Luke 12:35
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
Original Language Analysis
Ἔστωσαν
Let
G2077
Ἔστωσαν
Let
Strong's:
G2077
Word #:
1 of 9
be thou; also ??????? <pronunciation strongs="es'-to-san"/>, third person of the same; let them be
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀσφύες
loins
G3751
ὀσφύες
loins
Strong's:
G3751
Word #:
4 of 9
the loin (externally), i.e., the hip; internally (by extension) procreative power
περιεζωσμέναι
girded about
G4024
περιεζωσμέναι
girded about
Strong's:
G4024
Word #:
5 of 9
to gird all around, i.e., (middle voice or passive) to fasten on one's belt (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Peter 1:13Wherefore 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;Ephesians 6:14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.Isaiah 5:27None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:Matthew 25:1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.Philippians 2:15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;Isaiah 11:5And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.Proverbs 31:17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.1 Kings 18:46And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
Historical Context
This introduces the watchfulness parables (verses 35-48) that follow the teaching on heavenly treasure (verses 33-34). The transition is thematic: those whose treasure is in heaven eagerly await Christ's return; those invested in earth dread His coming. First-century Jewish wedding customs provide the parable's background (verse 36): the groom would fetch his bride at an unexpected hour, and household servants awaited his return to open the door immediately. Girded loins and lit lamps demonstrated readiness for his arrival.
Questions for Reflection
- What does girding your loins represent practically in terms of spiritual readiness for Christ's return?
- How do burning lights symbolize the vigilance and wakefulness required of faithful disciples?
- In what ways does your daily life demonstrate expectant readiness for Jesus' return, or lack thereof?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let your loins be girded about (ἔστωσαν ὑμῶν αἱ ὀσφύες περιεζωσμέναι, estōsan hymōn hai osphyes periezōsmenai)—Jesus shifts from wealth to watchfulness, commanding readiness for His return. The verb perizonnym (περιζώννυμι) means to gird or bind up long robes with a belt, enabling swift movement and action. Ancient Near Eastern clothing (long tunics) hindered running or working; girding the loins meant preparation for service, journey, or battle (Exodus 12:11, 1 Peter 1:13).
And your lights burning (καὶ οἱ λύχνοι καιόμενοι, kai hoi lychnoi kaiomenoi)—The present participle kaiomenoi (καιόμενοι, burning) indicates continuous action: keep the lamps lit. Oil lamps required regular attention and refilling. Burning lights signify vigilance, wakefulness, and readiness for the master's return in darkness. The imagery evokes the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where foolish virgins' lamps went out while wise virgins maintained oil supplies. Both girded loins and burning lights communicate urgent expectancy: the Lord's return may come at any moment; disciples must maintain constant readiness.