Latchet
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Latchet in the Bible?
A leather thong used for tying on sandals, considered a menial task by ancient Near Eastern standards.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the latchet clarifies idioms of humility and servitude in biblical texts, where untying another's sandal strap signifies a subordinate role or a refusal to claim the status of a disciple.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Latchet were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Latchet in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Latchet clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Latchet." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/latchet/