Gospel Journey: ὑποδέω (Strong’s G5265: hypodeō) Equips for Kingdom Service

Strong’s G5265: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with deō (to bind), meaning to bind under, specifically to put on sandals. In biblical usage, it relates to preparation for travel and ministry, symbolizing readiness for gospel proclamation.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑποδέω (hypodeō) combines ὑπό (hypo, “under”) with δέω (deō, “to bind”), creating a term specifically used for binding sandals under one’s feet. In Mark 6:9, it appears in Jesus’ instructions to His disciples for their missionary journey, highlighting practical preparation for gospel ministry. The early church saw deep symbolism in this word, connecting it to spiritual readiness and the equipment needed for spreading the gospel. Today, it reminds believers of the practical and spiritual preparation necessary for effective ministry and the importance of being ready to share the good news.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑποδέω, hypodeō, hoop-od-EH-oh
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + od (as in “odd”) + eh (as in “bed”) + oh (as in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• δέω (deō) – verb meaning “to bind”
  Combined to mean “to bind under” (specifically sandals)

D – Defining Meanings

• To bind under
• To put on sandals
• To fasten shoes

For compound words:

• ὑπό indicates position under the foot
• δέω contributes the action of binding or fastening

Translation Options:

• “Put on sandals” – emphasizes the practical action
• “Bind on footwear” – maintains literal meaning
• “Wear sandals” – captures ongoing state

E – Exploring Similar Words

• περιδέω (perideō, per-ee-DEH-oh) – “to bind around”
  See G4019
• ἐνδύω (endyō, en-DOO-oh) – “to put on clothing”
  See G1746
• ὑποδύω (hypodyō, hoop-od-OO-oh) – “to slip under”
  See G5266

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, ὑποδέω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Perfect (in NT usage)
• Voice: Middle/Passive
• Mood: Participle
• Person: N/A (participle)
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Stative

The word would morph in English as:

• Present: puts on sandals
• Past: put on sandals
• Perfect: has put on sandals
• Future: will put on sandals

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into ὑποδέω. BDAG emphasizes its specific use for footwear and preparation for travel. Thayer’s highlights its practical application in missionary contexts. LSJ traces its development from general binding to specific shoe-wearing. Vine’s connects it to gospel preparation. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature and literal meaning. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in everyday life, particularly in travel preparations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 6:9: “but to [ὑποδέω] wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.”

Additional References:
Acts 12:8
Ephesians 6:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Odyssey	“The hero [ὑποδέω] bound his sandals beneath his feet for the journey.”
Xenophon: Anabasis	“The soldiers [ὑποδέω] put on their boots before the long march.”
Herodotus: Histories	“The messenger [ὑποδέω] fastened his traveling sandals quickly.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑποδέω represents both practical preparation and spiritual readiness for kingdom service. As the disciples were instructed to wear sandals for their missionary journey, we too are called to be prepared for sharing the good news. The message here is that King Jesus equips His people for service, providing both practical resources and spiritual preparation for the work of the gospel.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient sandals were essential for long-distance gospel ministry
• The word appears in military contexts for battle preparation
• It influenced early Christian imagery of spiritual warfare equipment

Strong’s G5265: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with deō (to bind), meaning to bind under, specifically to put on sandals. In biblical usage, it relates to preparation for travel and ministry, symbolizing readiness for gospel proclamation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: preparation, equipment, ministry, missions, travel, readiness, spiritual warfare, practical needs, gospel proclamation, service​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​