In biblical times, the term "strap" may not be explicitly mentioned in the same way it is understood in modern contexts. However, the concept of a strap, as a piece of leather or fabric used for fastening, binding, or carrying, can be related to various biblical themes and objects.

Strap as a Binding Tool

The use of straps or similar binding tools can be inferred in several biblical passages where items are secured or fastened. For instance, in the context of armor, straps would have been essential for fastening protective gear. Ephesians 6:14 speaks of the "belt of truth" as part of the full armor of God: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed." While the term "strap" is not used, the concept of fastening and securing is evident.

Strap in the Context of Sandals

Straps are also associated with sandals, a common form of footwear in biblical times. John the Baptist, in his humility, refers to his unworthiness to untie the straps of Jesus' sandals. 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 imagery highlights the role of straps in everyday life and their symbolic significance in demonstrating humility and servitude.

Strap as a Symbol of Discipline

The concept of a strap can also be linked to discipline and correction, as seen in Proverbs 13:24: "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." While the verse specifically mentions a rod, the idea of using a strap for discipline is consistent with historical practices. The strap, in this sense, serves as a metaphor for correction and guidance, emphasizing the importance of discipline in nurturing and instructing children.

Strap in the Context of Binding and Loosing

The metaphorical use of binding and loosing in Scripture can also relate to the concept of straps. In Matthew 16:19, Jesus tells Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Here, the idea of binding is akin to securing or fastening, much like a strap would function. This passage underscores the authority given to the apostles in spiritual matters.

Strap in Ancient Near Eastern Culture

In the broader cultural context of the Ancient Near East, straps were commonly used in various aspects of daily life, from securing loads on animals to fastening garments. The practical applications of straps would have been well understood by the biblical audience, even if the term itself is not frequently mentioned in Scripture.

Overall, while the specific term "strap" may not appear frequently in the Bible, its functions and symbolic meanings are woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of humility, discipline, authority, and readiness.1. (n.) A long, narrow, pliable strip of leather, cloth, or the like; specifically, a strip of thick leather used in flogging.

2. (n.) Something made of such a strip, or of a part of one, or a combination of two or more for a particular use; as, a boot strap, shawl strap, stirrup strap.

3. (n.) A piece of leather, or strip of wood covered with a suitable material, for sharpening a razor; a strop.

4. (n.) A narrow strip of anything, as of iron or brass.

5. (n.) A band, plate, or loop of metal for clasping and holding timbers or parts of a machine.

6. (n.) A piece of rope or metal passing around a block and used for fastening it to anything.

7. (n.) The flat part of the corolla in ligulate florets, as those of the white circle in the daisy.

8. (n.) The leaf, exclusive of its sheath, in some grasses.

9. (n.) A shoulder strap. See under Shoulder.

10. (v. t.) To beat or chastise with a strap.

11. (v. t.) To fasten or bind with a strap.

12. (v. t.) To sharpen by rubbing on a strap, or strop; as, to strap a razor.

2438. himas -- a thong, strap
... a thong, strap. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: himas Phonetic
Spelling: (hee-mas') Short Definition: a thong, strap Definition: a thong, strap ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2438.htm - 6k

4683. sparganoo -- to wrap in swaddling clothes
... From sparganon (a strip; from a derivative of the base of sparasso meaning to strap
or wrap with strips); to swathe (an infant after the Oriental custom ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4683.htm - 6k

8288. serok -- (sandal) thong
... 8287, 8288. serok. 8289 . (sandal) thong. Transliteration: serok Phonetic
Spelling: (ser-oke') Short Definition: strap. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/8288.htm - 6k

2805. chesheb -- ingenious work
... curious girdle. From chashab; a belt or strap (as being interlaced) -- curious girdle.
see HEBREW chashab. 2804, 2805. chesheb. 2806 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/2805.htm - 6k

In the Desert
... Instead, she slipped the mantle from the strap that bound it across his shoulders,
and rolling it swiftly, made a pillow of it for his head. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xix in the desert.htm

He Got up in the Morning as Soon as He Heard the Men Moving In...
... He fastened the cheek-strap very carefully, just in the usual hole, for fear of
choking his friend, or else letting the bit get amongst his teeth. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 24 he got up.htm

The Next Morning Diamond was up Almost as Early as Before. ...
... from the north"-so hard sometimes that, perched on the box with just his toes touching
the ground, Diamond wished that he had some kind of strap to fasten ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 26 the next morning.htm

The Slave's Girdle
... meant work. And, says Peter, 'Do you strap round you the slave's apron, and
do it for the same reason that He did it, to serve.'. So ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the slaves girdle.htm

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... one's courtyard. [6480] The same rule applied to a packsaddle, provided
it were not fastened on by girth and back-strap. Upon this ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm

"That is Your Fault. "
... t put it on Him." "That is your fault," I replied; and I find a great many people
with burdens who, rather than just come to Him with them, strap them tighter ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/that is your fault.htm

Of the Miseries and Ills to which the Human Race is Justly Exposed ...
... What mean pedagogues, masters, the birch, the strap, the cane, the schooling which
Scripture says must be given a child, "beating him on the sides lest he wax ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of the miseries and.htm

In what Sense the "Keys" are Given to Peter, and Every Peter. ...
... But, as the man, who has not the cords of sins nor iniquities compared to a "long
rope or to the strap of the yoke of a heifer," [5659] not even God could bind ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/14 in what sense the.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... be pulled out longer. Their whole back down to the girdle was uncovered
except for the strap across the shoulders. On their heads ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Martyrdom of Habib the Deacon.
... I command, that a strap be put into his mouth, as into the mouth of a murderer,
and that he be burned by a slow lingering fire, so that the torment of his ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents martyrdom of.htm

Strap (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Something made of such a strip, or of a part of one, or a combination of
two or more for a particular use; as, a boot strap, shawl strap, stirrup strap...
/s/strap.htm - 8k

Sandal-strap (3 Occurrences)
Sandal-strap. Sandals, Sandal-strap. Sandal-thong . Multi-Version
Concordance Sandal-strap (3 Occurrences). Mark 1:7 ...
/s/sandal-strap.htm - 7k

Keeper (72 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A ring, strap, clamp, or any device for holding an object in place; as:
(a) The box on a door jamb into which the bolt of a lock protrudes, when shot. ...
/k/keeper.htm - 30k

Unfasten (4 Occurrences)
... Mark 1:7 His announcement was, "There is One coming after me mightier than I--One
whose sandal-strap I am unworthy to stoop down and unfasten. (WEY). ...
/u/unfasten.htm - 7k

Sling (11 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short
strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to ...
/s/sling.htm - 12k

Band (150 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A fillet, strap, or any narrow ligament with which a thing is encircled,
or fastened, or by which a number of things are tied, bound together, or ...
/b/band.htm - 50k

But (42052 Occurrences)
... joint. 19. (n.) The end of a connecting rod or other like piece, to which
the boxing is attached by the strap, cotter, and gib. 20. ...
/b/but.htm - 9k

Clip (2 Occurrences)
... papers, etc. 9. (n.) An embracing strap for holding parts together; the
iron strap, with loop, at the ends of a whiffletree. 10. (n ...
/c/clip.htm - 7k

Sandal (14 Occurrences)
... John 1:27 He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal
strap I'm not worthy to loosen." (WEB WEY DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/sandal.htm - 11k

Halter (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) One who halts or limps; a cripple. 2. (n.) A strong strap or cord. 3. (n.)
A rope or strap, with or without a headstall, for leading or tying a horse. ...
/h/halter.htm - 7k

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Strap: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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