Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "footstep" often symbolizes the path or way of life that one follows, reflecting one's conduct, decisions, and spiritual journey. The concept of footsteps is frequently used metaphorically to describe the guidance and example set by God, Christ, or the righteous, which believers are encouraged to follow.
Divine Guidance and ProtectionThe Bible frequently uses the imagery of footsteps to convey God's guidance and protection over His people. In
Psalm 37:23, it is written, "The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey." This verse emphasizes the belief that God directs the paths of the righteous, ensuring that their steps align with His divine will. Similarly,
Psalm 119:133 states, "Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me," highlighting the importance of divine guidance through Scripture in maintaining a righteous path.
Following Christ's ExampleThe New Testament further develops the metaphor of footsteps in the context of following Christ. In
1 Peter 2:21, believers are called to emulate Christ's example: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps." This passage underscores the call to live a life of humility, service, and sacrifice, mirroring the life of Jesus.
The Path of the Righteous vs. the WickedThe Bible contrasts the footsteps of the righteous with those of the wicked.
Proverbs 4:26-27 advises, "Make level paths for your feet; and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." This counsel reflects the importance of steadfastness and moral integrity, warning against deviating from the path of righteousness.
Legacy and InfluenceFootsteps also symbolize the legacy and influence one leaves behind. In the context of faith,
Hebrews 11 recounts the "Hall of Faith," where the faithful actions of biblical figures serve as footsteps for future generations to follow. Their lives of faith and obedience provide a model for believers to emulate.
Spiritual Journey and GrowthThe metaphor of footsteps is also used to describe the spiritual journey and growth of a believer.
Psalm 85:13 declares, "Righteousness will go before Him to prepare the way for His steps." This verse suggests that as believers grow in righteousness, they prepare a path that aligns with God's will, leading to spiritual maturity and deeper communion with Him.
In summary, the concept of footsteps in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the journey of faith, the influence of one's life, and the divine guidance provided by God. Believers are encouraged to follow the footsteps of Christ and the righteous, ensuring their paths align with God's will and purpose.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The mark or impression of the foot; a track; hence, visible sign of a course pursued; token; mark; as, the footsteps of divine wisdom.
2. (n.) An inclined plane under a hand printing press.
Greek
2487. ichnos -- a track... a track. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: ichnos Phonetic Spelling:
(ikh'-nos) Short Definition: a track,
footstep Definition: a track,
footstep.
...Strong's Hebrew
4096. midrak -- a treading or stepping place... 4095, 4096. midrak. 4097 . a treading or stepping place. Transliteration: midrak
Phonetic Spelling: (mid-rawk') Short Definition:
footstep.
...7272. regel -- foot
... foot NASB Word Usage accompany* (1), after (1), attended* (1), feet (139), follow
(2), followed (2), following (1), foot (60),footstep* (1), footsteps (1...
6471. paam -- a beat, foot, anvil, occurrence
... twice (7), two times (1), usual (1). anvil, corner,footstep, going, hundredfold,
now, this once, order,. Or (feminine) pa;amah {pah-am...
3709. kaph -- hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot)...
... Origin from kaphaph Definition hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot),
a pan NASB Word Usage branches (1), earnings* (1),footstep* (1), give...
Library
The Translation of Elijah and the Ascension of Christ
... ascend to their Father and His Father.' Nor perhaps was it without a meaning that
the Mount which received the last print of His ascendingfootstep was that...
Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached...
... walk is always vigorous; the tendency to slip of one part of the hoof being sustained
by the firmness of the other, and so retained in the substantialfootstep...
Beasts Similarly Subject to the Law of Mutation.
... Dull and weary, he scarce raises from the ground, but drags, hisfootstep amazedly,
and moves forward,"he rather demonstrates, than takes, a step: ever...
Opening Thoughts.
... Many has been the wearyfootstep and tearful eye that has hastened in thought
to BETHANY""gone to the grave of Lazarus, to weep there."....
Repentance More Competent to Heathens than to Christians.
... every kind of sexual sanctity, who, by the instrumentality of a discipline of this
nature remote from the path of truth, mount with uncertainfootstep upon a...
Hymn for the Burial of the Dead
... Therefore our tenderest care we spend Upon the grave: and mourners go With solemn
dirge andfootstep slow" Love's last sad tribute to a friend....
Sin Immeasurable
... The sea of wisdom has cast up a shell or two upon our shore, but its vast
depths have never known thefootstep of the searcher....
A Wise Desire
... If he can but detect thefootstep of his lord, and discover that the sacred writers
are making some reference to him, however indistinct or dark he will...
Israel at the Red Sea
... Now shall be tread the desert through with hastyfootstep; and when a few more days
have passed, we shall enter into the land of our possession"the land that...
But Having Asserted that Our Religion is Supported by the Writings...
... they roam over the whole world without either a human or a heavenly king, not
possessing even the stranger's right to set so much as a simplefootstep in their...
Thesaurus
Footstep (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Footstep (3 Occurrences).
... Job 18:12 His strength is made
feeble for need of food, and destruction is waiting for his falling
footstep.
...Foot's (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 7:5 and He gave him no inheritance in it, not even afootstep, and did promise
to give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him -- he having...
Footsteps (30 Occurrences)
Tread (60 Occurrences)
... male bird. 9. (n.) A step or stepping; pressure with the foot; afootstep;
as, a nimble tread; a cautious tread. 10. (n.) Manner...
Conscience (36 Occurrences)
... The ancient poets represented the terrors of conscience under the guise of the Erinyes
or Furies, who, with swift, silent, unswervingfootstep, tracked the...
Step (41 Occurrences)
... steps. 10. (n.) A small space or distance; as, it is but a step. 11. (n.)
A print of the foot; afootstep; a footprint; track. 12. (vi...
Agrapha
... this world" (130). (25) "Better is a singlefootstep in My Father's house than
all the wealth of this world" (130). (26) "Now therefore...
Feeble (147 Occurrences)
... feeble. (YLT). Job 18:12 His strength is made feeble for need of food, and
destruction is waiting for his fallingfootstep. (BBE)....
Resources
What are the agrapha? | GotQuestions.orgFootstep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
