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
Untying and carrying sandals was the task of a servant
Matthew 3:11 parallels Mark 1:7, Luke 3:16, John 1:27 John considers himself unworthy even to be a slave of Jesus Christ. See also Acts 13:25
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
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
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
To show rejection of any claim to property
Deuteronomy 25:9–10; Ruth 4:7–8; Psalm 60:8 parallel Psalm 108:9
To predict the defeat and disgrace of Egypt and Assyria
As a sign of mourning and repentance
2 Samuel 15:30; Ezekiel 24:17, Ezekiel 24:23; Micah 1:8
The symbolic use of sandals
As symbols of readiness for action
This is how you are to eat it: You must be fully dressed for travel, with your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. You are to eat in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover.
As symbols of oppression and injustice
Fine sandals as a status symbol
Sandals as an example of the need for minimum possessions in God's service
Matthew 10:10 parallels Mark 6:9, Luke 10:4; Luke 22:35
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.