The Life of Jesus in Harmony | Index

sandal strap

(Gk. sandalion, representing the Heb. na`al). The sandal, apparently the article used by the Hebrews for protecting the feet, consisted simply of a sole attached to the foot by thongs. The Gk. hupodema properly applies to the sandal exclusively, as it means what is bound under the foot.

We learn from the Mishnah that the materials employed in the construction of the sole were either leather, felt, cloth, or wood, and that it was occasionally shod with iron.

Sandals were worn by all classes of society in Palestine, even by the very poor (Amos 8:6), and both the sandal and the thong were so cheap and common that they passed into a proverb for the most insignificant thing (Gen 14:23; Ecclus. 46:19).

They were taken off indoors and were only put on by persons about to undertake some business away from their homes, such as a military expedition Is 5:27; Eph 6:15) or a journey (Ex 12:11; Josh 9:5,13; Acts 12:8). On such occasions persons carried an extra pair. During mealtimes the feet were undoubtedly uncovered, as implied in (Lk 7:38; Jn 13:5-6.

Figurative. It was a mark of reverence to take off the shoes in approaching a place or person of eminent sanctity (Ex 3:5; Josh 5:15).

It was also an indication of violent emotion or of mourning if a person appeared barefoot in public (2 Sam 15:30; Is 20:2; Song 7:1; Ezek 24:17,23). To carry or to unloose a person's sandal was a menial office betokening great inferiority on the part of the person performing it (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:7; Jn 1:27; Acts 13:25).

• A sandal thong (or lace), or even sandals themselves (Gen 14:23; Amos 2:6; 8:6) stand for anything of little value (just a piece of hide). Sandals with blood on them were figurative of being engaged in war (1 Ki 2:5).