Original Word: אֵזוֹר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: ezowr
Pronunciation: ay-zore
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-zore')
KJV: girdle
NASB: waistband, belt, girdle, belts
Word Origin: [from H246 (אֲזִקִּים - chains)]

1. something girt
2. a belt, also a band

girdle

From 'aziqqiym; something girt; a belt, also a band -- girdle.

see HEBREW 'aziqqiym

Word Origin
from azar
Definition
a waist cloth
NASB Translation
belt (3), belts (1), girdle (2), waistband (8).

אֵזוֺר noun masculine^{Isaiah 5:27} waistcloth (Late Hebrew id., Arabic , compare RS^{JQ Jan. 1892, 289 ff.}) — ׳א absolute Job 12:18 8t; construct 2 Kings 1:8 4t.; — of skin 2 Kings 1:8 (prophet.); of linen Jeremiah 13:1 (see Che) compare Jeremiah 13:2; Jeremiah 13:4; Jeremiah 13:6; Jeremiah 13:7; Jeremiah 13:7; Jeremiah 13:10; Jeremiah 13:11 (symbolic of Israel & Judah cleaving to ׳י); of Assyrian warriors' waistcloth,'girdle of loins' Isaiah 5:27; in wall-images of Chaldeans, בְּמָתְנַיִם ׳חֲגוֺרֵי א Ezekiel 23:15 (compare 2 Kings 1:18 see below אָזַר) so figurative of Yahweh's power over kings וַיֶּאְסֹר אֵזוֺר בְּמָתְנֵיהֶם Job 12:18 (׳א = fetter, compare Di; but according to RS^l.c. reference to slaves' garment); metaphor of righteousness & faithfulness Isaiah 11:5 (twice in verse) (מָתְנָיו ׳א, חֲלָּצָיו׳א).

אֶזְרוֺעַ see זרע.

אֶזְרָח see זרח.

אֹחַ see I. אחח .

Historical and Cultural Background

In the clothing customs of ancient Israel and the broader Near Eastern world, the girdle or sash held together the inner and outer garments, enabled free movement, and served as a place to secure tools, weapons, or purse. Constructed from leather (2 Kings 1:8), linen (Jeremiah 13:1), or richly embroidered fabric (Ezekiel 23:15), it was both utilitarian and symbolic, signaling status, readiness, and allegiance.

Functional Use in Daily Life

1. Work and Travel: Laborers, shepherds, and travelers “girded up” their loose robes to move quickly and efficiently (cf. Isaiah 5:27).
2. Identification: The leather belt around Elijah marked him as a rugged prophet (2 Kings 1:8).
3. Authority: Job notes that God “fastens a belt around their waists” (Job 12:18), a picture of the Lord conferring or withdrawing governmental power.

Military and Official Context

A tightly bound girdle signified readiness for combat or duty. Isaiah prophesies of an invincible army whose “belts are not loosened” (Isaiah 5:27), portraying unwavering preparedness. Kings, princes, and soldiers likewise secured weaponry to the sash, turning a garment accessory into strategic equipment.

Prophetic Symbolism in Jeremiah 13

Jeremiah’s sign-act with the linen sash dominates the Old Testament usage:
• Commanded to purchase and wear an untouched girdle (Jeremiah 13:1-2).
• Hidden in the crevice of the Euphrates, later found “ruined and completely worthless” (Jeremiah 13:7).
• Interpretation: “This evil people…shall become like this useless sash” (Jeremiah 13:10-11).

The prophet’s own waist illustrated Judah’s intended closeness to the LORD; their pride and idolatry rendered the covenant relationship spoiled. The episode underscores divine ownership, intimacy, and the tragic consequences of unfaithfulness.

Messianic and Theological Significance

Isaiah employs the image to unveil the character of the promised Branch: “Righteousness will be the belt around His hips, and faithfulness the sash around His waist” (Isaiah 11:5). The Messiah’s rule is secured not by force or status symbols but by moral perfection. The doubled phrase—once with “hips,” once with “waist”—intensifies the completeness of His integrity.

Moral and Devotional Applications

• Readiness: Believers are urged to “gird the loins of your mind” (echoed in 1 Peter 1:13) and stand in perpetual alertness for service and spiritual battle.
• Intimacy with God: As the sash clings to a man’s waist, the LORD desires His people to “cling to Me for renown, praise, and glory” (Jeremiah 13:11).
• Integrity: The Christ-like belt of righteousness calls the church to practice a life that holds everything else together.

Occurrences at a Glance

2 Kings 1:8; Job 12:18; Isaiah 5:27; Isaiah 11:5 (twice); Jeremiah 13:1-11 (seven times); Ezekiel 23:15. Each reference either illustrates physical girding or exposes a deeper spiritual truth—readiness, authority, righteousness, or covenant closeness.

Summary

אֵזוֹר portrays far more than a strip of material. Threaded through narrative, wisdom, prophecy, and apocalyptic imagery, it binds together themes of preparedness, authority, purity, intimacy, and messianic glory—calling every believer to be cinched by righteousness and unwavering faithfulness to the LORD.

אֵ֝ז֗וֹר אֵז֜וֹר אֵז֣וֹר אֵז֥וֹר אזור הָ֣אֵז֔וֹר הָאֵז֔וֹר הָאֵז֖וֹר הָאֵז֛וֹר הָאֵז֜וֹר האזור וְאֵז֥וֹר ואזור כָּאֵז֣וֹר כאזור ’ê·zō·wr ’êzōwr eZor hā’êzōwr hā·’ê·zō·wr haeZor kā’êzōwr kā·’ê·zō·wr kaeZor veeZor wə’êzōwr wə·’ê·zō·wrInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts