Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, shoes were an essential part of daily life, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The construction and use of shoes in the ancient Near East were quite different from modern footwear, often consisting of simple sandals made from leather or other natural materials. These sandals were designed to protect the feet from the harsh terrain and climate of the region.
Biblical References and SymbolismShoes are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often carrying significant symbolic meaning. In
Exodus 3:5, when Moses encounters the burning bush, God commands him, "Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." This act of removing shoes signifies reverence and humility before God, acknowledging the sacredness of the divine presence.
In the book of Ruth, the removal of a sandal is part of a legal transaction.
Ruth 4:7-8 explains, "Now in former times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party would remove his sandal and give it to the other. This was their method of legalizing transactions in Israel. So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, 'Buy it for yourself.'" Here, the sandal serves as a symbol of the transfer of rights and responsibilities.
Shoes also appear in the context of readiness and preparation. In
Ephesians 6:15, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to have "your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace." This metaphorical use of shoes emphasizes the importance of being prepared to spread the message of peace and salvation.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the ancient world, shoes were often a sign of wealth and status. The poor might have gone barefoot, while those of higher status wore sandals. The materials and craftsmanship of the sandals could indicate the wearer's social standing. In
Isaiah 20:2-4, the prophet Isaiah is instructed to walk barefoot and naked as a sign against Egypt and Cush, symbolizing their impending defeat and humiliation.
The act of going barefoot could also signify mourning or penance. In
2 Samuel 15:30, David ascends the Mount of Olives barefoot, weeping as he flees from his son Absalom. This act of humility and sorrow reflects the gravity of his situation and his repentance before God.
Spiritual LessonsShoes in the Bible often carry deeper spiritual lessons. They remind believers of the need for humility and reverence before God, as seen in Moses' encounter with the burning bush. They also highlight the importance of readiness and preparation in the Christian life, as illustrated in Paul's exhortation to be fitted with the gospel of peace.
Furthermore, the cultural practices surrounding shoes in biblical times offer insights into the social and legal customs of the ancient Near East, enriching our understanding of the historical context of Scripture. Through these various references, shoes serve as a multifaceted symbol within the biblical narrative, pointing to themes of humility, readiness, and the transfer of authority.
ATS Bible Dictionary
ShoesSeeSANDALS.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Shoe.
Greek
5265. hupodeo -- to bind under... put on, put on
shoes. From hupo and deo; to bind under one's feet, ie Put on
shoes or sandals -- bind on, (be) shod. see GREEK hupo. see GREEK deo.
...5266. hupodema -- a sole bound under (the foot), a sandal
... Word Origin from hupodeo Definition a sole bound under (the foot), a sandal
NASB Word Usage sandal (1), sandals (8),shoes (1). shoe....
Strong's Hebrew
3182. yacheph -- barefoot... barefoot, being unshod. From an unused root meaning to take off the
shoes; unsandalled
-- barefoot, being unshod. 3181, 3182. yacheph. 3183 . Strong's Numbers
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,....
Library
NewShoes
... NEWSHOES. "I wonder if there can be a pair ofshoes in it!"... He sat for awhile thinking
how badly he wanted a pair ofshoes to wear to the Sunday School picnic....
The RedShoes
... BIBLE STORIES AND RELIGIOUS CLASSICS THE REDSHOES.... On the day when her mother was
buried she received the redshoes and wore them for the first time....
OnShoes.
... Chap. XII."OnShoes. Women fond of display act in the same manner with regard
toshoes, showing also in this matter great luxuriousness....
A Soldier'sShoes
... EPHESIANS A SOLDIER'SSHOES.... 'Thyshoes shall be iron and brass,' and these metals
are harder than any of the rock that you will have to clamber over....
Of theirShoes.
... Prolegomena. Chapter IX. Of theirShoes. But refusingshoes, as forbidden
by the command of the gospel, if bodily weakness or the...
Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise
...Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: A New Year's Promise. A Sermon (No.2062)....
"Thyshoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be."...
Of the Testimony in Mark. What is Meant by the Saviour'sShoes and...
... Sixth Book. 18. Of the Testimony in Mark. What is Meant by the Saviour'sShoes and
by Untying His Shoe-Latchets. Now let us consider what is stated by Mark....
God Said to Moses, "Put Off ThyShoes, for the Place Whereon Thou...
... Address 156: God said to Moses, "Put off thyshoes, for the place whereon
thou standest is? God said to Moses, "Put off thyshoes...
The Fourth Gospel Speaks of Only one Shoe, the Others of Both. The...
... As to theshoes, too, which are spoken of in the three Gospels, we have a question
to consider; we must compare them with the single shoe named by the disciple...
Shod for the Road
... THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY SHOD FOR THE ROAD. 'Thyshoes shall be iron and brass;
and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.' Deuteronomy 33:25....
Thesaurus
Shoes (32 Occurrences)...Shoes (32 Occurrences).
... Matthew 10:10 Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats,
nor
shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
...Barefoot (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (a. & adv.) With the feet bare; withoutshoes or stockings....
Shoes of the modern sort, as well as socks and stockings, were unknown....
Foot (193 Occurrences)
... The absence of socks or stockings, the use of sandals and lowshoes rather than
boots and, to an even greater degree, the frequent habit of walking barefoot...
Shoe (13 Occurrences)
... The verse has accordingly been rendered "iron and brass shall be thy fortress,"
or, as in the Revised Version, "thy bars [marg., "shoes"] shall be iron and...
Shoe-latchet (1 Occurrence)
Shoe-latchet. Shoelatchet, Shoe-latchet.Shoes .... If the latter, the meaning
is "Edom I will treat as a slave," to whom theshoes are cast on entering a house...
Undo (9 Occurrences)
... Undo (9 Occurrences). Mark 1:7 And he said to them all, There is one coming after
me who is greater than I, whoseshoes I am not good enough to undo. (BBE)....
Waist (36 Occurrences)
... Exodus 12:11 This is how you shall eat it: with your waist girded, yourshoes on
your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is...
Belt (32 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Luke 22:35 He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse, and wallet,
andshoes, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing." (See NAS)....
Unloose (4 Occurrences)
... Mark 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet
of whoseshoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose....
Unclothed (14 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 20:2 At that time the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saying,
Go, and take off your robe, and yourshoes from your feet; and he did so...
Resources
What is the readiness of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it refers to holy ground? | GotQuestions.orgWho was D. L. Moody? | GotQuestions.orgShoes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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