Shoes or sandals: Greek is, hupodema. What is bound under the foot, a scandal, a sole of wood or hide bound on with thongs. In later usage, the Roman calcus or shoe which covered the whole foot. Of the thick nailed shoes of the Roman soldiers, caliga.
Matthew 10:10, Jesus said, “Provide neither — shoes for the workman is worthy of his meat (food.)”
Luke 10:4, 15:22, “The father said to his servants, bring forth the best robe — and (put) shoes on his feet — for my son was dead, and is alive again.”
Luke 22:35. Acts 7:33, “Put off thy shoes from thy feet,” as take off thy sandal or shoe, quoted from Exodus 3:5, where Septuagint for Hebrew as also Deuteronomy 25:9. Joshua 5:15. Isiah 5:27. Hence to bear the scandals of any one,
Matthew 3:11, “I whose shoes I am not worthy to bear,” to unbind one’s scandals, Mark 1:7. Luke 3:16. John 1:27. Acts 13:25, expressions implying inferiority, since this was usually done only by menial servants or slaves, for their masters.
Shoes were not worn at all periods: they were dispensed with in-doors, and were only put on by persons about to undertake some business away from their homes; such as a military expedition, Isaiah 5:27;
Ephesians 6:13-15, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. — and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” or a journey Exodus 12:11; Joshua 9:5-13; Acts 12:8; on such occasions, persons carried an extra pair. During meal-times, the feet were undoubtedly uncovered, Luke 7:38,
John 13:5-6, “He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet.” It was a mark of reverence to cast off the shoes in approaching a place or person of eminent sanctity, Ex.3:5;
Josh.5:15, “The captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, loose your shoe from off thy foot; for the place where you stand is holy, and Joshua did so.”
It was also an indication of violent emotions, or of morning, if a person appeared barefoot in public, 2 Samuel 15:30; Isaiah 20:2, Exodus 24:17-23.
To carry or to unloose a person’s sandal was a menial office indicating inferiority on the part of the person performing it, Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:7, John 1:27,
Acts 13:25, John the Baptist said, “Behold, there will come one (Jesus) after me, whose shoes (sandals) of his feet I am not worthy to loose.” The expression in,
Psalms 60:8, 108:9, “Over Edom I cast out my shoe,” evidently signifies the subjection of that country; which may point to Isa.63:1-2 where it speaks of the Lord Jesus at the end of the tribulation coming from the area of Edom with blood on his garments and had “treadeth in the winepress;” compare with,
Revelation 19:15, “He (Jesus) treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Also the use of the shoe in the transfer of property is can be seen in,
Ruth 4:7-8, “Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked of his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor; and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman and unto Boaz, but it (parcel of land) for thee (Boaz). So he drew off his shoe.”
Phillip LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com