Girdles in the Bible

also known as: belt or sash

The common girdle was made of leather (2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4) and a finer sort of linen (Jeremiah 13:1; Ezekiel 16:10; Daniel 10:5). They were worn by both men and women.

Girdles of sackcloth were worn in token of sorrow (Isaiah 3:24; 22:12).

They were fastened in various ways to the wearer (Mark 1:6; Jeremiah 13:1; Ezek. 16:10).

The girdle was a symbol of strength and power (Job 12:18, 21; 30:11; Isaiah 22:21; 45:5). “Righteousness and faithfulness” are the girdle of the Messiah (Isaiah 11:5).

Girdles were used as purses or pockets (Matthew 10:9. A.V., “purses;” Revised King James Version, margin note, “girdles.” Also Mark 6:8).

  1. Hebrew: hagor, a girdle of any kind worn by soldiers (1 Samuel 18:4; 2 Samuel 20:8; 1 Kings 2:5; 2 Kings 3:21) or women (Isaiah 3:24).

  2. Hebrew: 'ezor, something “bound,” worn by prophets (2 Kings 1:8; Jeremiah 13:1), soldiers (Isaiah 5:27; 2 Samuel 20:8; Ezek. 23:15), Kings (Job 12:18).

  3. Hebrew: mezah, a “band,” a girdle worn by men alone (Psalm 109:19; Isaiah 22:21).

  4. Hebrew: 'abnet, the girdle of sacerdotal [priestly] and state officers (Exodus 28:4, 39-40; 29:9; 39:29).

  5. Hebrew: hesheb, the “curious girdle” (Exodus 28:8; Revised King James Version, “cunningly woven band”) was attached to the ephod, and was made of the same material.

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Article Version: October 24, 2023