What does the idiom, "gird up the loins of your mind," mean in 1 Peter 1:13?
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;
1 Peter 1:13
ESV - 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
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Asked January 02 2021
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Jack Gutknecht
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Tim Maas
In its usual military sense, "girding up one's loins" referred in Biblical times to arming oneself with the implements (such as armor, a shield, and a sword, (which was normally carried in a sheath hanging from a belt girding (surrounding) the waist)) required for both defense and offense in combat. In the sense in which Peter is speaking in the passage cited in the question, he is referring to the analogous serious mental and psychological preparations required for fighting the evil spiritual forces with which Christians must contend in this world. In that regard, his comment mirrors the remarks by Paul in Ephesians 6:11-17 with respect to putting on the various elements of the spiritual armor of God for waging battle against those same forces.
Jack Gutknecht
Ryrie in his RSB says "gird up the loins of your mind" means be disciplined in your thinking. EXB "So [Therefore; For this reason] ·prepare your minds for service [prepare your minds for action; or, be alert; L gird the loins of your mind] and ·have self-control [be disciplined]. ·All your hope should be for [Focus all your hope on] the gift of grace that will be ·yours [brought/given to you] ·when Jesus Christ is shown to you [L at the revelation of Jesus Christ]." It is a figure of speech based on the gathering and fastening up of the long Eastern garments so that they would not interfere with the individual's activity. The NIVSB adds, "In the language of the first century it meant that the readers should literally gather up their long, flowing garments and be ready for physical action (Cf. Jer 1:17 where the NIV has "Get yourself ready!" Lit. "Tighten your belt around your waist!")
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