A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 12:35

"Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning;" — Luke 12:35 (ASV)

Be girded about (εστωσαν περιεζωσμενα). Periphrastic perfect passive imperative third plural of the verb περιζωννυμ or περιζωννυω (later form), an old verb, to gird around, to fasten the garments with a girdle. The long garments of the orientals made speed difficult. It was important to use the girdle before starting. Cf. 17:8; Acts 12:8.

Burning (καιομενο). Periphrastic present middle imperative, already burning and continuously burning. The same point of the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) is found here in condensed form. This verse introduces the parable of the waiting servants (Luke 12:35–40).