Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5125 Parts of the body and clothing » 5151 feet
The part of the body associated with moving and with foundation, direction and chosen path. Feet may symbolise the response to God's direction. The feet of God and of Jesus Christ are mentioned symbolically to describe some divine characteristics.
Feet as part of the physical body
Human feet
Exodus 30:19-21; Leviticus 8:23; Deuteronomy 8:4; Joshua 14:9; 2 Samuel 4:4; 1 Kings 15:23; Songs 7:1; Ezekiel 6:11; Ezekiel 25:6; Luke 7:44; Acts 3:7
The feet of creatures and objects of worship
Genesis 8:9; Exodus 37:3; Ezekiel 1:7; Daniel 2:33
A whole person may be represented by the foot
Job 28:4; Psalm 36:11; Proverbs 6:18; Isaiah 59:7
Symbolic references to human feet
In relation to guidance, direction and following
Psalm 17:5 See also Psalm 37:31; Psalm 44:18; Psalm 56:13; Psalm 119:101,105; Proverbs 3:6; Proverbs 4:26-27; Luke 1:79
In relation to disobedience and waywardness
Psalm 1:1 See also 2 Kings 21:22; Job 31:5; Proverbs 1:15-16; Proverbs 4:14; Proverbs 6:18; Isaiah 59:7; Matthew 18:8 pp Mark 9:45
In relation to a secure standing with God
Psalm 40:2 See also 1 Samuel 2:9; 2 Samuel 22:34 pp Psalm 18:33; Psalm 31:8; Psalm 66:9; Proverbs 4:26; Habakkuk 3:19; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 6:13
In relation to bringing the gospel
Isaiah 52:7 See also Nahum 1:15; Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15
In relation to expressing attitudes and emotions
Joshua 10:24 defeat and humiliation; Ruth 3:4-8 requesting marriage and redemption; 1 Samuel 25:24 supplication and homage
Hospitality and servanthood:
1 Samuel 25:41; Luke 7:44; John 13:5
Defeat and subservience:
2 Samuel 22:39-40 pp Psalm 18:38-39; Ezekiel 24:17 mourning; Matthew 10:14 pp Mark 6:11 pp Luke 9:5 scorn and a warning to those who reject God's message
Worship and reverence:
Acts 4:35; Acts 10:25 Hebrews 10:29 rejection
“Jesus' feet” symbolises the source and place of God's grace
Worshippers come to Jesus Christ's feet
Luke 8:35 See also Matthew 28:9
The sinful come to Jesus Christ's feet
Luke 7:37-38 See also John 12:3
The suffering come to Jesus Christ's feet
Matthew 15:30 See also Mark 5:22-23 pp Matthew 9:18 pp Luke 8:41; Mark 7:25 pp Matthew 15:25; John 11:32
People sit at Jesus Christ's feet to learn
Luke 10:39 It was common practice for disciples to gather around their teacher in this way. See also John 8:2
Ultimately all will come to Jesus Christ's feet in worship
Romans 14:11; Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:10
“Feet of God” symbolises his majestic presence
Zechariah 14:4 See also Exodus 24:10; Isaiah 66:1; Nahum 1:3; Matthew 5:35; Acts 7:49; Revelation 10:2
God's feet are referred to in relation to worship
Psalm 99:5; Psalm 110:1; Psalm 132:7; Revelation 1:17
“Beneath/under the feet” to denote the defeat and subservience of enemies
Joshua 10:24; 2 Samuel 22:39; 1 Kings 5:3; Psalm 8:6; Psalm 45:5; Psalm 47:3; Isaiah 49:23; Lamentations 3:34; Malachi 4:3; Matthew 22:42-45; Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34-36; Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 15:25-28; Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 10:13; Revelation 3:9
See also
2420 gospel 4050 dust 5153 foot-washing 5163 legs 5179 sandal 5197 walking 5865 gestures 7342 cleanliness 8120 following Christ 9125 footstool
