Topical Encyclopedia
The term "sole" in the Bible primarily refers to the bottom part of the foot. It is used both literally and metaphorically in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. The concept of the sole of the foot carries significant symbolic meaning, often related to possession, dominion, and humility.
Literal UsageIn its literal sense, the sole of the foot is mentioned in several passages. For instance, in
Deuteronomy 11:24 , God promises the Israelites, "Every place where the sole of your foot treads will be yours." This promise signifies the extent of the land that God is giving to the Israelites, emphasizing the physical act of walking as a claim to ownership.
Similarly, in
Joshua 1:3 , God reiterates this promise to Joshua: "I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses." Here, the sole of the foot symbolizes the act of taking possession of the land, underscoring the fulfillment of God's covenant with His people.
Metaphorical and Symbolic UsageThe sole of the foot also appears in metaphorical contexts, often symbolizing subjugation or defeat. In
Psalm 8:6 , the psalmist declares, "You made him ruler over the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet." This imagery of placing things under one's feet conveys authority and dominion, with the sole of the foot representing the power to subdue and govern.
In the New Testament, the concept of the sole of the foot is echoed in the teachings of Jesus. In
Luke 10:19 , Jesus tells His disciples, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Here, the act of treading underfoot symbolizes victory over evil and the spiritual authority granted to believers.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Near Eastern culture, the act of placing one's foot on something was a common symbol of conquest and control. This cultural understanding is reflected in biblical narratives, where the sole of the foot often signifies the transfer of land or the subjugation of enemies.
The practice of removing sandals in holy places, as seen in
Exodus 3:5 when God commands Moses, "Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground," also highlights the significance of the sole. This act of humility and reverence underscores the sanctity of the ground and the presence of God.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the imagery of the sole of the foot in Scripture points to themes of divine promise, human responsibility, and spiritual authority. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in granting His people the land and the responsibility they bear in stewarding it. Additionally, it reflects the ultimate victory believers have in Christ, who has placed all things under His feet (
Ephesians 1:22).
In summary, the concept of the sole in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing ideas of possession, authority, humility, and divine promise. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's covenantal relationship with His people and the spiritual authority granted to believers through faith in Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Any one of several species of flatfishes of the genus Solea and allied genera of the family Soleidae, especially the common European species (Solea vulgaris), which is a valuable food fish.
2. (n.) Any one of several American flounders somewhat resembling the true sole in form or quality, as the California sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), the long-finned sole (Glyptocephalus zachirus), and other species.
3. (n.) The bottom of the foot; hence, also, rarely, the foot itself.
4. (n.) The bottom of a shoe or boot, or the piece of leather which constitutes the bottom.
5. (n.) The bottom or lower part of anything, or that on which anything rests in standing.
6. (n.) The bottom of the body of a plow; -- called also slade; also, the bottom of a furrow.
7. (n.) The horny substance under a horse's foot, which protects the more tender parts.
8. (n.) The bottom of an embrasure.
9. (n.) A piece of timber attached to the lower part of the rudder, to make it even with the false keel.
10. (n.) The seat or bottom of a mine; -- applied to horizontal veins or lodes.
11. (v. t.) To furnish with a sole; as, to sole a shoe.
12. (a.) Being or acting without another; single; individual; only.
13. (a.) Single; unmarried; as, a feme sole.
Greek
5266. hupodema -- asole bound under (the foot), a sandal... a
sole bound under (the foot), a sandal. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration:
hupodema Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-od'-ay-mah) Short Definition: a sandal
...4547. sandalion -- a sandal
... Word Origin dim. of sandalon (a woodensole, sandal) Definition a sandal
NASB Word Usage sandals (2). sandal. Neuter of a derivative...
2487. ichnos -- a track
... 2487 (from , "move forward, arrive") -- properly, the impression made by thesole
of the foot (""); figuratively) the "footsteps" providing the for others to...
3439. monogenes -- only begotten
... only begotten, child. From monos and ginomai; only-born, ieSole -- only (begotten,
child). see GREEK monos. see GREEK ginomai. (monogene) -- 3 Occurrences....
2651. katamonas -- alone.
... alone. From kata and accusative case plural feminine of monos (with chora implied);
according tosole places, ie (adverbially) separately -- alone....
3441. monos -- alone
... alone, only, by themselves. Probably from meno; remaining, ieSole or single; by
implication, mere -- alone, only, by themselves. see GREEK meno....
Strong's Hebrew
3709. kaph -- hollow or flat of the hand, palm,sole (of the foot)...... 3708b, 3709. kaph. 3710 . hollow or flat of the hand, palm,
sole (of the foot),
a pan. Transliteration: kaph Phonetic Spelling: (kaf) Short Definition: hands
...3173. yachid -- only, only one, solitary
... From yachad; properly, united, ieSole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine)
the life (as not to be replaced) -- darling, desolate, only (child, son...
6446. pas -- flat (of the hand or foot)
... From pacac; properly, the palm (of the hand) orsole (of the foot) (compare pac);
by implication (plural) a long and sleeved tunic (perhaps simply a wide one...
7166. qarsol -- ankle
... 7165, 7166. qarsol. 7167 . ankle. Transliteration: qarsol Phonetic Spelling:
(kar-sole') Short Definition: feet. Word Origin from...
Library
Justin on theSole Government of God
Justin on theSole Government of God. <. Justin on theSole Government of
God Justin Martyr. Translated by the Rev. G. Reith, MA Table of Contents....
Faith theSole Saving Act.
... SERMONS. FAITH THESOLE SAVING ACT. JOHN vi.28, 29.""Then said they unto
him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?...
Whether God is theSole Cause of Grace
... Article One Whether God is theSole Cause of Grace. Whether God is theSole Cause
of Grace... 1. It seems that God is not thesole cause of grace....
Whether theSole Motive of Anger is Slight or Contempt?
... ANGER, AND OF THE REMEDIES OF ANGER (FOUR ARTICLES) [*There is no further mention
of these remedies in the text, except in A .] Whether thesole motive of...
The Church Militant 463. OneSole Baptismal Sign
... V. THE CHURCH The Church Militant 463. Onesole baptismal sign. 6.6.6.6.8.8
[1784]Bevan:... George Robinson, 1842. Onesole baptismal sign,. One Lord, below, above,...
That theSole Cause of the Decay and Cooling of Charity is in the...
... BOOK IV. OF THE DECAY AND RUIN OF CHARITY. CHAPTER V. THAT THESOLE CAUSE OF
THE DECAY AND COOLING OF CHARITY IS IN THE CREATURE'S WILL....
Justin on theSole Government of God
Justin on theSole Government of God. <....
The Good Pleasure of God is theSole Cause of this Gracious...
... First Head of Doctrine. Divine Election and Reprobation Article 10 The good
pleasure of God is thesole cause of this gracious election?...
Whether in Hell the Damned are Tormented by theSole Punishment of...
... OF THE PUNISHMENT OF THE DAMNED (SEVEN ARTICLES) Whether in hell the damned
are tormented by thesole punishment of fire? Objection...
The Unity of the Godhead and the Supremacy andSole Government of...
... Chapter IV."The Unity of the Godhead and the Supremacy andSole Government of the
Divine Being The Monarchy Not at All Impaired by the Catholic Doctrine....
Thesaurus
Sole (13 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) Any one of several American flounders somewhat resembling the true
sole in form or quality, as the California
sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), the long
...Soles (14 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 28:35 The LORD will smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a
sore boil, whereof thou canst not be healed, from thesole of thy foot unto...
Tread (60 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:5 don't contend with them; for I will not give you of their land,
no, not so much as for thesole of the foot to tread on; because I have given...
Zadok (50 Occurrences)
... (5) Accordingly, when Solomon found himself established on the throne, he put Zodak
in the room of Abiathar, ie made himsole high priest, while retaining...
Legs (50 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 28:35 Yahweh will strike you in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore
boil, of which you can not be healed, from thesole of your foot to the...
Ulcer (8 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 28:35 Jehovah will smite thee in the knees and in the legs with evil
ulcers, whereof thou canst not be healed, from thesole of thy foot unto the...
Jotham (26 Occurrences)
... for seven years the affairs of the kingdom in his father's stead (2 Chronicles
26:21, 23; 27:1). After his father's death he becamesole monarch, and reigned...
Gleamed (2 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ezekiel 1:7 Their feet were straight feet; and thesole of their feet
was like thesole of a calf's foot; and they sparkled like burnished brass....
Treads (19 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 11:24 Every place whereon thesole of your foot shall tread shall be
yours: from the wilderness, and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates...
Treadeth (25 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 11:24 every place on which thesole of your foot treadeth is yours;
from the wilderness, and Lebanon, from the river, the river Phrat, even unto...
Resources
What does it mean that the Bible should be our sole authority for faith and practice? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Deutero-Isaiah theory? Was the Book of Isaiah written by multiple Isaiahs? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Semiramis? | GotQuestions.orgSole: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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