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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Latchet</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/l/latchet.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/mark/1-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/l/latchet.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Latchet</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/l/latch.htm" title="Latch">◄</a> Latchet <a href="/topical/l/latch-opening.htm" title="Latch-opening">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "latchet" refers to a thong or strap used to fasten sandals, a common form of footwear in biblical times. This term appears in several passages of the Bible, illustrating both literal and metaphorical uses. The latchet was an essential component of ancient footwear, typically made from leather, and was used to secure sandals to the feet.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>1. <b><a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Isaiah 5:27</a> :</b> "None of them will be weary or stumble, no belt will be loose, nor the latchet of their sandals broken." In this passage, the prophet Isaiah describes the readiness and strength of the Lord's army. The intact latchet signifies preparedness and the ability to move swiftly without hindrance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/mark/1-7.htm">Mark 1:7</a> :</b> "And he preached, saying, 'After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.'" Here, John the Baptist uses the imagery of a latchet to express his humility and the supreme authority of Jesus Christ. The act of untying a sandal was a task for the lowliest servant, and John's statement underscores his recognition of Jesus' divine status.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/luke/3-16.htm">Luke 3:16</a> :</b> "John answered all of them: 'I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.'" This verse echoes the sentiment found in <a href="/mark/1-7.htm">Mark 1:7</a>, emphasizing the greatness of Christ and the humility required to serve Him.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context:</b><br><br>In the ancient Near East, sandals were the primary footwear, and the latchet was crucial for keeping them secure. The act of untying a sandal was often associated with servitude and humility. In Jewish tradition, the removal of sandals was also a sign of respect and reverence, as seen when Moses and Joshua were instructed to remove their sandals in the presence of the divine (<a href="/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5</a>; <a href="/joshua/5-15.htm">Joshua 5:15</a>).<br><br>The latchet, therefore, serves as a powerful symbol in biblical texts, representing humility, readiness, and the acknowledgment of authority. The imagery of untying a latchet is used to convey deep spiritual truths about the nature of service and the recognition of Christ's lordship.<br><br><b>Theological Significance:</b><br><br>The references to latchets in the New Testament highlight the theme of humility before God. John the Baptist's acknowledgment of his unworthiness to untie the latchet of Jesus' sandals is a profound expression of his understanding of Jesus' divine mission and authority. This humility is a model for believers, illustrating the proper attitude of reverence and submission to Christ.<br><br>In summary, the latchet, while a simple and practical item, carries rich symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. It serves as a reminder of the call to humility, readiness, and the recognition of Jesus Christ's unparalleled authority and power.<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>A thong (<a href="/acts/22-25.htm">Acts 22:25</a>), cord, or strap fastening the sandal on the foot (<a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Isaiah 5:27</a>; <a href="/mark/1-7.htm">Mark 1:7</a>; <a href="/luke/3-16.htm">Luke 3:16</a>). <a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(<I>n.</I>) The string that fastens a shoe; a shoestring.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">LATCHET</span><p>lach'-et (serokh; himas): Leather thong used for tying on sandals (see <a href="/genesis/14-23.htm">Genesis 14:23</a> <a href="/mark/1-7.htm">Mark 1:7</a> parallel). The stooping to untie the dusty shoe-latchet was esteemed by Orientals a service that was at once petty and defiling, and was usually assigned to menials.<p><a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/2438.htm"><span class="l">2438. himas -- a thong, strap</span></a> <br><b>...</b> a thong, strap. Perhaps from the same as hama; a strap, ie (specially) the tie<br> (of a sandal) or the lash (of a scourge) -- <b>latchet</b>, thong. see GREEK hama. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2438.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/5275.htm"><span class="l">5275. naal -- a sandal, shoe</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from naal Definition a sandal, shoe NASB Word Usage dry-shod (1), sandal<br> (7), sandals (9), shoe (2), shoes (3). dryshod, shoe <b>latchet</b>,. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5275.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/8288.htm"><span class="l">8288. serok -- (sandal) thong</span></a><br><b>...</b> shoe <b>latchet</b>. From sarak; a thong (as laced or tied) -- ((shoe-)) <b>latchet</b>. see<br> HEBREW sarak. 8287, 8288. serok. 8289 . Strong's Numbers. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/8288.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/origen/origens_commentary_on_the_gospel_of_john/15_how_the_baptist_answers.htm"><span class="l">How the Baptist Answers the Question of the Pharisees and Exalts <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Sixth Book. 15. How the Baptist Answers the Question of the Pharisees and Exalts<br> the Nature of Christ. Of the Shoe-<b>Latchet</b> Which He is Unable to Untie. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/15 how the baptist answers.htm</font><p><a href="/library/origen/origens_commentary_on_the_gospel_of_john/21_the_fourth_gospel_speaks.htm"><span class="l">The Fourth Gospel Speaks of Only one Shoe, the Others of Both. The <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> "I am not worthy," we read there, "to untie the <b>latchet</b> of His shoe." Perhaps he<br> was conquered by the grace of God, and received the gift of doing that which <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/21 the fourth gospel speaks.htm</font><p><a href="/library/origen/origens_commentary_on_the_gospel_of_john/18_of_the_testimony_in.htm"><span class="l">Of the Testimony in Mark. What is Meant by the Saviour's Shoes and <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> shoes,"they must, it is evident, have been untied already from the feet of the<br> wearer,"and it is another thing to stoop down and untie the <b>latchet</b> of his <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/18 of the testimony in.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/the_harmony_of_the_gospels/chapter_xii_concerning_the_words_ascribed.htm"><span class="l">Concerning the Words Ascribed to John by all the Four Evangelists <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> cometh." In like manner, according to Matthew, he says, "whose shoes I am not worthy<br> to bear;" but according to the other, his words are, "the <b>latchet</b> of whose <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the harmony of the gospels/chapter xii concerning the words ascribed.htm</font><p><a href="/library/meyer/john_the_baptist/vii_the_manifestation_of_the.htm"><span class="l">The Manifestation of the Messiah</span></a> <br><b>...