Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(lace). Sandal lacings, or fastenings (Gen. 14:23; Mark 1:7).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The fastening, either by strap or ribbon, of the oriental shoe or sandal. Mentioned as a thing of the least value, and the unloosing of which was accounted a menial act (Gen. 14:23; Isa. 5:27; Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16; John 1:27).
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
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 1:7; Luke 3:16; Acts 13:25. The shoe latchet is likewise referred to in Isaiah 5:27.
See also note on Matthew 3:11 (#363).
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