "girdles." Also Mark 6:8).

an essential article of dress in the East, and worn by both men and women. The common girdle was made of leather, #2Ki 1:8; Mt 3:4| like that worn by the Bedouins of the present day. A finer girdle was made of linen, #Jer 13:1; Eze 16:10| embroidered with silk, and sometimes with gold and silver thread, #Da 10:5; Re 1:13; 15:6| and frequently studded with gold and precious stones or pearls. The military girdle was worn about the waist; the sword or dagger was suspended from it. #Jud 3:16; 2Sa 20:8; Ps 45:3| Hence girding up the loins denotes preparation for battle or for active exertion. Girdles were used as pockets, as they still are among the Arabs, and as purses, one end of the girdle being folded back for the purpose. #Mt 10:9; Mr 6:8|

Worn by men and women. The meezach was worn by men alone (Job 12:21, margin). The common girdle was of leather, as the Bedouins now wear a red leather girdle with a long crooked knife and a pistol stuck in. The finer girdle was of linen (Jeremiah 13:1), often embroidered with gold (Daniel 10:5; Revelation 1:13). Girded up, so as to confine the otherwise flowing robes, when active exertion was needed; from whence "gird up the hands" means "be in readiness for action" (Luke 12:35; 1 Peter 1:13; Ephesians 6:14). Fastened by a clasp, or tied in a knot, so that the ends hung in front. A costly present (1 Samuel 18:4). One end being folded back made a purse (Matthew 10:9). The abneeyt was the priest's girdle of linen embroidered with wool; the high priest's girdle on the day of atonement was of white linen only. The "needlework" on it was figuring on one side only, "cunning work" on two sides (Exodus 28:39; the Mishna); or the "needlework" had the figures on both sides the same girdle, the "cunning work" different (Jarchi). Exodus 26:31, "needlework" was of the embroiderer, "cunning work" of the skilled weaver. The "curious girdle" was made, as the ephod, of "gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen" (Exodus 28:8), it was the band for fastening the ephod, which is upon it, and of the same work, of one piece with it.