CAN YOU EXPLAIN, “LET YOUR LOINS BE GIRDED,” IN LUKE 12:35?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately” (Luke 12:35-36). In what sense are their “loins” to be “girded about?”

In Bible days, the Jews wore outer garments similar to robes. A belt or sash—a girdle—was used to fasten the garment closer to the body. Otherwise, being loose, it would flap about and hinder physical movement (preventing work, running, and so on). For example, “And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel” (1 Kings 18:46). Unless his outer garment were tucked in, Elijah would not have been an agile runner. To physically gird up the loins (hips, groin, waist) meant to take a material belt and tightly secure the clothes to the flesh and blood body. In the case of Luke 12:35, the command is figurative and spiritual, applying to the inner man. Be ready to act internally! The girdle here is truth, sound Bible doctrine, what will keep Israel thinking properly as she awaits Jesus’ Second Coming. Her mind and heart (spirit and soul) should be “tied down,” not wandering about!

A similar exhortation, also concerning Christ’s return, is found in 1 Peter chapter 1: “[13] Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: [15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; [16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Even we in the Dispensation of Grace are instructed, “…having your loins girt about with truth” (Ephesians 6:14). Whether in the prophetic program (Israel’s Little Flock), or the mystery program (us, the Church the Body of Christ), the renewed mind should always guide and motivate the saints (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:10). If the loins of our mind are not secured according to sound Bible doctrine, we will drift about with false doctrine and become disoriented, thereby being rendered unfit for God’s ministry (but quite helpful to Satan’s!).

Also see:
» Can you explain, “We are in the world, but not of the world?”
» Why did Jesus tell Israel they do not know the date of His return?
» Does doctrine really matter?