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791. The Shoe Latchet

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible

By: James M. Freeman

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John 1:27²⁷He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. (John 1:27). Whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

The latchet was a leathern thong by which the sandal was fastened to the shoe. It was the work of a servant to loosen this, and thus John expressed his deep humility and consciousness of insignificance when contrasted with his master. See also Mark 1:7⁷And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. (Mark 1:7); Luke 3:16¹⁶John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: (Luke 3:16); Acts 13:25²⁵And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. (Acts 13:25). The shoe latchet is likewise referred to in Isaiah 5:27²⁷None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken: (Isaiah 5:27).

See also note on Matthew 3:11¹¹I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Matthew 3:11) (#363).

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Manners and Customs of the Bible

• 780. Feeding the Swine

• 781. The Steward

• 782. Disposition of Crumbs

• 783. Semi Weekly Fasts

• 784. Smiting the Breast

• 785. The "Pound"

• 786. Ornaments of the Temple

• 787. Temple Captains

• 788. Game of Blindfolding

• 789. Division of Jewish Scriptures

• 790. Priestly Benediction

• 791. The Shoe Latchet

• 792. The Firkin

• 793. The "Governor of the Feast"

• 794. The "Friend of the Bridegroom"

• 795. Drawing Water

• 796. Contempt for Women

• 797. Sealing

• 798. Ceremonies at the Feast of Tabernacles

• 799. Freedom by the Son

• 800. Jewish Hatred of Samaritans

• 801. Period of Maturity

• 802. Excommunication

• 803. The Sheep Fold

• 804. Shepherd and Sheep

• 805. The Feast of Dedication

• 806. The Hours of the Day

• 807. Double Names

• 808. Rabbinical Notions of Soul and Body

• 809. The Furlong