Topical Encyclopedia The term "sandal-thong" refers to the strap or fastening of a sandal, a common type of footwear in biblical times. Sandals were typically made of leather and consisted of a sole that was secured to the foot by straps or thongs. The sandal-thong is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, often symbolizing humility, servitude, or the unworthiness of an individual in comparison to another.One of the most notable references to the sandal-thong is found in the New Testament, where John the Baptist speaks of his relationship to Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Mark, John declares, "After me will come one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie" (Mark 1:7). This statement highlights John's recognition of Jesus' divine authority and his own role as a forerunner to the Messiah. The act of untying a sandal-thong was considered a menial task, often performed by a servant, thus emphasizing John's humility and reverence for Christ. In the Old Testament, the sandal-thong is also associated with legal and ceremonial practices. For instance, in the book of Ruth, the removal of a sandal was part of a legal transaction. When Boaz redeems Ruth, the kinsman-redeemer removes his sandal to confirm the transfer of property rights (Ruth 4:7-8). This act symbolized the completion of a legal agreement and was a customary practice in ancient Israel. The imagery of the sandal-thong is further enriched by its cultural and historical context. In the ancient Near East, sandals were a practical necessity due to the harsh terrain and climate. They were worn by people of all social classes, from common laborers to kings. However, the act of removing one's sandals could also signify entering a holy space, as seen when God commands Moses to remove his sandals at the burning bush, saying, "Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground" (Exodus 3:5). In summary, the sandal-thong serves as a multifaceted symbol within the biblical narrative. It represents humility, servitude, and the acknowledgment of authority, as well as playing a role in legal customs and signifying reverence in sacred contexts. Through these various references, the sandal-thong provides insight into the cultural and spiritual life of biblical times. Strong's Hebrew 8288. serok -- (sandal) thong... 8287, 8288. serok. 8289 . (sandal) thong. Transliteration: serok Phonetic Spelling: (ser-oke') Short Definition: strap. Word Origin ... /hebrew/8288.htm - 6k Library John's First Testimony to Jesus. The First Disciples. The Baptist's Testimony. Chapter xiv Thesaurus Sandal-thong (2 Occurrences)Sandal-thong. Sandal-strap, Sandal-thong. Sandal-wood . Multi-Version Concordance Sandal-thong (2 Occurrences). Genesis ... /s/sandal-thong.htm - 7k Thong (5 Occurrences) Sandal-strap (3 Occurrences) Sandal-wood (5 Occurrences) Resources Did John the Baptist lose his faith in Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 11:3; Luke 7:19)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the ankh symbol? | GotQuestions.org How is Jesus greater than all the other great people in history? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sandal-thong (2 Occurrences)Genesis 14:23 Isaiah 5:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
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