The original Greek words for this phrase mean literally, "gird up your waist." In the biblical world, men wore robes or long tunics over their undergarments. When they were at home, they wore these robes loose. When the men planned to engaged in work or went on a journey, they would pull up the hem of this garment to their waist and tie it in place with a belt. In this way, the robes would not slow down their movements or trip them up during heavy labor.
This note was written by Rev. Robert E. Smith in 1994 for Project Wittenberg and was placed by him in the public domain.

Send comments, suggestions and offers to translate to:
Rev. Robert E. Smith
Project Wittenberg Coordinator
Concordia Theological Seminary
6600 N. Clinton St.
Ft. Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: (260) 481-2123
Fax: (260) 481-2126

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