Bible Dictionary
Latchet
A latchet was a leather thong used to fasten a sandal. Untying another person’s sandal was regarded as a low and menial service, and John the Baptist used the image to express his humility before Christ.
Definition
A latchet is a leather thong, cord, or strap used to fasten a sandal to the foot.
Biblical Usage
John the Baptist used the service of untying a sandal’s latchet to express his humility and the superiority of Christ. The term also appears in descriptions of sandal fastening.
Historical Background
Among Eastern peoples, stooping to untie a dusty shoe was considered a petty and defiling task usually assigned to menials.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A thong (Acts 22:25), cord, or strap fastening the sandal on the foot (Isa. 5:27; Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>lach'-et (serokh; himas): Leather thong used for tying on sandals (see Ge 14:23; Mr 1:7 parallel). The stooping to untie the dusty shoe-latchet was esteemed by Orientals a service that was at once petty and defiling, and was usually assigned to menials.</p>