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Gird up the loins of your mind!

Tuesday Time Travel to the Roman Empire…

Long Dress

“Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind…” 1 Peter 1:13

The phrase translated “gird up the loins” (ἀναζωσάμενοι τὰς ὀσφύας) refers to an action ancients would take to prepare themselves for some activity (hence many modern versions translate this phrase something like prepare your minds for action.”) Because long flowing garments were the norm (for both male and female), preparing to walk or run might require a gathering up (‘girding’) of the garments at the waist (‘loins’). It is striking that Peter applies this imagery to the mind here. Why do suppose Peter uses this metaphor in the context?

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