The term "tuck" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the concept of tucking or securing garments is present in various passages, often related to preparation for action or service. In biblical times, clothing was typically loose-fitting, and individuals would "gird up their loins" to prepare for work, travel, or battle. This act involved tucking the long garments into a belt or girdle to allow for greater mobility.

Girding Up the Loins

The phrase "gird up your loins" is a common biblical expression that signifies readiness and preparedness. In 1 Kings 18:46, we read about Elijah: "The hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel." This act of tucking his cloak allowed Elijah to run swiftly, demonstrating both physical and spiritual readiness empowered by the Lord.

Similarly, in the New Testament, the Apostle Peter uses this imagery metaphorically in 1 Peter 1:13: "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Here, Peter encourages believers to prepare their minds for action, emphasizing mental and spiritual readiness.

Symbolism of Readiness

The act of tucking or girding up one's garments is symbolic of readiness and alertness. In Exodus 12:11, during the institution of the Passover, the Israelites are instructed: "This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover." This command underscores the urgency and preparedness required as they anticipated their deliverance from Egypt.

Spiritual Application

The concept of tucking or girding up is not merely practical but carries a deeper spiritual application. It calls believers to be prepared for the tasks God sets before them, whether in service, spiritual warfare, or daily living. Ephesians 6:14 speaks of the "belt of truth" as part of the armor of God: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." This imagery suggests that truth, like a belt, secures and prepares believers for spiritual battles.

Conclusion

While the specific term "tuck" is not found in the biblical text, the concept is integral to understanding the biblical call to readiness and action. Through the physical act of girding up garments, Scripture conveys a powerful message of spiritual preparedness and alertness, urging believers to be ever ready to follow God's leading and to stand firm in faith.1. (n.) A long, narrow sword; a rapier.

2. (n.) The beat of a drum.

3. (v. t.) To draw up; to shorten; to fold under; to press into a narrower compass; as, to tuck the bedclothes in; to tuck up one's sleeves.

4. (v. t.) To make a tuck or tucks in; as, to tuck a dress.

5. (v. t.) To enclose; to put within; to press into a close place; as, to tuck a child into a bed; to tuck a book under one's arm, or into a pocket.

6. (v. t.) To full, as cloth.

7. (v. i.) To contract; to draw together.

8. (n.) A horizontal sewed fold, such as is made in a garment, to shorten it; a plait.

9. (n.) A small net used for taking fish from a larger one; -- called also tuck-net.

10. (n.) A pull; a lugging.

11. (n.) The part of a vessel where the ends of the bottom planks meet under the stern.

12. (n.) Food; pastry; sweetmeats.

Events of Early Christian Life
... All I had were virtually a display of ruffles, flounces, "pin-backs" and "tuck-ups."
They then inquired if I would be pleased to have them help me make my ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter vi events of early.htm

Gershom and Eliezer
... 'Foxes have holes,' and they are quite comfortable there; 'and the birds of the
air have roosting-places,' and tuck their heads under their wings and go to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/gershom and eliezer.htm

The Oratorio of victory.
... The smoke of the battle has tanned their faces. They have struggled with the enemy
at close range, hip and thigh, nip and tuck, close parry and hard thrust. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the oratorio of victory.htm

Of their Cords.
... on either side of the throat go round the folds (of the robe) at the armpits and
gather them up on either side, so that they can draw up and tuck in close to ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter v of their cords.htm

"Pan, Pan is Dead"
... They wrap up the stringy things in leaves and tuck them into a fold of their
seeleys. At our feet a small boy plays with the head. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxiii pan pan is.htm

The Afterwards and Our Hope
... whilst 'foxes have holes' where they curl themselves up, and they are at rest,
'and the birds of the air have roosting-places,' where they tuck their heads ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the afterwards and our hope.htm

He came to his Own.
... And then softly: "No, no, Laddie, I'm not ill. I just came to tuck you in for
the night as I used to do at home. ... Lie still, my Laddie.". ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/he came to his own.htm

Man's Bad Break.
... But God is ever on the heels of Satan to cushion the hurt and save the man. It
is a nip-and-tuck race with God a head and a heart in the lead. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/mans bad break.htm

The Right Kind of Fear
... Snares in high estate, snares in thy base. Snares tuck thy bed; and snares surround
thy board; Snares watch thy thoughts; and snares attach thy word; ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the right kind of fear.htm

Skirting the Abyss
... When you tuck up your little girl in her cot, and feel her arms cling round your
neck and her kisses on your cheek, will you think of these other little girls? ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxv skirting the abyss.htm

Tuck (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To draw up; to shorten; to fold under; to press into a narrower compass;
as, to tuck the bedclothes in; to tuck up one's sleeves. ...
/t/tuck.htm - 8k

Greets (9 Occurrences)
... (DBY RSV). 2 Kings 4:29 Then he said to Gehazi, "Tuck your cloak into your
belt, take my staff in your hand, and go your way. If ...
/g/greets.htm - 8k

Tubieni

/t/tubieni.htm - 6k

Tucked (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Tuck. Multi-Version Concordance
Tucked (2 Occurrences). Exodus 12:11 This is how you shall ...
/t/tucked.htm - 7k

Boy's (10 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 2 Kings 4:29 Then he said to Gehazi, "Tuck your cloak into your
belt, take my staff in your hand, and go your way. If ...
/b/boy's.htm - 9k

Belt (32 Occurrences)
... WEB NIV). 2 Kings 4:29 Then he said to Gehazi, "Tuck your cloak into your
belt, take my staff in your hand, and go your way. If you ...
/b/belt.htm - 17k

Greet (46 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). 2 Kings 4:29 Then he said to Gehazi, "Tuck your cloak into your
belt, take my staff in your hand, and go your way. If you ...
/g/greet.htm - 19k

Gehazi (14 Occurrences)
... NAS NIV). 2 Kings 4:29 Then he said to Gehazi, "Tuck your cloak into your
belt, take my staff in your hand, and go your way. If you ...
/g/gehazi.htm - 19k

Cloak (73 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 2 Kings 4:29 Then he said to Gehazi, "Tuck your cloak into your
belt, take my staff in your hand, and go your way. If ...
/c/cloak.htm - 30k

Staff (91 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). 2 Kings 4:29 Then he said to Gehazi, "Tuck your cloak
into your belt, take my staff in your hand, and go your way. ...
/s/staff.htm - 38k

Tuck: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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