In biblical times, the concept of a "footway" refers to a path or road intended for walking. This term is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe the journey of life, the path of righteousness, or the way of the wicked. The footway is a significant motif in biblical literature, symbolizing the choices individuals make and the direction of their spiritual journey.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently uses the imagery of a path or way to convey moral and spiritual truths. In Proverbs, the footway is often associated with wisdom and righteousness. Proverbs 4:26-27 advises, "Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil." Here, the footway represents a life of integrity and adherence to God's commandments.

The Psalms also reflect on the footway as a metaphor for divine guidance. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse emphasizes the importance of God's Word in illuminating the believer's journey, ensuring they remain on the righteous path.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the concept of the footway continues to illustrate the Christian walk. Jesus Himself speaks of the narrow path in Matthew 7:13-14 : "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it." Here, the footway is a metaphor for the challenging yet rewarding path of discipleship and obedience to Christ.

The Apostle Paul also uses the imagery of a path in his epistles. In Ephesians 5:15-16 , he exhorts believers, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." The footway, in this context, represents the daily conduct of a believer, urging them to live wisely and purposefully.

Symbolism and Application

The footway in Scripture is rich with symbolism, often contrasting the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked. It serves as a reminder of the choices that lie before every individual and the consequences of those choices. The righteous footway is marked by obedience, wisdom, and alignment with God's will, while the path of the wicked leads to destruction and separation from God.

In practical application, the concept of the footway encourages believers to examine their lives and ensure they are walking in accordance with biblical principles. It calls for vigilance, discernment, and a commitment to follow the teachings of Scripture, allowing God's Word to guide their steps.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, footways were often simple dirt paths connecting villages and cities. These paths were essential for travel, trade, and communication. The physical reality of these footways provided a tangible illustration for biblical writers to convey spiritual truths. The imagery of a footway would have been familiar to the original audience, making the metaphor an effective tool for teaching and exhortation.

Overall, the footway in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual journey, highlighting the importance of choosing the right path and remaining steadfast in one's walk with God.(n.) A passage for pedestrians only.

The Disciples' Return.
... lofty mountain-peaks long after his descent. They tread the old footway with
elastic step! As Gethsemane, and Kedron, and the Temple ...
/.../macduff/memories of bethany/xxiii the disciples return.htm

The Night Darkened Steadily Down Over London, -- a Chill Dreary ...
... Before them towered the Cross on its raised platform, and below that Cross was the
sloping footway leading to it, where lay many of the buds and leaves and ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxix the night darkened steadily.htm

Footway (2 Occurrences)
...Footway (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 26:16 To Hosah, the door on the west, by the
door of Shallecheth, at the footway which goes up, watch by watch. (BBE). ...
/f/footway.htm - 7k

For (102061 Occurrences)

/f/for.htm - 9k

Footstool (16 Occurrences)

/f/footstool.htm - 14k

Path (91 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A trodden way; a footway. 2. (n.) A way,
course, or track, in which anything moves or has moved ...
/p/path.htm - 33k

Pillared (2 Occurrences)
... Pillared (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 26:18 For the pillared way, on the west,
four at the footway and two at the pillared way itself. (BBE). ...
/p/pillared.htm - 7k

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