Foot
“Foot”
Summary
The lower extremity of the leg, significant in Scripture for practices of hospitality (foot-washing), expressions of humility and worship, and figuratively representing conduct, subjection, and spiritual walk.
☩Foot-Washing
The dusty roads of Palestine made washing the feet necessary for comfort and cleanliness. This was always done when entering a house, and it was common courtesy to provide this service to guests. Jesus drew attention to the fact that in the Pharisee's house this service had been more than rendered to Him by the sinful woman. When Christ washed the disciples' feet, the cleansing meant not only that their feet could never turn to evil paths, but that they could never be set down with harsh authority over others. His service became a law: 'wash one another's feet.'
☩Shoes and Holy Ground
Sandals covered only the soles, so feet needed washing after journeys. Nakedness of feet in public, especially among the wealthy, was a token of mourning. In the house, shoes and sandals were never worn; they were left outside or in the vestibule. This was especially observed in places of worship: 'Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.'
☩Figurative Uses
'To be under any one's feet' denotes subjection—derived from conquerors setting their feet upon the necks of vanquished chiefs. Christ will put all enemies under His feet. 'To sit at the feet' means to occupy the place of a learner. The slipping, stumbling, or establishment of the foot represents moral stability or failure. 'How beautiful are the feet of him that bringeth glad tidings' signifies the coming of blessed messengers.
Related Verses92 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Foot," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Foot," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Foot," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).