Topical Encyclopedia
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 ToolThe 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 SandalsStraps 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 DisciplineThe 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 LoosingThe 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 CultureIn 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.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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.
Greek
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...4683. sparganoo -- to wrap in swaddling clothes
... From sparganon (a strip; from a derivative of the base of sparasso meaning tostrap
or wrap with strips); to swathe (an infant after the Oriental custom...
Strong's Hebrew
8288. serok -- (sandal) thong... 8287, 8288. serok. 8289 . (sandal) thong. Transliteration: serok Phonetic
Spelling: (ser-oke') Short Definition:
strap. Word Origin
...2805. chesheb -- ingenious work
... curious girdle. From chashab; a belt orstrap (as being interlaced) -- curious girdle.
see HEBREW chashab. 2804, 2805. chesheb. 2806 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
In the Desert
... Instead, she slipped the mantle from thestrap that bound it across his shoulders,
and rolling it swiftly, made a pillow of it for his head....
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....
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 ofstrap to fasten...
The Slave's Girdle
... meant work. And, says Peter, 'Do youstrap round you the slave's apron, and
do it for the same reason that He did it, to serve.'. So...
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...
"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...
Of the Miseries and Ills to which the Human Race is Justly Exposed...
... What mean pedagogues, masters, the birch, thestrap, the cane, the schooling which
Scripture says must be given a child, "beating him on the sides lest he wax...
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 thestrap of the yoke of a heifer," [5659] not even God could bind...
The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... be pulled out longer. Their whole back down to the girdle was uncovered
except for thestrap across the shoulders. On their heads...
Martyrdom of Habib the Deacon.
... I command, that astrap 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...
Thesaurus
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...Sandal-strap (3 Occurrences)
Sandal-strap. Sandals, Sandal-strap. Sandal-thong . Multi-Version
Concordance Sandal-strap (3 Occurrences). Mark 1:7...
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....
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)....
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...
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...
But (42052 Occurrences)
... joint. 19. (n.) The end of a connecting rod or other like piece, to which
the boxing is attached by thestrap, cotter, and gib. 20....
Clip (2 Occurrences)
... papers, etc. 9. (n.) An embracingstrap for holding parts together; the
ironstrap, with loop, at the ends of a whiffletree. 10. (n...
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)....
Halter (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) One who halts or limps; a cripple. 2. (n.) A strongstrap or cord. 3. (n.)
A rope orstrap, with or without a headstall, for leading or tying a horse....
Resources
Did John the Baptist lose his faith in Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 11:3; Luke 7:19)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the ankh symbol? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgStrap: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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