Job 38:1-3

Amplified Bible

God Speaks Now to Job

38 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,

²
“Who is this that darkens counsel [questioning my authority and wisdom]
By words without knowledge?^(A)
³
“Now ^[a]gird up your loins like a man,
And I will ask you, and you instruct Me!

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Footnotes

Job 38:3 A phrase often found in the Bible that is an urgent call to get ready for immediate action, or it may be a call to prepare for a coming action or event. The phrase is related to the type of clothing worn in ancient times. To keep from impeding the wearer during any vigorous activity, e.g. battle, exercise, strenuous work, etc., the loose ends of garments (tunics, cloaks, mantles, etc.) had to be gathered up and tucked into the girdle. The girdle was a band about six inches wide that had fasteners in front. It was worn around the loins (the midsection of the body between the lower ribs and the hips). Gird up your mind or gird up your heart are examples of variants of this phrase and call for mental or spiritual preparation for a coming challenge.