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περιζώννυμι

perizṓnnymi

G4024 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To gird or wrap something around oneself, especially by tying or fastening a belt, sash, or garment securely about the waist; in the middle and passive forms, to put on or secure a garment or girdle around oneself, with possible extension to preparing oneself for movement, action, or readiness. The term can be used both literally (binding a belt or garment around the waist) and figuratively (preparing for action or service).

Semantic Range

to gird around (with a belt or sash), to wrap clothing or a belt securely around the waist, to prepare oneself for action (figuratively), to make oneself ready

Root / Etymology

From the preposition περί ('around, about') and the verb ζώννυμι ('to gird, to bind with a belt or sash'). It is a compound verb formed by joining these two elements to express the idea of 'girding around.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, περιζώννυμι is attested in reference to physically wrapping or securing a sash or belt about the body, particularly around the waist. In Hellenistic and Koine contexts (including the Septuagint and New Testament), it frequently refers to the customary act of gathering up long garments (such as a tunic) and securing them with a belt to prepare for movement, work, battle, or service. This act symbolized readiness, responsiveness, and preparation for action, as loose garments could impede movement. In the New Testament, particularly in parables (e.g., Luke 12:35), the verb is sometimes used metaphorically for vigilance or readiness. English translations often render it as 'gird,' but this can obscure the practical implications of the action in the ancient context; 'tighten one's belt,' 'prepare oneself,' or 'tie up one's clothes for action' may sometimes be clearer. Distinct from purely putting on clothing, περιζώννυμι specifically involves securing or fastening clothing with a belt or girdle. The related simple verb ζώννυμι means to gird or bind, while περιζώννυμι specifies doing so around the body, implying completeness or thorough readiness.

Translation Consistency

primary "gird" 6 occurrences

Perizōnnymi most commonly means to bind or fasten a belt/garment around the waist and by extension to prepare oneself for action. The single-word verb “gird” directly captures both the literal binding and the idiomatic ‘prepare/ready’ sense, matches traditional biblical usage, and is concise for consistent inflection across all forms (phrasal alternatives like “put on” are less consistent as a single base).

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from περί and ζώννυμι; to gird all around, i.e. (middle voice or passive) to fasten on one's belt (literally or figuratively):--gird (about, self).

Root Family

περιζώννυμι (perizōnnymi) — to gird, wrap around, fasten, secure

Root περιζωνν- to gird, wrap around, fasten, secure

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4024-05 περιζωσάμενος perizosamenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG having girded yourself having girded himself having girded yourself 1
G4024-04 περιζωσάμενοι perizosamenoi V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL having girded having girded themselves around having girded yourselves around 1
G4024-02 περιεζωσμένοι periezosmenoi V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL having girded having been girded around girded 1
G4024-06 περιζώσεται perizosetai V FUT MID IND 3P SG he will gird himself he will gird himself around he will gird himself around 1
G4024-01 περιεζωσμέναι periezosmenai V PRF PASS PTCP NOM F PL girded about having been girded around having been girded around 1
G4024-03 περιεζωσμένον periezosmenon V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG girded having been girded around girded around 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4024-01 Luke 12:35 περιεζωσμέναι periezosmenai V PRF PASS PTCP NOM F PL girded about having been girded around having been girded around
G4024-06 Luke 12:37 περιζώσεται perizosetai V FUT MID IND 3P SG he will gird himself he will gird himself around he will gird himself around
G4024-05 Luke 17:8 περιζωσάμενος perizosamenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG having girded yourself having girded himself having girded yourself
G4024-04 Ephesians 6:14 περιζωσάμενοι perizosamenoi V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL having girded having girded themselves around having girded yourselves around
G4024-03 Revelation 1:13 περιεζωσμένον periezosmenon V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG girded having been girded around girded around
G4024-02 Revelation 15:6 περιεζωσμένοι periezosmenoi V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL having girded having been girded around girded
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