σανδάλιον (sandalion)
sandalion
sandal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word sandalion refers simply to a sandal, specifically a type of footwear with a sole made of wood or leather and bound to the foot with thongs. It is a diminutive form derived from sandalon, pointing to a practical item of daily wear rather than an abstract concept. The term appears only twice in the New Testament, both in narrative contexts where physical clothing is described.
In Mark 6:9, Jesus instructs his disciples to wear sandals as part of their mission gear, highlighting the word’s association with travel and readiness. Similarly, Acts 12:8 records an angel telling Peter to put on his sandals before leaving prison, emphasizing the sudden transition from confinement to freedom. These instances show the word grounded in concrete reality.
The term likely has Persian roots, reflecting the cultural exchange of the ancient Near East. Its limited use in Scripture means it carries no heavy theological weight, serving instead as a vivid detail that anchors biblical stories in the everyday lives of those who walked dusty roads. Translators consistently render it as "sandal," preserving its simple, functional meaning.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sandalion refers to a simple sandal, a practical piece of footwear common in the ancient world. It appears only twice in the New Testament, grounding biblical narratives in the everyday reality of travel and daily life. In Mark 6:9, Jesus instructs His disciples to wear sandals as they go out to preach, highlighting readiness and dependence on God’s provision for their journey. This detail reminds us that faith is lived out in the ordinary moments of walking forward.
In Acts 12:8, an angel tells Peter to put on his sandals before leaving prison, marking a sudden shift from confinement to freedom. Here, the sandal becomes a symbol of transition and divine intervention. Though it carries no heavy theological weight, this small detail anchors the story in concrete reality, showing how God works through simple, tangible means. It invites us to see the sacred in the mundane aspects of our own paths.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sandals,1×
- sandals1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σανδάλιά1×
- σανδάλια,1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 6:9
but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics.
Jesus specifies sandals as essential gear for the disciples' mission, emphasizing practical readiness and trust in God's provision during their journey.
-
Acts 12:8
The angel said to him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” He did so. He said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.”
The angel commands Peter to put on his sandals, marking the immediate transition from prison confinement to freedom and divine guidance.