Feet
“Feet”
Summary
Besides their literal meaning, feet carry rich symbolic significance in Scripture, representing presence, submission, discipleship, service, and the gospel mission.
☩Feet in Eastern Customs
In the dusty roads of Palestine, washing the feet of guests was a rite of hospitality (Luke 7:44, John 13:4-5). Rendering this service to the saints was mentioned among the qualifications of widows worthy of support (1 Timothy 5:10). Sandals were removed in holy places (Acts 7:33), and removing a master's sandals was a slave's work (Mark 1:7). Shaking dust off feet against a place signified complete separation from its doom (Matthew 10:14, Acts 13:51).
☩Symbolic Meanings
Feet carry various figurative meanings: worthlessness ('trodden under foot,' Matthew 5:13), supplication ('fell at his feet,' Mark 5:22), reverence (Luke 7:38, John 11:2), discipleship ('sat at his feet,' Luke 10:39, Acts 22:3), and complete subjugation ('under the feet,' 1 Corinthians 15:25, Ephesians 1:22). The Christian's feet are to be 'shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace' (Ephesians 6:15), and feet that bring good news are called 'beautiful' (Romans 10:15).
☩The Feet of Jesus
Scripture frequently mentions the feet of Jesus. Suppliants fell before His feet (Mark 5:22, Luke 8:41), and at His feet sufferers were laid to be healed. A sinful woman wet His feet with tears, kissed them, and anointed them (Luke 7:38). Mary of Bethany anointed His feet with precious spikenard (John 12:3). After the resurrection, Jesus showed His hands and feet to prove His identity, the marks of the nails confirming He was the crucified Lord (Luke 24:39-40). In His glorified state, His feet are 'like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace' (Revelation 1:15).
Related Verses239 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Feet," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Feet," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).