Luke 12:35

Verses 35,36. Let your loins, &c. This alludes to the ancient manner of dress. They wore a long flowing robe as their outer garment. See Barnes Mt 5:38-41. When they laboured, or walked, or ran, it was necessary to gird or tie this up by a sash or girdle about the body, that it might not impede their progress. Hence, to gird up the loins means to be ready, to be active, to be diligent. Comp. 2 Ki 4:29; 2 Ki 9:1; Jer 1:17; Ac 12:8. Your lights burning. This expresses the same meaning. Be ready at all times to leave the world and enter into rest, when your Lord shall call you. Let every obstacle be out of the way; let every earthly care be removed, and be prepared to follow him into his rest.