ἱμάς (himas)
himas
leather strap
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word himas refers to a leather thong or strap, serving practical purposes in the ancient world. It denotes the sturdy ties used to secure sandals to the feet, ensuring they stayed in place during travel. The same term also describes the straps employed to bind captives or criminals, often in preparation for scourging.
This dual usage highlights a stark contrast between everyday utility and severe punishment. In the Gospels, John the Baptist uses this image to describe his own humble role relative to Jesus. He states that he is not worthy to untie the strap (himas) of the one who comes after him (Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16; John 1:27). By invoking a simple sandal thong, John emphasizes the vast difference in status between himself and the Messiah.
The word appears only four times in the New Testament, consistently pointing to something small yet essential. Whether it is the strap holding a shoe or the cord binding a prisoner, himas represents a tangible connection. Its presence in Acts 22:25 further underscores its association with restraint and authority, reminding readers of the physical realities faced by early believers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the ancient world, a leather strap was a simple but essential tool. It kept sandals secure during long journeys or bound prisoners to ensure order. John the Baptist used this everyday image to show how small his role was compared to Jesus. He said he was not worthy to untie the strap of the one who came after him. This humble admission reminds us that true greatness often looks like service.
When we face difficult times, we might feel bound or restricted. The word himas appears in Acts 22:25 when Paul is tied up with straps. Even in that moment of restraint, he stood firm in his identity as a Roman citizen and a follower of Christ. Your current struggles may feel heavy, but they do not define your worth. God sees your faithfulness in the small, hidden moments.
Consider how John focused on Jesus rather than his own status. He did not seek attention for himself but pointed others to the Messiah. You can do the same by letting your actions reflect Christ’s love. When you serve quietly and humbly, you honor God in ways that last forever. This simple truth offers hope and peace to anyone seeking a deeper connection with their faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strap3×
- straps,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱμάντα3×
- ἱμᾶσιν,1×
Key Verses
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Mark 1:7
He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.
John uses the strap image to highlight his own unworthiness compared to the mightier one who comes after him.
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Luke 3:16
John answered them all, “I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.
The strap signifies the vast difference in status between John and Jesus, emphasizing Jesus' superior authority.
-
John 1:27
He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to loosen.”
John reiterates that he is not worthy to loosen the sandal strap, reinforcing his humble posture before the Messiah.
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Acts 22:25
When they had tied him up with straps, Paul asked the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and not found guilty?”
The straps physically restrain Paul, showing how such ties were used for punishment and control in the Roman system.