Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, belts were an essential part of the attire for both practical and symbolic purposes. They were used to gird up one's loins, a phrase often found in Scripture, which means to prepare oneself for action or labor. The belt, or girdle, was typically made of leather or cloth and served to secure the garments, allowing for greater mobility and readiness.
Old Testament ReferencesBelts are mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament, often in the context of preparation and strength. In
2 Kings 1:8, Elijah is described as wearing a "garment of hair, with a leather belt around his waist." This attire distinguished him as a prophet and a man of God. Similarly, in
Isaiah 11:5, the belt is used metaphorically: "Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist." Here, the belt symbolizes the Messiah's readiness and commitment to righteousness and faithfulness.
The priests in the Old Testament also wore belts as part of their sacred garments.
Exodus 28:4 describes the priestly attire, including the "embroidered sash," which was part of the ephod worn by Aaron and his sons. This belt was not only functional but also signified the priest's consecration and service to God.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, belts continue to hold symbolic significance. John the Baptist is described in
Matthew 3:4 as wearing "a garment of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist." This attire linked him to the prophetic tradition of Elijah and underscored his role as a forerunner to Christ.
The Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a belt in
Ephesians 6:14 as part of the "armor of God": "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist." Here, the belt represents truth, which is foundational for the believer's spiritual readiness and defense against deception.
Symbolism and ApplicationThroughout Scripture, the belt is a symbol of readiness, truth, and righteousness. It signifies the preparedness required for both physical and spiritual endeavors. In a spiritual sense, believers are called to "gird up the loins of your mind" (
1 Peter 1:13, KJV), which means to be mentally and spiritually prepared for the challenges of faith.
The belt also represents the integrity and truth that should characterize the life of a believer. Just as a physical belt secures and holds together the garments, truth holds together the believer's spiritual armor, enabling them to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy.
In summary, belts in the Bible are more than mere articles of clothing; they carry deep spiritual significance, symbolizing readiness, truth, and righteousness in the life of God's people.
Greek
2223. zone -- a belt... Word Origin from zonnumi Definition a belt NASB Word Usage belt (5),
belts (1),
money
belts (1), sash (1), sashes (1). belt, pocket, purse.
...905. ballantion -- a purse
... bag. Word Origin from a prim. root bal- Definition a purse NASB Word Usage
money belt (3), moneybelts (1). bag, purse. Probably...
Strong's Hebrew
232. ezor -- a waist cloth... waistband. Word Origin from azar Definition a waist cloth NASB Word Usage
belt (3),
belts (1), girdle (2), waistband (8). girdle.
...2290a. chagor -- a belt, girdle
... a belt, girdle. Transliteration: chagor or chagor Short Definition: belt. Word Origin
from chagar Definition a belt, girdle NASB Word Usage belt (2),belts (1)....
Library
The Death of Cyrus.
... They made, also, many ornaments and decorations of gold. These they attached
to their helmets, theirbelts, and their banners. They...
Rarity the Only Cause which Makes Such Things Valuable.
... Emeralds [121] lurk in theirbelts; and the sword (that hangs) below their bosom
alone is witness to the cylindrical stones that decorate its hilt; and the...
Classification.
... goblets, and vases, each richly ornamented with small sculptured discs or perforations
which are disposed over the pure white surface in regularbelts and rows...
Concerning Military Service.
... probably be the belt buckle. Buckles were sometimes given as military
rewards (White and Riddle). [318] As soldiers withbelts....
The Tomb of Jesus
... women, drawing out the nails and taking down the mangled body; we behold them wrapping
him in clean, white linen, hastily girding him round withbelts of spices...
Schin.
... when the soldiers of this kingdom were seeking what they ought to do for their
everlasting salvation, instead of replying, Loose yourbelts, throw away your...
Epistle xxxvii. To Innocent, Pr??fect of Africa.
... partiality. Further, as we understand that you have taken upon you thebelts
[116] of the prefecture, sadness is mingled with our joy....
The Lessons of the Street.
... So is the city an epitome of the social world. All thebelts of civilization intersect
along its avenues. It contains the products of every moral zone....
As Many as were Called by Grace, and Displayed the First Zeal...
... These men had responded to a Divine impulse: it might seem that they had committed
themselves to a noble course: they had cast aside the "belts" which were...
The Beginning, Increase, and End of the Divine Life
... the fish do leap; anon it becomes a river, which bears upon the surface the navigation
of nations, and then it rolls at last an ocean thatbelts the globe....
Thesaurus
Belts (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Belts (6 Occurrences). Matthew 10:9 Don't take any gold,
nor silver, nor brass in your money
belts. (WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV).
...Headbands (6 Occurrences)
... (Hebrews kishshurim), properly girdles orbelts for the waist (Isaiah 3:20, RV,
"sashes;" Jeremiah 2:32, rendered "attire", ie, a girdle round the waist)....
Syria (73 Occurrences)
... Syria, within the boundaries given, consists of a series ofbelts of low and high
land running North and South, parallel to the Mediterranean....
Belteshaz'zar (8 Occurrences)
Belteshaz'zar. Belteshazzar, Belteshaz'zar.Belts . Multi-Version Concordance...
(See RSV). Belteshazzar, Belteshaz'zar.Belts . Reference Bible.
Yourselves (530 Occurrences)
... to yourselves. (WEY). Matthew 10:9 Do not provide yourselves with gold,
or silver, or brass, for yourbelts, (DBY). Matthew 10:16...
Loins (72 Occurrences)
... the Levites as having come out of the loins of Abraham (Hebrews 7:5). As the seat
of strength (compare LEG; THIGH), the loins are girded withbelts of leather...
Tie (18 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:9 You shall dress them withbelts, Aaron and his sons, and bind headbands
on them: and they shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute: and you...
Drum
... 7. (n.) A cylinder on a revolving shaft, generally for the purpose of driving several
pulleys, by means ofbelts or straps passing around its periphery; also...
Perpetual (57 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:9 You shall dress them withbelts, Aaron and his sons, and bind headbands
on them: and they shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute: and you...
Bell (3 Occurrences)
... The "bells of the horses" mentioned by Zechariah (14:20) were attached to the bridles
orbelts round the necks of horses trained for war, so as to accustom...
Resources
What does the Bible say about clothing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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