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.
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.
Scripture References