</b> the King, and soon dying on the desert air, whilst the person of the crier is unnoticed<br> and unsought for; but I may not presume to unloose the <b>latchet</b> of his <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/...//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/vii the manifestation of the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/origen/origens_commentary_on_the_gospel_of_john/16_comparison_of_johns_testimony.htm"><span class="l">Comparison of John's Testimony to Jesus in the Different Gospels.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Mark, again, says, [4908] "John preached, saying, There cometh after me He that<br> is mightier than I, the <b>latchet</b> of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/16 comparison of johns testimony.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_st_john_and_hebrews/homily_xvi_john_i_19.htm"><span class="l">John i. 19</span></a> <br><b>...</b> he, "baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He<br> it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's <b>latchet</b> I am <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xvi john i 19.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/sermons_on_selected_lessons_of_the_new_testament/sermon_xvi_on_the_words.htm"><span class="l">On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 2, "Now when John Heard in <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> How signal a testimony then did John give to Christ? Even to saying that he "was<br> not worthy to loose the <b>latchet</b> of His shoes." [2237] And what more? <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xvi on the words.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_saint_matthew/homily_xi_matt_iii_7.htm"><span class="l">Matt. Iii. 7</span></a> <br><b>...</b> hath added, to signify the ease of bearing that fruit, "I indeed baptize you with<br> water, but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, the <b>latchet</b> of whose <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xi matt iii 7.htm</font><p><a href="/library/mcgarvey/the_four-fold_gospel/xx_johns_first_testimony_to.htm"><span class="l">John's First Testimony to Jesus.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> standeth one whom ye know not, 27 even he that cometh after me [that is, follows<br> in that way which I as forerunner am preparing for him], The <b>latchet</b> of whose <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xx johns first testimony to.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/l/latchet.htm"><span class="l"><b>Latchet</b> (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>LATCHET</b>. lach'-et (serokh; himas): Leather thong used for tying on sandals<br> (see Genesis 14:23 Mark 1:7 parallel). <b>...</b><b>Latchet</b> (4 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/latchet.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/shoe-latchet.htm"><span class="l">Shoe-<b>latchet</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Shoe-<b>latchet</b>. Shoelatchet, Shoe-<b>latchet</b>. Shoes . Int. Standard Bible<br> Encyclopedia SHOE; SHOE-<b>LATCHET</b>. shoo, shoo'-lach-et <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shoe-latchet.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/shoelatchet.htm"><span class="l">Shoelatchet (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHOE; SHOE-<b>LATCHET</b>. shoo, shoo'-lach-et<br> (na`al, literally, "that which is fastened," with denominative <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shoelatchet.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/shoes.htm"><span class="l">Shoes (32 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Mark 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the <b>latchet</b><br> of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shoes.htm - 16k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/shoe.htm"><span class="l">Shoe (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHOE; SHOE-<b>LATCHET</b>. <b>...</b> John 1:27 He it is, who coming after<br> me is preferred before me, whose shoe's <b>latchet</b> I am not worthy to unloose. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shoe.htm - 18k</font><p><a href="/topical/u/unloose.htm"><span class="l">Unloose (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Mark 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the <b>latchet</b><br> of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/u/unloose.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/u/untied.htm"><span class="l">Untied (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Isaiah 5:27 None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep;<br> neither shall the belt of their waist be untied, nor the <b>latchet</b> of their <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/u/untied.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/u/untie.htm"><span class="l">Untie (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Luke 3:16 John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes<br> who is mightier than I, the <b>latchet</b> of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/u/untie.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/latch.htm"><span class="l">Latch (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/latch.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/loosened.htm"><span class="l">Loosened (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 5:27 None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither<br> shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the <b>latchet</b> of their <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/loosened.htm - 8k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://clyx.com/term/latchet.htm">Latchet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Latchet (4 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/1-7.htm">Mark 1:7</a></span><br />And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the <span class="boldtext">latchet</span> of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.<br /><span class="source">(KJV ASV WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/3-16.htm">Luke 3:16</a></span><br />John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the <span class="boldtext">latchet</span> of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire,<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/john/1-27.htm">John 1:27</a></span><br />He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's <span class="boldtext">latchet</span> I am not worthy to unloose.<br /><span class="source">(KJV ASV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Isaiah 5:27</a></span><br />None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the belt of their waist be untied, nor the <span class="boldtext">latchet</span> of their shoes be broken:<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/l/latchet.htm">Latchet</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/latchet.htm">Latchet (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/late.htm">Late (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/latch.htm">Latch (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pounded.htm">Pounded (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pound.htm">Pound (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thrust.htm">Thrust (92 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/beloved.htm">Beloved (117 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/l/latch.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Latch"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Latch" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/l/latch-opening.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Latch-opening"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Latch-opening" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>