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ἱμάς

himás

G2438 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A strap or thong made of leather, primarily used for fastening sandals (sandal-thong), for tying or lashing objects together, or as the leather lash of a whip (scourge). In most contexts, the core sense is a narrow leather strip serving a fastening or binding function. Also used metaphorically in some sources for any narrow strip or binding element.

Semantic Range

leather strap or thong (general), sandal-thong (sandal fastening), lash or strip of a whip, binding leather strip for various objects

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root ἱμ- (related to fastening or binding), possibly connected with ἱμᾰ́ντας, a more general word for a thong or strap. The proposed derivation from ἅμα ('together') is less likely and etymologically uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, ἱμάς referred broadly to leather straps or thongs, such as those used for attaching weapons or armor, fastening sandals, or creating lashes for whips. By the Hellenistic and Koine period, its use is predominantly for the sandal-thong, especially in ritual or symbolic texts, as well as for the lash or strip of a scourge in punitive or metaphorical contexts. In the New Testament (e.g., Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16), the term appears in the phrase 'the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie,' reflecting the menial task of unfastening footwear. In the Septuagint and other Greek literature, it could also refer generally to any binding leather strap. English translations traditionally render ἱμάς as 'latchet,' 'thong,' or 'strap,' but often fail to convey the range that includes both sandal fastenings and the leather lash of a whip. The meaning is functional rather than symbolic, but the term may carry cultural resonance tied to servitude or humility in the context of foot-washing or sandaled footwear.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

perhaps from the same as ἅμα; a strap, i.e. (specially) the tie (of a sandal) or the lash (of a scourge):--latchet, thong.

Root Family

ἱμ- (himás) — to bind, to fasten, to tie

Root ἱμ- to bind, to fasten, to tie

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2438-01 ἱμάντα imanta N ACC M SG thong leather binding-strap leather binding-strap 3
G2438-02 ἱμᾶσιν imasin N DAT M PL thongs with leather straps leather straps 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2438-01 Mark 1:7 ἱμάντα imanta N ACC M SG thong leather binding-strap leather binding-strap
G2438-01 Luke 3:16 ἱμάντα imanta N ACC M SG strap leather binding-strap strap
G2438-01 John 1:27 ἱμάντα imanta N ACC M SG thong leather binding-strap leather binding-strap
G2438-02 Acts 22:25 ἱμᾶσιν imasin N DAT M PL thongs with leather straps leather straps
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