Gird Up Your Loins



 The phrase "gird up your loins" is referenced many times in the scriptures.  While it is generally referring to men, it also is referenced specifically for women in Proverbs 31.

So what does this phrase mean? 

In biblical times men and women generally wore long, flowing tunics.  They were cool in the heat and protected them, but they would get in the way of body movement during work or battle.  

So the tunic would be gathered up, wrapped around and tied in the front allowing them to have freedom to move and work.

The phrase then was used to figuratively suggest that hard work or labor was ahead. I think it's sort of like saying "roll up your sleeves".  

D&C 61:38 prompts,

"Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not."

We are not supposed to sit around and wait for the Second Coming of the Savior.  We are supposed to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

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