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Bible Encyclopedias
Foot
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (properly רֶנֶל, re'gel, ποῦς ). Of the various senses in which the word "foot" is used in Scripture The following are the most remarkable. Such phrases as the "slipping" of the foot, the "stumbling" of the foot, "from head to foot" (to express the entire body), and "footsteps" (to express tendencies, as when we say of one that he walks in another's footstep), require no explanation, being common to most languages.
The extreme modesty of the Hebrew language, which has perhaps seldom been sufficiently appreciated dictated the use of the word "feet" to express the parts and the acts which it is not allowed to name. Hence such phrases as the "hair of the feet," the "water of the feet," "between the feet," "to open the feet," "to cover the feet," all of which are sufficiently intelligible, except perhaps the last, While certainly does not mean "going to sleep," as some interpreters suggest, but "to dismiss the refuse of nature."
"To be under any one's feet" denotes the subordination of a subject to his sovereign, or of a servant to his master (Psalms 8:6; comp. Hebrews 2:8; 1 Corinthians 15:26); and was doubtless derived from the symbolical action of conquerors, who set their feet upon the neck or body of the chiefs whom they had vanquished, in token of their triumph. This custom is expressly mentioned in Scripture (Joshua 10:23), and is figured on the monuments of Egypt, Persia, and Rome., (See TRIUMPH).
In like manner, "to be at any one's feet" is used for being at the service of any one, following him, or willingly receiving his instructions (Judges 4:10). The last passage, in which Paul is described as being brought up "at the feet of Gamaliel," will appear still clearer if we understand that, as thee Jewish writers allege, pupils actually did sit on the floor before, and therefore. at the feet of, the doctors of the law, who themselves were raised on an elevated seat. (See DISCIPLE).
"Lameness of feet" generally denotes affliction or calamity, as in Psalms 35:15; Psalms 38:18; Jeremiah 20:10; Micah 4:6-7; Zechariah 3:9. (See LAME).
"To set one's foot" in a place signifies to take possession of it, as in Deuteronomy 1:36; 11:34, and elsewhere.
"To water with the feet" (Deuteronomy 11:10) implies that the soil was watered with as much ease as a garden, in which the small channels for irrigation may be turned, etc., with the foot. (See GARDEN).
An elegant phrase, borrowed from the feet, occurs in Galatians 2:14, where Paul says, "When I saw that they walked not uprightly, ῎οὐκ ὀρθοποδοῦσι , literally, "not with a straight foot," or "did not foot it straightly."
Nakedness of feet expressed mourning (Ezekiel 24:17). This must mean. appearing abroad with naked feet, for there is reason to think that the Jews never used their sandals or shoes within doors. The modern Orientals consider it disrespectful to enter a room without taking off the outer covering of their feet. It is with them equivalent to uncovering the head among Europeans. The practice of feet-washing implies a similar usage among the Hebrews. (See ABLUTION); (See WASHING). Uncovering the feet was also a mark of adoration. Moses put off his sandals to approach the burning bush where the presence of God was manifested (Exodus 3:5). Among the modern Orientals it would be regarded as the height of profanation to enter a place of worship with covered feet. The Egyptian priests officiated barefoot; and most commentators. are of opinion that the Aaronite priests served with bare feet in the tabernacle, as, according to all the Jewish writers, they afterwards did in the Temple, and as the frequent washings of their feet enjoined by the law seem to imply. (See SANDALS).
The passage, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth glad tidings, that publisheth peace" (Isaiah 52:7 ), appears to signify that, although the feet of messengers and travelers are usually rendered disagreeable by the soil and dust of the way, yet the feet of these blessed messengers seemed, notwithstanding, even beautiful, on account of the glad tidings which they bore.
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Foot'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/f/foot.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
