654. Shoes

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

• 1 min. read • grade level: 9

Matthew 10:10¹⁰Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. (Matthew 10:10). Neither shoes.

From the fact that, in the parallel passage in Mark 6:9⁹But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. (Mark 6:9), the disciples are commanded to be “shod with sandals,” it has been inferred that our Lord designed to mark a distinction between shoes and sdndals, though some commentators treat the idea as absurd. It is certain, however, that in our Lord’s time there were, besides sandals, other coverings for the feet more nearly approaching our idea of a shoe. Some of these covered the entire foot, while in others the toes were left bare, as represented in the engraving.

The use of shoes may have been forbidden to the disciples because of their luxury, while sandals were allowed as articles of necessity. Thus the statement in Matthew and in Lake, and that in Mark, may be reconciled. The shoe was forbidden, the sandal permitted.

When the prodigal came back to his father’s house shoes were put on his feet. Luke 15:22²²But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (Luke 15:22).

For a description of sandals, see note on Acts 12:8⁸And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. (Acts 12:8) (#832).

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