Psalms 109:19
Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.
Original Language Analysis
תְּהִי
H1961
תְּהִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּבֶ֣גֶד
Let it be unto him as the garment
H899
כְּבֶ֣גֶד
Let it be unto him as the garment
Strong's:
H899
Word #:
3 of 7
a covering, i.e., clothing
Historical Context
Girdles were essential in ancient dress—securing robes for work, holding weapons for battle, containing purses for trade. A girdle worn "continually" became part of one's very person, like a wedding ring or phylactery—a visible sign of commitment and character.
Questions for Reflection
- What are you "girded with continually"—what defines your readiness, identity, and daily walk?
- How does the permanence of this curse (garment and girdle) warn against the lasting consequences of character?
- What does Ephesians 6:14 mean when it commands us to be "girded about with truth" as opposed to cursing?
Analysis & Commentary
Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him (תְּהִי־לוֹ כְּבֶגֶד יַעְטֶה, tehi-lo kheveged ya'teh)—the verb עָטָה (atah, "wrap, cover") with בֶּגֶד (beged, "garment") completes the clothing metaphor. And for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually (וּלְמֵזַח תָּמִיד יַחְגְּרֶהָ, ulmeizach tamid yachgerehah)—מֵזַח (meizach, "belt, girdle") worn תָּמִיד (tamid, "continually, perpetually"). The verb חָגַר (chagar, "gird") speaks of binding tight.
The curse becomes permanent fixture—not something he can remove. Job 8:13-14 uses similar imagery: the hypocrite's trust is "as a spider's web," fragile and temporary; here cursing binds like leather worn daily. Isaiah 59:17 shows God putting on "garments of vengeance" and "zeal as a cloak"; David prays the enemy wears his own wickedness as inescapable raiment. The girdle/belt held garments together and secured weapons—symbolizing readiness and identity. The enemy's identity is now cursing; he cannot ungird himself from judgment.