σανδάλιον
sandálion
G4547 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A sandal; specifically, a type of footwear worn on the foot, typically consisting of a flat sole held onto the foot by straps or thongs. In Koine Greek, describes an item of dress for the foot designed for practical protection while walking, often associated with ordinary or travel clothing rather than formal or ceremonial attire.
Semantic Range
sandal, type of open footwear, slipper, sole-pad, simple shoe
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. Possibly derived from a pre-Greek or Anatolian substrate, as suggested by the -ιον(-ion) diminutive ending and comparison to related terms (e.g. Latin sandalium; perhaps related to the earlier form σανδάλη (sandálē)). Not transparently derived from any known Greek root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term σανδάλιον enters the Koine Greek vocabulary as a common reference to practical footwear. In classical Greek, the related word σανδάλη (feminine) was attested, and σανδάλιον (neuter) emerges later, often with a diminutive or particularizing sense. In the Septuagint and New Testament, σανδάλιον is mentioned as a typical item of footwear, without intrinsic ceremonial or symbolic significance. In Mark 6:9, Jesus instructs his followers to wear only sandals, contrasting them with other, more protective or formal footwear (e.g. ὑποδήματα). The Latin 'sandalium' is a direct borrowing, but the English 'sandal' derives from Latin. In Greek-speaking culture, footwear terminology distinguished between simple, open sandals (σανδάλιον), closed shoes or boots (ὑποδήματα), and other footwear (e.g. κάλτσα for socks, though far less common). The standard translation as 'sandal' adequately reflects the item's everyday significance, though in some English versions the broader term 'shoe' is sometimes used, which may obscure the original's referent. The term's meaning is practical and material rather than symbolic or ritualistic.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of a derivative of (a "sandal"; of uncertain origin); a slipper or sole-pad:--sandal.
Root Family
σανδάλιον (sandálion) — footwear, sandal
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4547-01 |
σανδάλια | sandalia | N ACC N PL |
sandals | sandals | sandals | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences