Topical Encyclopedia
The term "underfoot" in the Bible often conveys the idea of subjugation, defeat, or contempt. It is used metaphorically to describe the act of trampling or overpowering something or someone, often in a context of judgment or victory.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the imagery of something being trodden underfoot is frequently associated with divine judgment and the subjugation of enemies. For instance, in
Psalm 91:13, the psalmist declares, "You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent underfoot." This verse symbolizes God's protection and the believer's victory over dangerous and evil forces.
Isaiah 63:3 provides another vivid depiction: "I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My wrath; their blood spattered My garments, and I stained all My clothes." Here, the imagery of treading underfoot is used to describe God's judgment upon the nations, emphasizing His power and righteousness.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the concept of being underfoot is often linked to the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and evil.
Hebrews 10:29 warns of the severe consequences for those who reject the Son of God: "How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?" This passage underscores the gravity of rejecting Christ's sacrifice, equating it to trampling Him underfoot.
Additionally, in
1 Corinthians 15:25-27, Paul speaks of Christ's reign and the subjugation of all His enemies: "For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For 'God has put everything under His feet.'" This passage highlights the ultimate triumph of Christ, where all things are placed under His authority.
Symbolism and Theological ImplicationsThe imagery of "underfoot" serves as a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty and the ultimate defeat of evil. It reflects the biblical theme of divine justice, where the wicked and rebellious are subdued and the righteous are vindicated. The concept also points to the believer's participation in Christ's victory, as they are empowered to overcome spiritual adversaries through faith.
In a broader theological context, the notion of being underfoot can be seen as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It calls believers to live in obedience and submission to God's will, recognizing His authority over all creation. The imagery also offers hope, assuring believers of their future victory in Christ and the eventual restoration of God's perfect order.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
adv.) Under the feet; underneath; below. See under Foot.
2. (a.) Low; base; abject; trodden down.
Greek
2662. katapateo -- to tread down... trample, tread
underfoot. From kata and pateo; to trample down; figuratively, to
reject with disdain -- trample, tread (down,
underfoot). see GREEK kata.
...Library
The Resurrection
... But now that the Savior has raised His body, death is no longer terrible, but all
those who believe in Christ tread itunderfoot as nothing, and prefer to die...
Question of the Contemplative Life
... desire of the vision of the First Principle of all"viz., God Himself"and hence S.
Gregory says[320]: "The contemplative life, tramplingunderfoot all cares...
The Bible and the French Revolution
... Said the angel of the Lord: "The holy city shall they treadunderfoot forty
and two months.... The law of God was trampledunderfoot....
The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... around are eager for the possession of a country thus situated; it is seized upon
bit by bit, and in the strife dismembered and troddenunderfoot: at best the...
The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... pebbles and foreign substances which it contained, mixed with grass or chopped straw,
moistened with water, and assiduously troddenunderfoot, furnished the...
Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien...
... there is an even stranger attached thereto: ill-doing reigns and flourishes, while
virtue not only lacks its reward, but is even trampledunderfoot by wicked...
The Night of the Soul
... always felt, in comparing myself with the Saints, that I am as far removed from
them as the grain of sand, which the passer-by tramplesunderfoot, is remote...
the Nature of this Oversight
... some persons there are who, though expert in spiritual ministry, go about it in
a headstrong manner, and while acting intelligently, treadunderfoot any good...
The First Word from the Cross
... When righteousness is trampledunderfoot and wrong is triumphant, faith is tempted
to ask if there is really a God, loving and wise, seated on the throne of...
The Example of Pope Stephen in Resisting the Iteration of Baptism....
... [441] None whatever. The whole affair, as though a dream, a fable, a thing of no
possible account, was annulled, cancelled, and troddenunderfoot....
Thesaurus
Underfoot (14 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Low; base; abject; trodden down. Multi-Version Concordance
Underfoot (14
Occurrences).
... You will trample the young lion and the serpent
underfoot. (WEB).
...Trample (34 Occurrences)
... Luke 10:19 "I have given you power to tread serpents and scorpionsunderfoot, and
to trample on all the power of the Enemy; and in no case shall anything do...
Underclothing (1 Occurrence)
Undergarment (1 Occurrence)
Cobra (5 Occurrences)
... NIV). Psalms 91:13 You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample
the young lion and the serpentunderfoot. (WEB NAS NIV)....
Case (138 Occurrences)
... Luke 10:19 "I have given you power to tread serpents and scorpionsunderfoot, and
to trample on all the power of the Enemy; and in no case shall anything do...
Tread (60 Occurrences)
... Psalms 91:13 You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion
and the serpentunderfoot. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Anything (462 Occurrences)
... Luke 10:19 "I have given you power to tread serpents and scorpionsunderfoot, and
to trample on all the power of the Enemy; and in no case shall anything do...
Lion (92 Occurrences)
... Psalms 91:13 You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion
and the serpentunderfoot. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
What did Jesus mean when He described His followers as the salt of the earth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the times of the Gentiles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the four beasts in Daniel chapter 7? | GotQuestions.orgUnderfoot: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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