Lexical Summary himas: Strap, thong, belt Original Word: ἱμάς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a thong, strapPerhaps from the same as hama; a strap, i.e. (specially) the tie (of a sandal) or the lash (of a scourge) -- latchet, thong. see GREEK hama NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a thong, strap NASB Translation thong (3), thongs (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2438: ἱμάςἱμάς, ἱμαντος, ὁ (from ἵημι to send; namely, a vessel, which was tied to thongs of leather and let down into a well for the purpose of drawing water; hence, ἱμάω also, to draw something made fast to a thong or rope (recent etymol. connect it with Skt. si to bind; cf. Curtius, § 602; Vanicek, p. 1041)); from Homer down; a thong of leather, a strap; in the N. T. of the thongs with which captives or criminals were either bound or beaten (see προτείνω), Acts 22:25 (4 Macc. 9:11; Sir. 30:35); of the thongs or ties by which sandals were fastened to the feet, Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16; John 1:27 (so also in Isaiah 5:27; Xenophon, anab. 4, 5, 14; Plutarch, symp. 4, 2, 3; Suidas ἱμάς. σφαιρωτήρ σανδαλιου, ζανιχιον, οἷον τό λωριον τοῦ ὑποδήματος). Topical Lexicon Overview of Scriptural Usage The word appears only four times in the New Testament and always denotes a narrow leather strap. Three references involve footwear (Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16; John 1:27) and one concerns instruments of scourging (Acts 22:25). In every setting the strap serves as a vivid emblem that highlights either the incomparable dignity of Jesus Christ or the vulnerability of His servants. John the Baptist and the Strap of Sandals Mark 1:7, Luke 3:16, and John 1:27 record nearly identical statements by John the Baptist. Declaring himself unworthy even to loosen “the straps of His sandals,” John positions Jesus as utterly transcendent. Within first-century culture, removing another’s sandals belonged to the lowliest household slave. John’s refusal to perform even this menial task for Christ underscores both his humility and the majesty of the One he heralds. The strap thus becomes a subtle but powerful pointer to the divine worth of Jesus and to the servant posture appropriate for every gospel minister. Christological Implications By anchoring the strap imagery to Jesus’ footwear, the evangelists quietly echo Old Testament passages where shoes and feet signify conquest or ownership (Joshua 10:24; Psalm 8:6). John’s confession that he is unworthy to touch Christ’s sandals anticipates the foot-washing scene in John 13, where Jesus voluntarily performs the task John will not presume to undertake. The Lord whom John exalts in Mark, Luke, and John soon demonstrates that true greatness is expressed in service, thereby elevating humble acts to reflections of divine love. Paul, Roman Scourging, and Legal Protections Acts 22:25 carries the only other occurrence: “But as they stretched him out with straps, Paul said to the centurion standing there, ‘Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen who has not been condemned?’” Here the strap is no longer a humble tie on a sandal but an instrument of Roman punishment. The narrative contrasts earthly power, represented by leather thongs and military authority, with the divine prerogatives that protect the apostle. Paul’s intelligent appeal to his citizenship halts the impending scourging, illustrating that God’s servants may legitimately use civil rights to advance gospel mission and preserve life. Theological Themes: Humility, Authority, and Servanthood 1. Humility: John’s language invites believers to embrace lowliness before Christ. Even the unnoticed strap is a reminder that no service rendered to the Lord is insignificant. Historical and Cultural Background Leather thongs were everyday items in the ancient Mediterranean world. Sandals were fastened by simple straps, and scourging whips were often constructed from leather cords. Because such materials were common, the gospel writers and Luke in Acts could assume instant recognition of the imagery’s force: humble accessory in one scene, painful restraint in another. Intertextual Echoes and Old Testament Allusions The untying of sandals alludes to Deuteronomy 25:9, where the removal of a sandal symbolizes disgrace. John reverses the sign: he is unworthy to remove Christ’s sandal because the Messiah is without disgrace and endowed with ultimate honor. Furthermore, Psalm 129:3 laments wicked plowmen making “long furrows” on one’s back—a picture eerily fulfilled when straps prepare Paul for flogging. The strap thus integrates gospel narrative with prophetic expectation. Practical Ministry Applications • Cultivate humility by remembering that no task done for Christ is beneath a believer. Conclusion Whether fastening footwear in the desert or binding wrists in a Roman barracks, the humble leather strap magnifies the glory of Jesus and instructs His people. In its few New Testament appearances, it challenges disciples to bow low before Christ, stand firm under trial, and serve others with willing hands. Forms and Transliterations ιμαντα ιμάντα ἱμάντα ιμάντες ιμάντι ιμάσι ιμασιν ιμάσιν ἱμᾶσιν himanta himánta himasin himâsin imanta imasinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 1:7 N-AMSGRK: λῦσαι τὸν ἱμάντα τῶν ὑποδημάτων NAS: and untie the thong of His sandals. KJV: after me, the latchet of whose shoes INT: to untie the strap of the sandals Luke 3:16 N-AMS John 1:27 N-AMS Acts 22:25 N-DMP Strong's Greek 2438 |
    |