Lexical Summary hupodeó: To bind under, to put on (as in sandals) Original Word: ὑποδέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance put on, put on shoesFrom hupo and deo; to bind under one's feet, i.e. Put on shoes or sandals -- bind on, (be) shod. see GREEK hupo see GREEK deo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupo and deó Definition to bind under NASB Translation put (1), shod (1), wear (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5265: ὑποδέωὑποδέω: 1 aorist ὑπέδησά; 1 aorist middle ὑπεδησαμην; perfect passive or middle participle ὑποδεδημενος; from Herodotus down (in Homer with tmesis); to trader-bind; mostly in the middle to bind under oneself, bind on; (participle shod); with an accusative of the thing: σανδάλια, Mark 6:9; Acts 12:8 (ὑποδήματα, Xenophon, mem. 1, 6, 6; Plato, Gorgias, p. 490 e.); with an accusative of the member of the body: τούς πόδας with ἐν ἑτοιμασία added, with readiness (see ἑτοιμασία, 2), Ephesians 6:15 (πόδα σανδάλω, σανδαλιοις, Lucian, quom. hist. sit conscrib. 22; Aelian v. h. 1, 18). (Cf. Buttmann, § 135, 2.) Topical Lexicon Literal Footwear and Providential Protection The verb ὑποδέω (Strong’s Greek 5265) appears three times in the New Testament, each time describing the fastening of sandals. In Acts 12:8 the angel commands Peter, “Fasten your belt and put on your sandals” (Berean Standard Bible). Luke highlights Peter’s complete dependence upon the Lord for deliverance; even the simple act of strapping on footwear is orchestrated by God. Mark 6:9 records Jesus instructing the Twelve to “wear sandals, but not a second tunic,” underscoring both simplicity and mobility in their mission. In these literal settings the term stresses preparedness, mobility, and divine oversight in everyday details. Readiness for Mission Sandals were the normal footwear of travelers in the ancient Near East. Their mention often signals impending movement. Mark 6:9 places the disciples in a posture of continual readiness: lightly equipped so nothing hinders prompt obedience. Similarly, Acts 12:8 shows Peter poised to follow the angel immediately. The verb therefore carries the nuance of preparing for God-directed action, a pattern traceable to the Exodus motif where Israel was to eat the Passover “with your sandals on your feet” (Exodus 12:11). Gospel Footing in Spiritual Warfare Paul draws on this cultural image in Ephesians 6:15: “and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.” The participle ὑποδησάμενοι links the soldier’s sandals to the believer’s secure footing in the gospel. Roman military sandals had hobnails for traction; likewise, the gospel gives the Christian stability against demonic opposition. The footwear metaphor balances aggression and peace: the believer advances, yet the message proclaimed is reconciliation. Historical and Cultural Context First-century sandals consisted of a leather sole tied to the foot with straps. To “bind under” implied a deliberate act: choice, ownership, and intention. In rabbinic culture, a disciple would loosen his master’s sandals as the lowest act of service (John 1:27). By contrast, ὑποδέω focuses on the wearer’s agency—disciples of Christ must personally equip themselves for the path He marks out. Continuity with the Old Testament Old Testament imagery lays the foundation for New Testament usage. Joshua was told, “Remove the sandals from your feet” (Joshua 5:15) in reverence, yet Israel was also commanded to possess the land, shod for conquest (Deuteronomy 11:24). Isaiah 52:7 celebrates the beautiful feet of the messenger, anticipating Paul’s gospel application (Romans 10:15). Thus wearing sandals becomes an emblem of covenant promise, holy mission, and peaceful proclamation. Devotional and Ministry Applications 1. Personal readiness: Believers regularly “strap on” the gospel, allowing no obstacle to hinder witness. Related Biblical Themes Preparedness – Exodus 12:11; Luke 12:35 Mission – Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8 Spiritual Armor – Isaiah 59:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Servanthood – John 13:14; Philippians 2:5-8 Summary ὑποδέω portrays more than a mundane action; it gathers themes of readiness, protection, and proclamation. Whether freeing Peter from prison, sending apostles into villages, or equipping saints for warfare, Scripture presents the simple fastening of sandals as a vivid reminder that every step belongs to the Lord who directs, empowers, and sustains His people. Forms and Transliterations υπέδησά υπέδησαν υποδεδεμενους υποδεδεμένους ὑποδεδεμένους υποδησαι υπόδησαι ὑπόδησαι υποδησαμενοι υποδησάμενοι ὑποδησάμενοι hypodedemenous hypodedeménous hypodesai hypodēsai hypódesai hypódēsai hypodesamenoi hypodesámenoi hypodēsamenoi hypodēsámenoi upodedemenous upodesai upodēsai upodesamenoi upodēsamenoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 6:9 V-RPM/P-AMPGRK: ἀλλὰ ὑποδεδεμένους σανδάλια καὶ NAS: but [to] wear sandals; KJV: But [be] shod with sandals; and INT: but wear sandals and Acts 12:8 V-AMM-2S Ephesians 6:15 V-APM-NMP Strong's Greek 5265 |
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