Sandal in Smiths Bible Dictionary

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 Ge 14:23; Isa 5:27; Mr 1:7 Sandals were worn by all classes of society in Israel, 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. Ge 14:23 Ecclus. 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. Lu 7:38; Joh 13:5,6 It was a mark of reverence to cast off the shoes in approaching a place or person of eminent sanctity. Ex 3:5; Jos 5:15 It was also an indication of violent emotion, or of mourning, if a person appeared barefoot in public. 2Sa 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. Mt 3:11