Topical Encyclopedia The term "shoe-latchet" refers to a strap or thong used to fasten a sandal or shoe. In biblical times, footwear typically consisted of simple sandals secured to the foot with leather thongs or straps. The shoe-latchet, therefore, was an essential component of everyday attire in the ancient Near East.Biblical References: The shoe-latchet is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, often symbolizing humility, servitude, or the relinquishing of rights. One notable reference is found in Genesis 14:23, where Abram, after rescuing Lot and defeating the kings, refuses to take any goods from the king of Sodom. He declares, "I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’" . Here, the shoe-latchet represents Abram's commitment to relying solely on God's provision rather than human wealth or reward. Another significant mention is in the New Testament, where John the Baptist uses the imagery of a shoe-latchet to express his unworthiness in comparison to Jesus Christ. In Mark 1:7, John proclaims, "After me will come one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie." . This statement underscores John's recognition of Jesus' divine authority and his own role as a humble forerunner. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In the cultural context of the Bible, untying or carrying another person's sandals was considered a task for the lowest servants. Thus, the act of handling a shoe-latchet was emblematic of servitude and humility. This cultural understanding amplifies the humility expressed by John the Baptist and the integrity demonstrated by Abram. The shoe-latchet also appears in the context of legal transactions and covenants. In Ruth 4:7, the removal of a sandal signifies the transfer of property rights, as Boaz redeems the land and marries Ruth. The passage states, "Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel." . Here, the shoe-latchet serves as a tangible symbol of agreement and the fulfillment of legal obligations. Theological Implications: The references to shoe-latchets in Scripture highlight themes of humility, servitude, and the relinquishing of personal rights in favor of divine will. Abram's refusal to accept even a sandal strap from the king of Sodom reflects a profound trust in God's provision and a rejection of worldly wealth. Similarly, John the Baptist's declaration of unworthiness to untie Jesus' sandals points to the recognition of Christ's supreme authority and the call to serve Him with humility. In the broader biblical narrative, the shoe-latchet serves as a reminder of the believer's call to humility and service, echoing the example set by Christ Himself, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHOE; SHOE-LATCHETshoo, shoo'-lach-et (na`al, literally, "that which is fastened," with denominative verb na`al, "to provide with shoes" (2 Chronicles 28:15 Ezekiel 16:10); hupodema (Sirach 46:19; Matthew 3:11, etc.), from the verb hupodeo (Mark 6:9 Ephesians 6:15), "to bind under," sandalion, "sandal" (Judith 10:4; 16:09; Mark 6:9 Acts 12:8); the King James Version, the Revised Version margin also have "shoe" for min`al, "bar" (so the Revised Version (British and American) text) in Deuteronomy 33:25; the "latchet" is either serokh, "twisted thing" (Genesis 14:23 Isaiah 5:27), or himas, "leather thong" (Mark 1:7 Luke 3:16 John 1:27)): The na`al was a simple piece of leather tied on the foot with the serokh, so easy of construction that its low cost was proverbial (Amos 2:6; Amos 8:6; Sir 46:19; compare Genesis 14:23), and to be without it was a sign of extreme poverty (2 Chronicles 28:15 Isaiah 20:2). Women, however, might have ornamental sandals (Songs 7:1; Jdt 16:9), and Ezekiel names "sealskin" (16:10) as a particularly luxurious material, but the omission of sandals from the list of Isaiah 3:18-23 shows that they were not commonly made articles of great expense. The hupodema was likewise properly a sandal, but the word was also used to denote a shoe that covered the foot. The contrast between hupodema in Matthew 10:10 and sandalion in Mark 6:9 seems to show that this meaning is not unknown in the New Testament, the "shoe" being regarded as an article of luxury (compare Luke 15:22). But in Matthew 3:11 and parallel's, only the sandal can be meant. Strong's Hebrew 5275. naal -- a sandal, shoe... Word Origin from naal Definition a sandal, shoe NASB Word Usage dry-shod (1), sandal (7), sandals (9), shoe (2), shoes (3). dryshod, shoe latchet,. ... /hebrew/5275.htm - 6k 8288. serok -- (sandal) thong Library How the Baptist Answers the Question of the Pharisees and Exalts ... Concerning the Words Ascribed to John by all the Four Evangelists ... Jesus and his Forerunner. John Chapter i. 19-33 John i. 19 Faith Rewarded. Petty Dishonesty. The Voice in the Wilderness. John Chapter iii. 22-29 The Fourth Gospel Speaks of Only one Shoe, the Others of Both. The ... Thesaurus Shoelatchet (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHOE; SHOE-LATCHET. shoo ... Burton Scott Easton. Multi-Version Concordance Shoelatchet (1 Occurrence). Genesis ... /s/shoelatchet.htm - 12k Shoe-latchet (1 Occurrence) Shoe (13 Occurrences) Latchet (4 Occurrences) Shoes (32 Occurrences) Unloose (4 Occurrences) Aught (52 Occurrences) Shouldest (79 Occurrences) Sandal (14 Occurrences) Shoe's (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was D. L. Moody? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Euthyphro's Dilemma? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean for something to be amoral? What is amorality? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shoe-latchet (1 Occurrence)Genesis 14:23 Subtopics Related Terms |