Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the term "buckle" refers to a fastening device used to secure clothing or armor. While the specific term "buckle" is not directly mentioned in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is closely related to the broader biblical themes of preparation, readiness, and spiritual warfare.
Historical ContextBuckles in ancient times were typically made from materials such as bronze, iron, or other metals, and were used to fasten belts, garments, or pieces of armor. They played a crucial role in the attire of soldiers and civilians alike, ensuring that clothing and armor were securely fastened for both daily activities and battle.
Symbolism and Spiritual SignificanceThe concept of fastening or girding oneself is prevalent in the Bible and carries significant spiritual symbolism. In
Ephesians 6:14, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed." Here, the act of buckling the belt of truth signifies readiness and commitment to living a life grounded in the truth of God's Word. The belt, or girdle, was an essential part of a soldier's armor, holding other pieces in place and symbolizing preparedness for spiritual battle.
Related Biblical Themes1.
Readiness and Preparation: The act of buckling or girding oneself is often associated with being prepared for action. In
1 Peter 1:13, believers are exhorted to "gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." This metaphorical use of girding emphasizes mental and spiritual readiness.
2.
Strength and Stability: Buckles provide strength and stability, ensuring that garments or armor remain secure. This is reflective of the spiritual strength and stability that believers are called to exhibit. In
Isaiah 11:5, righteousness is described as a belt around the Messiah's waist, symbolizing His unwavering commitment to justice and truth.
3.
Protection and Defense: In the context of spiritual warfare, the imagery of buckling armor is significant. The belt of truth, as mentioned in
Ephesians 6, is part of the full armor of God, which believers are encouraged to put on to stand against the schemes of the devil. This highlights the protective and defensive role that truth plays in the life of a Christian.
Practical ApplicationFor contemporary believers, the concept of a buckle serves as a reminder of the importance of being spiritually prepared and grounded in truth. Just as a physical buckle secures and stabilizes, so too does the truth of God's Word secure and stabilize the believer's life. Engaging in regular study of Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers are practical ways to ensure that one's spiritual "buckle" is fastened securely, ready to face the challenges and battles of life with confidence and faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A device, usually of metal, consisting of a frame with one more movable tongues or catches, used for fastening things together, as parts of dress or harness, by means of a strap passing through the frame and pierced by the tongue.
2. (n.) A distortion bulge, bend, or kink, as in a saw blade or a plate of sheet metal.
3. (n.) A curl of hair, esp. a kind of crisp curl formerly worn; also, the state of being curled.
4. (n.) A contorted expression, as of the face.
5. (n.) To fasten or confine with a buckle or buckles; as, to buckle a harness.
6. (n.) To bend; to cause to kink, or to become distorted.
7. (n.) To prepare for action; to apply with vigor and earnestness; -- generally used reflexively.
8. (n.) To join in marriage.
9. (v. i.) To bend permanently; to become distorted; to bow; to curl; to kink.
10. (v. i.) To bend out of a true vertical plane, as a wall.
11. (v. i.) To yield; to give way; to cease opposing.
12. (v. i.) To enter upon some labor or contest; to join in close fight; to struggle; to contend.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BUCKLEbuk'-'-l (porpe): As a mark of favor Jonathan Maccabeus was presented by Alexander Balas with a buckle of gold (1 Maccabees 10:89), the wearing of which was restricted to the blood royal. The buckle was used for fastening the mantle or outer robe on the shoulder or chest.
Library
Concerning Military Service.
... And yet Moses carried a rod, [316] and Aaron wore abuckle, [317] and John (Baptist)
is girt with leather [318] and Joshua the son of Nun leads a line of march...
Petty Dishonesty.
... I had plenty of thread once, but Abraham has it now," or another should say, "I
have nobuckle to my shoe, Abraham has taken of the spoil, and my shoe-buckle...
From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General...
... in the obscure parish where he had chosen to labor for the salvation of souls, and
obliged him, quite contrary to his pacific disposition, tobuckle on the...
Time Changes Nations' Dresses --And Fortunes.
... of the mantle extrinsically"itself too quadrangular"thrown back on either shoulder,
and meeting closely round the neck in the gripe of thebuckle, used to...
Follies of the Greek Mythology.
... [2502] There is no apodosis in the Greek. [2503] Not, as the editors dispute, either
the tongue of thebuckle with which he put out his eyes, nor the awl with...
Hugh the Builder
... The old inhabitants (near two hundred, Mr.Buckle thinks, rather generously), were
still there up to Hugh's time, and if their church was like their houses the...
Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies
... The priest's garment is a deeper and more perfect teaching; in Exodus: and they
made a long priestly garment; under thebuckle the work was made entirely of...
Appendix.
... Browne, Sir T., 'Religio Medici,' 1642.Buckle, HT, 'History of Civilisation in
England,' 1857. Bull, Bp., 'Life,' by R. Nelson (Burton), 1827....
Conversion.
... Wherefore, if God will bend andbuckle the spirit of such a one, he must shoot an
arrow at him, a bearded arrow, such as may not be plucked out of the wound...
Though Ye Know Him Not
... And so I repeat, if God is calling you,buckle on your sword, come to the fight,
and win your spurs among the cultured sons of India." Rev. T. Walker, India....
Thesaurus
Buckle... 4. (n.) A contorted expression, as of the face. 5. (n.) To fasten or confine
with a
buckle or buckles; as, to
buckle a harness.
...BUCKLE.
...Keeper (72 Occurrences)
... shot. (b) A ring serving to keep another ring on the finger. (c) A loop near
thebuckle of a strap to receive the end of the strap. 6...
Fastening (5 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Fasten. 2. (n.) Anything that binds and makes fast, as a lock, catch,
bolt, bar,buckle, etc. Multi-Version Concordance Fastening (5 Occurrences)....
Tongue (160 Occurrences)
... position or form. 13. (n.) A projection, or slender appendage or fixture;
as, the tongue of abuckle, or of a balance. 14. (n.) A...
Buckled (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofBuckle. Multi-Version Concordance
Buckled (1 Occurrence). Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore...
Buckets (4 Occurrences)
Resources
What is the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can I do when I am under spiritual attack? | GotQuestions.orgBuckle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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