Greyhound
“Girt in the loins”
Summary
A translation of uncertain meaning in Proverbs, literally 'girt in the loins,' possibly referring to a war-horse, rooster, or swift hound.
☩The Passage
In Proverbs 30:31, Agur lists four things that are stately in their going: a lion, a greyhound (or 'one girt in the loins'), a he-goat, and a king whose army is with him. The Hebrew phrase 'zarzir mothnayim' literally means 'girded as to the loins,' leaving the exact animal uncertain.
☩Proposed Identifications
The Septuagint and Vulgate read 'rooster' (a cock strutting proudly among hens). Others suggest a war-horse adorned with ornamental trappings, a swift greyhound known for its slender girt body, or even a wrestler girt for combat. Ancient Egyptian paintings show close-girt hounds used in coursing, lending support to the 'greyhound' translation. Whatever the identification, the image is of something moving with impressive dignity and grace.
Related Verses1 mention
Proverbs· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Greyhound," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Greyhound," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Greyhound," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.George Morrish, "Greyhound," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).