en_tn_condensed/luk/12/35.md

General Information:

Jesus begins to tell a parable. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parables)

Keep your loins girded

These words are a metaphor for being ready to do hard work. People in Jesus's culture wore long flowing robes. They would tuck these robes into their belts to keep them out of the way while they worked. Alternate translation: "Always be ready to serve" or "Be dressed and ready to serve" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

and your lamps lit

This is a metaphor or metonym for staying awake at night and another metaphor for always being ready to work, even when it would otherwise be time to rest. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "keep your lamps burning" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)