Original Word: שָׁנַס
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: shanac
Pronunciation: shah-NAHS
Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-nas')
KJV: gird up
NASB: girded
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to compress (with a belt)

gird up

A primitive root; to compress (with a belt) -- gird up.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to gird up
NASB Translation
girded (1).

[שָׁנַס] verb Pi`el gird up (si vera lectio; in Talmud (Aramaic) שְׁנַץ = bind sandals; Late Hebrew שֶׁנֶץ thong); — Imperfect3masculine singular וַיְשַׁנֵּס מָתְנָיו וַיָּ֫רָץ 1 Kings 18:46.

שְׁנָת Psalm 132:4 see שֵׁנָה.

Meaning and Imagery

The verb signifies the gathering up and securing of a long outer garment at the waist so that free, unhindered movement becomes possible. In Scripture this physical action often carries the figurative sense of mental and spiritual readiness, disciplined focus, and urgent obedience.

Singular Biblical Occurrence

1 Kings 18:46: “And the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah, and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.”

Here the prophet, empowered by the Lord, prepares himself for strenuous service immediately after the dramatic victory on Mount Carmel. The act of girding marks the transition from confrontation to faithful accompaniment, symbolizing that the prophet who has just called Israel back to covenant faithfulness is now ready to serve with fresh vigor.

Historical Setting

In the ancient Near East men wore flowing robes that impeded swift travel unless gathered up and fastened. Royal couriers, soldiers, and laborers routinely girded themselves before action. Elijah’s sprint before Ahab’s chariot—roughly seventeen miles from Carmel to Jezreel—was extraordinary for both its speed and its humble posture, functioning almost as a royal herald running before the king.

Prophetic Example of Readiness

By girding himself, Elijah demonstrates:
• Submission: though Ahab is an apostate king, Elijah still honors the office and precedes him as a servant-leader.
• Urgency: the promised rain is approaching; Israel must reach safety.
• Divine enablement: the hand of the LORD makes prophetic service supernaturally effective.

Symbolic Parallels

Although different Hebrew and Greek terms are used elsewhere, the motif is consistent:
• Exodus 12:11 – Israel eats the Passover “dressed for travel,” prepared for immediate departure.
• Jeremiah 1:17 – “Now, gird up your loins; arise and speak to them all that I command you.”
• Luke 12:35 – “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.”
• Ephesians 6:14 – “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.”
• 1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore prepare your minds for action...”

Each passage links girding to alertness, holiness, and wholehearted service.

Ministry Applications

1. Readiness for the Next Assignment

Victory on Carmel did not end Elijah’s calling; it inaugurated the next phase. Believers, likewise, must move from triumphs to new tasks without complacency.

2. Humble Cooperation with Imperfect Authorities

Elijah runs before a compromised king yet keeps his prophetic integrity. Christians may serve alongside flawed leaders while remaining loyal to God’s purposes.

3. Dependence on Divine Strength

Physical preparedness (girding) and supernatural empowerment (“the hand of the LORD”) work together. Ministry effectiveness arises when diligent human effort is merged with God’s enabling grace.

4. Speed in Obedience

The imminent rain pressed Elijah to hurry. Present-day disciples should sense the urgency of God’s unfolding plans and act swiftly.

Christological Reflection

Jesus embodies perfect readiness. He “rose from supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist” (John 13:4), serving His disciples in humility. At His return He will reward those found “dressed for service” (Luke 12:35-37). Elijah’s act foreshadows the Messiah’s own servanthood and calls the Church to imitate Him.

Discipleship and Worship

Songs, sermons, and small-group studies can use Elijah’s girding as a vivid illustration of surrender, zeal, and expectation. Personal devotional life benefits from daily “tucking in the cloak” of distractions so that one may run the race marked out by God (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Key Themes

• Preparedness for action
• Humble service under God’s authority
• Urgency in advancing God’s purposes
• Empowerment by the Spirit for extraordinary tasks

Though שָׁנַס appears only once, its single usage paints a rich portrait of prophetic readiness that resonates through the entire biblical narrative and remains a timeless call to every follower of the Lord.

וַיְשַׁנֵּ֖ס וישנס vayshanNes way·šan·nês wayšannêsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts