Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5125 Parts of the body and clothing  »  5179 sandal

A form of open shoe worn in warm climates, and the only form of foot-covering to be of major importance in Scripture. Both the wearing and the removal of sandals is often seen as symbolic; to go barefoot was often a sign of shame, mourning or poverty.

Sandals were normally worn by an official, soldier or messenger

1 Kings 2:5; Ephesians 6:15

Untying and carrying sandals was the task of a servant

Matthew 3:11 pp Mark 1:7 pp Luke 3:16 pp John 1:27 John considers himself unworthy even to be a slave of Jesus Christ. See also Acts 13:25

The removal of sandals as a gesture

As a mark of respect in the presence of God

Exodus 3:5 See also Joshua 5:15; Acts 7:33

To show rejection of any claim to property

Deuteronomy 25:9-10; Ruth 4:7-8; Psalm 60:8 pp Psalm 108:9

To predict the defeat and disgrace of Egypt and Assyria

Isaiah 20:2-4

As a sign of mourning and repentance

2 Samuel 15:30; Ezekiel 24:17,23; Micah 1:8

The symbolic use of sandals

As symbols of readiness for action

Exodus 12:11

As symbols of oppression and injustice

See also Amos 2:6; Amos 8:6

Fine sandals as a status symbol

Ezekiel 16:10; Luke 15:22

Sandals as an example of the need for minimum possessions in God's service

Matthew 10:10 pp Mark 6:9 pp Luke 10:4; Luke 22:35

See also

5145  clothing
5151  feet
5197  walking