ὑπόδημα (hupodēma)
hupodēma
sandal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hypodēma refers to a sandal, specifically describing the sole bound under the foot with thongs. In the New Testament, this term appears ten times, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, as well as in Acts. It denotes the practical footwear worn by travelers in the ancient Near East, serving as a basic item for walking long distances on dusty roads.
A notable usage occurs when John the Baptist and Jesus both describe their relationship to one another using this word. In Matthew 3:11 and Mark 1:7, John states he is not worthy to untie the strap of the Messiah’s sandal. This hyperbolic humility highlights that even a slave might perform such a task, yet John considers himself unworthy for it, emphasizing Jesus’ superior status. Similarly, in Acts 7:33 and 13:25, the term appears in contexts recalling ancient traditions or prophetic declarations involving footgear.
The word derives from roots meaning "under" and "to shoe," literally translating to "what is under the foot." Its consistent presence in these key passages underscores the cultural reality of simple sandals as everyday wear. Translators typically render it simply as "sandal," capturing the tangible, humble nature of the object without adding theological abstraction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hypodēma refers to the simple leather sandals worn by travelers in the ancient world. These were practical items, essential for walking dusty roads but far from luxurious. When John the Baptist said he was not worthy to untie the strap of Jesus’ sandal, he was using a cultural standard of extreme humility. In that society, even a slave might perform this task, yet John placed himself below that level to highlight Jesus’ supreme authority and dignity.
Yet the same word appears in the parable of the prodigal son, where sandals are put on the feet of a restored son. Here, the footwear signals a return to family status and honor. This contrast shows that while the sandal can mark lowliness or service, it also marks restoration and belonging. The object itself is humble, but its meaning shifts depending on who wears it and why.
For your faith, this word reminds us that true greatness often looks like humility before Christ, while true acceptance looks like being welcomed home by grace. Whether you feel distant or close to God, the story of the sandals points to a relationship defined not by your worthiness, but by His invitation and restoration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sandals5×
- sandals,2×
- sandal2×
- sandal.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑποδήματα3×
- ὑπόδημα2×
- ὑποδημάτων2×
- ὑποδήματος.1×
- ὑποδήματα,1×
- ὑποδημάτων,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 3:11
“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.
John uses the sandal strap to illustrate his own unworthiness compared to the mightier one coming after him.
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Luke 15:22
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
The father commands sandals be put on the prodigal’s feet as a sign of restored sonship and honor.
-
Acts 7:33
The Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you stand is holy ground.
God tells Moses to remove his sandals because the ground is holy, marking a shift from ordinary travel to sacred encounter.