Brief Overview of σανδάλιον (Strong’s G4547: sandalion)

Strong’s G4547: A diminutive of σάνδαλον, meaning “sandal,” referring to simple footwear consisting of a sole attached to the foot with straps. In New Testament usage, particularly significant in Jesus’s instructions about missionary travel equipment, emphasizing simplicity and readiness for service.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term σανδάλιον appears in Mark 6:9 as part of Jesus’s instructions to His disciples for their missionary journey. This basic footwear symbolized both readiness for travel and apostolic simplicity. The disciples were to travel light but properly equipped for their journey. Early church fathers saw in these sandals a symbol of evangelical preparation and spiritual readiness. Today, σανδάλιον reminds us of the need for both practical preparation and spiritual simplicity in gospel service.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σανδάλιον, sandalion, /san-dal’-ee-on/
• Pronunciation Guide: “san” (like ‘sun’), “dal” (like ‘doll’), “ee” (like ‘ee’), “on” (like ‘on’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From σάνδαλον (sandal)
• Diminutive suffix: -ιον (-ion)
• Possibly Persian origin
• Combined meaning: little sandal

D – Defining Meanings

• Simple sandal
• Basic footwear
• Sole with straps
• Travel shoe

For compound words:
Not a compound word but uses diminutive suffix -ιον

Translation Options:

• “sandal” – common translation
• “simple shoe” – descriptive translation
• “travel footwear” – functional translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑπόδημα (hypodēma) /hoop-od’-ay-mah/ – shoe See G5266 – more general term
• περισκελίς (periskelis) /per-ee-skel-is’/ – anklet See G4018 – related footwear
• ἔνδυμα (endyma) /en’-doo-mah/ – garment See G1742 – related clothing

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: σανδάλιον
• Genitive singular: σανδαλίου
• Dative singular: σανδαλίῳ
• Accusative singular: σανδάλιον

Cross-references:

• Root noun: σάνδαλον (sandal)
• No verbal forms

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its practical usage. Thayer’s notes its diminutive form. LSJ provides cultural context. Vine’s highlights missionary significance. Strong’s connects to Persian origins. LEH documents Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show common usage in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not put on two tunics.” (Mark 6:9)

Additional References:
Acts 12:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word σανδάλιον symbolizes how King Jesus equips His servants for ministry. Simple yet sufficient footwear represents both practical provision and spiritual readiness. This proclaims the good news that Christ provides everything necessary for His mission while teaching dependence on His provision.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient sandals often indicated social status and occupation.
2. The diminutive form suggests basic rather than elaborate footwear.
3. Early Christian art often depicted apostles wearing simple sandals.

Strong’s G4547: A diminutive of σάνδαλον, meaning “sandal,” referring to simple footwear consisting of a sole attached to the foot with straps. In New Testament usage, particularly significant in Jesus’s instructions about missionary travel equipment, emphasizing simplicity and readiness for service.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: sandals, missionary equipment, apostolic ministry, Mark’s Gospel, Acts, practical provision, travel, simplicity, missionary instructions, divine provision​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​