Humble Service: ὑπόδημα (Strong’s G5266: hypodēma) Reveals Messiah’s Majesty

Strong’s G5266: A noun derived from hypodeō (to bind under), referring to a sandal or shoe bound under the foot. In biblical contexts, it often appears in expressions of humility and service, particularly in John the Baptist’s declaration of unworthiness to untie the Messiah’s sandals.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑπόδημα (hypodēma) derives from ὑποδέω (hypodeō, “to bind under”), referring to footwear bound beneath the foot. Its significance emerges powerfully in Matthew 3:11, where John the Baptist uses it to express his unworthiness compared to the Messiah, as untying sandals was considered one of the lowliest tasks performed by servants. The early church saw this word as a symbol of both humble service and the exalted nature of the Messiah. Today, it continues to remind believers of the proper attitude of humility before the Lord and the dignity of service in His kingdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπόδημα, hypodēma, hoop-OD-ay-ma
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + od (as in “odd”) + ay (as in “day”) + ma (as in “ma”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• δέω (deō) – verb meaning “to bind”
• -μα (-ma) – noun-forming suffix indicating result
  Combined to mean “something bound under”

D – Defining Meanings

• Sandal
• Shoe
• Foot covering

For compound words:

• ὑπό indicates position under the foot
• δέω contributes the concept of binding
• -μα makes it a concrete noun

Translation Options:

• “Sandal” – most common biblical context
• “Shoe” – broader modern equivalent
• “Footwear” – general category term

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σανδάλιον (sandalion, san-DAL-ee-on) – “sandal” – specific type
  See G4547
• βλαύτη (blautē, BLAU-tay) – “slipper” – indoor footwear
  See G1026
• κρηπίς (krēpis, KRAY-pis) – “boot” – military footwear
  See G2984

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, ὑπόδημα exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, or Accusative
• Number: Singular or Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples of case usage:

• Nominative/Accusative singular: ὑπόδημα
• Genitive singular: ὑποδήματος
• Dative singular: ὑποδήματι
• Plural forms adjust accordingly

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπόδημα. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of servitude and humility. Thayer’s highlights its basic meaning while noting its symbolic significance. LSJ traces its development from simple footwear to cultural symbol. Vine’s connects it to expressions of unworthiness before the Messiah. Strong’s emphasizes its derivation from hypodeō. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in everyday life while noting its special significance in religious contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 3:11: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose [ὑπόδημα] sandals I am not worthy to carry.”

Additional References:
Mark 1:7
Luke 3:16
Luke 10:4
Luke 15:22
Luke 22:35
John 1:27
Acts 7:33
Acts 13:25

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑπόδημα powerfully illustrates both humility and honor in the kingdom of God. Through John’s declaration of unworthiness to handle the Messiah’s sandals, we see the exalted nature of King Jesus. The good news is that this same exalted One took on the role of a servant, washing His disciples’ feet and showing us that true greatness in His kingdom comes through humble service.

D – Did You Know?

• Untying sandals was typically reserved for the lowest servants
• The word appears in ancient marriage contracts regarding property
• It influenced Christian foot-washing ceremonies

Strong’s G5266: A noun derived from hypodeō (to bind under), referring to a sandal or shoe bound under the foot. In biblical contexts, it often appears in expressions of humility and service, particularly in John the Baptist’s declaration of unworthiness to untie the Messiah’s sandals.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: footwear, humility, service, John the Baptist, Messiah, dignity, preparation, daily life, cultural symbols, worship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​