Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Sandal
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was the article ordinarily used by the Hebrews for protecting the feet. It consisted simply of a sole attached to the foot by thongs. We have express notice of the thong (Authorized Version "shoe latchet") in several passages, notably (Genesis 14:23 ; Isaiah 5:27 ; Mark 1:7 ) Sandals were worn by all classes of society in Palestine, even by the very poor; and both the sandal and the thong or shoe-latchet were so cheap and common that they passed into a proverb for the most insignificant thing. (Genesis 14:23 ) Sirach 46;13 , They were dispensed with in-doors, and were only put on by persons about to undertake some business away from their homes. During mealtimes the feet were uncovered. (Luke 7:38 ; John 13:5,6 ) It was a mark of reverence to cast off the shoes in approaching a place or person of eminent sanctity. (Exodus 3:5 ; Joshua 5:15 ) It was also an indication of violent emotion, or of mourning, if a person appeared barefoot in public. (2 Samuel 15:30 ) To carry or to unloose a person's sandal was a menial office, betokening great inferiority on the part of the person performing it. (Matthew 3:11 )
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Bibliography Information
Smith, William, Dr. Entry for 'Sandal'. Smith's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/sbd/s/sandal.html. 1901.