FOOT (Heb. רֶ֫גֶל, H8079, foot; פַּ֫עַם, H7193, foot, footfall; כֵּנ֩, H4029, foot, base, stand; Gr. πούς, G4546, foot). In man, the lowest extremity of the leg, but in an animal, any of the four terminal parts of the legs. The feet of God (Exod 24:10) with thick darkness under his feet (Ps 18:9), a glorious place (Isa 60:13), are fig.; for a spirit has no flesh or bones. The reference to the presence of hands and feet of the resurrected Christ revealed that Christ still possessed a body (Luke 24:39). Great care was needed for the feet in the E, since people wore sandals or went barefoot, hence the washing of feet showed needed and refreshing hospitality (Gen 18:4). This was the lowest task of servants, performed by the youngest or least skilled upon the part of the body most likely to be defiled. Christ’s example in washing His disciples feet showed both humility and complete devotion (John 13:5). A widow in the Early Church washed the feet of saints (1 Tim 5:10). Undoing the latchet of a sandal was an equivalent task. By contrast, the disciples shook the dust off their feet to predict judgment on unhearing and unhospitable towns and villages (Matt 10:14).

The feet of the Israelites were miraculously preserved during the long journey in the wilderness (Deut 8:4). Feet suggest movement, “the feet of him who brings good tidings” (Isa 52:7). Angels guard the feet of one “who dwells in the shelter of the Most High...lest you dash your foot against a stone” (Ps 91:1, 12).

Interesting ideas are conveyed by the feet. Taking off the shoes was not only proper before entering a house, but also in the presence of God (Exod 3:5). Solomon commanded, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God” (Eccl 5:1).

To bare the foot in public expressed mourning (Ezek 24:17) or shameing (Deut 25:9), but to take off a sandal and give to another confirmed a transaction of redemption and exchange (Ruth 4:7). The phrase tr. by the KJV in 1 Samuel 24:3 is “to cover his feet,” but this becomes “to relieve himself” in the RSV. A wicked man could communicate by scraping or tapping with his feet (Prov 6:13). Unlike present day usage, the foot was not used to measure, except possibly the foot’s length not granted to Abraham (Acts 7:5).

A learner sat at the feet of his teacher (Luke 10:39) as Mary did, yet no churchman should ask the poor to sit at his feet (James 2:3) to show discrimination. Jairus fell at the feet of Jesus in humility, respect and supplication (Mark 5:22). Feet were embraced or kissed in adoration (Luke 7:38). Egyptian monuments picture conquerors treading on the vanquished as a method of insult. The Lord promised to trample the Assyrian under foot (Isa 14:25).

“My foot has held fast to his steps” is a poetical claim to a consistent walk (Job 23:11) which has not “let the foot of arrogance come upon me” (Ps 36:11) nor let his foot offend him (Mark 9:45). In the body of Christ, a foot should not envy the hand (1 Cor 12:14, 15).