ζώνη
zṓnē
G2223 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A band or sash worn around the waist, functioning primarily as a girdle or belt. In extended use, refers to a money pouch, purse, or belt with a compartment for carrying items. The primary sense is that of a flexible band for girding up clothing or securing garments, with secondary senses reflecting its use as a receptacle for small items or money, especially in travel contexts.
Semantic Range
belt, sash, girdle for securing garments, money-belt, purse, pouch attached to a belt
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root ζων- (zōn-), possibly related to ζυγός (zygos, 'yoke'), indicating a binding or fastening function. The precise etymological relationship is debated, but the sense of something that encircles or fastens is central.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ζώνη primarily described a sash or girdle worn around the waist by both men and women, often to secure tunics or garments and permit greater freedom of movement. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it retained this primary sense but also acquired the specialized meaning of a money pouch or belt-based purse, as seen in Matthew 10:9 and Mark 6:8. The term is distinct from ὀσφύς (osphys, 'loin') which refers anatomically to the waist or hips, and from ζῶμα ('loincloth'), which refers to undergarments or wraps. English Bible versions often render ζώνη as 'girdle' or 'belt' in contexts concerning dress, and as 'purse' or 'money-bag' in passages with economic or travel implications; however, the same underlying object is meant—typically a sash or belt, sometimes with a pouch. The translation 'purse' reflects the evolution of certain belts into carriers of valuables during travel, rather than denoting a separate object. The use of ζώνη in the New Testament reflects Mediterranean dress practices in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, where clothing was often gathered or secured with such accessories.
Translation Consistency
‘Belt’ is the most natural, common English noun that covers the primary sense (a band or girdle worn at the waist) and easily extends to the secondary money‑pouch sense (money‑belt/purse). It is more idiomatic than ‘girdle’ or ‘sash’ and matches the majority of existing renderings, so it provides consistent, natural rendering across all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably akin to the base of ζυγός; a belt; by implication, a pocket:--girdle, purse.
Root Family
ζων- (zṓnē) — to bind, to gird, to encircle
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G2224 | ζώννυμι | you were girding |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2223-03 |
ζώνην | zonen | N ACC F SG |
belt | a waist-belt | a waist-belt | 5 |
G2223-01 |
ζώνας | zonas | N ACC F PL |
girdles | belts | belts | 2 |
G2223-02 |
ζώνη | zone | N NOM F SG |
belt | girding-belt | belt | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
8 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2223-03 |
Matthew 3:4 | ζώνην | zonen | N ACC F SG |
girdle | a waist-belt | a waist-belt |
G2223-01 |
Matthew 10:9 | ζώνας | zonas | N ACC F PL |
belts | belts | belts |
G2223-03 |
Mark 1:6 | ζώνην | zonen | N ACC F SG |
belt | a waist-belt | a waist-belt |
G2223-03 |
Mark 6:8 | ζώνην | zonen | N ACC F SG |
purse | a waist-belt | a waist-belt |
G2223-03 |
Acts 21:11 | ζώνην | zonen | N ACC F SG |
belt | a waist-belt | a waist-belt |
G2223-02 |
Acts 21:11 | ζώνη | zone | N NOM F SG |
belt | girding-belt | belt |
G2223-03 |
Revelation 1:13 | ζώνην | zonen | N ACC F SG |
sash | a waist-belt | a golden sash |
G2223-01 |
Revelation 15:6 | ζώνας | zonas | N ACC F PL |
girdles | belts | belts |