Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, sitting at someone's feet was a posture of learning, submission, and discipleship. This act is rich with cultural and spiritual significance, often indicating a relationship between a teacher and a disciple or a master and a servant. The imagery of sitting at someone's feet is used in several key biblical narratives, illustrating themes of devotion, humility, and the pursuit of wisdom.Mary of Bethany One of the most well-known instances of sitting at someone's feet is found in the account of Mary of Bethany. In Luke 10:39, Mary is described as sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teaching: "She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message" . This scene highlights Mary's desire to learn from Jesus, prioritizing spiritual nourishment over the busyness of household duties. Her posture is one of reverence and attentiveness, contrasting with her sister Martha's preoccupation with serving. The Gerasene Demoniac Another significant example is the account of the Gerasene demoniac in Luke 8:35. After Jesus casts out the demons, the man is found "sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind" . This transformation from chaos to peace underscores the authority and compassion of Jesus. The man's position at Jesus' feet symbolizes his newfound discipleship and submission to Christ's lordship. Paul and Gamaliel In Acts 22:3, the Apostle Paul recounts his education under the esteemed Rabbi Gamaliel, stating, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers" . Although the phrase "sitting at the feet" is not explicitly used here, the cultural context implies that Paul, as a student, would have sat at Gamaliel's feet to receive instruction. This reflects the traditional rabbinic method of teaching, where disciples would sit at the feet of their teacher to learn the Torah. Ruth and Boaz In the Old Testament, the book of Ruth provides a different cultural context for sitting at someone's feet. In Ruth 3:7-8, Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor and lies down at his feet. This act is a request for protection and redemption, as Ruth seeks Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer. While not a direct act of learning, it signifies submission and a plea for mercy within the cultural customs of ancient Israel. Symbolism and Application Sitting at someone's feet in the biblical sense is a powerful symbol of humility, eagerness to learn, and a willingness to submit to authority. It reflects a heart posture that values spiritual wisdom and guidance. For believers, this imagery encourages a life of discipleship, where one seeks to learn from Christ and His teachings, embodying the humility and devotion exemplified by figures like Mary of Bethany. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 33:3Yes, he loved the people; all his saints are in your hand: and they sat down at your feet; every one shall receive of your words. Nave's Topical Index Luke 10:39 Acts 22:3 Library Sitting at the Feet of Jesus. PM But when Simon Cephas Saw this He Fell Before the Feet of Jesus... God and his Saints Jesus Makes Even Wrong-Doers his Friends Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee. A Seraph's Wings Remembering How Far the Writer of Our Book Excels all who have ... John Chapter xiii. 10-Jun John Chapter xx. 10-29. Of the Lower Members. Resources What does it mean that God makes our feet like the feet of a deer (Habakkuk 3:19)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples? | GotQuestions.org What does “how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” mean in Isaiah 52:7? | GotQuestions.org Feet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Feet: Washing of, As an Example, by Jesus The Feet of Criminals: Bound With Fetters The Feet of Criminals: Placed in Stocks The Feet of Enemies often Maimed and Cut off The Feet of Saints: At Liberty The Feet of Saints: Established by God The Feet of Saints: Guided by Christ The Feet of Saints: Kept by God The Feet of Strangers and Travellers Washed The Feet of the Jews: Bare in Affliction The Feet of the Jews: Neglected in Affliction The Feet of the Jews: Washed Frequently The Feet of the Wicked: Ensnared The Feet of the Wicked: Swift to Mischief The Feet of the Wicked: Swift to Shed Blood The Feet of Women often Adorned With Tingling Ornaments The Feet were Liable to Disease The Feet were Liable to Injury from Stones The Feet were Liable to Swelling from Walking The Feet: (Dipped in Blood) of Victory The Feet: (Set in a Large Place) Liberty The Feet: (Set on a Rock) Stability The Feet: (Sliding) Yielding to Temptation The Feet: (Treading Under) Complete Destruction The Feet: (Washed or Dipped in Oil) Abundance The Feet: Condemnation Expressed by Shaking the Dust From The Feet: Necessary Members of the Body The Feet: Neglect of Washing, Disrespectful to Guest The Feet: Origin of Uncovering in Consecrated Places The Feet: Parts of, Mentioned in Scripture: Heel The Feet: Parts of, Mentioned in Scripture: Sole The Feet: Parts of, Mentioned in Scripture: Toes The Feet: Path of, to be Pondered The Feet: Respect Exhibited by Falling At The Feet: Reverence Expressed by Kissing The Feet: Sleep Expressed by Covering The Feet: Stamped on the Ground in Extreme Joy or Grief The Feet: Subjection Expressed by Licking the Dust of The Feet: Subjugation of Enemies Expressed by Placing on Their Necks The Feet: To be Directed by God's Word The Feet: To be Guided by Wisdom and Discretion The Feet: To be Refrained from Evil The Feet: To be Turned to God's Testimonies The Feet: Washing for Others, a Menial office Related Terms |
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