שְׂרוֹךְ
a thong (as laced or tied)
Definition
The Hebrew noun שׁרוךי (sərôwk) refers to a thong or lace used for fastening, specifically the latchet of a sandal. It describes the leather strap that secured a sandal to the foot, a common and essential item of footwear in the ancient Near East. In its two biblical occurrences, the word is used in symbolic contexts to denote something of minimal value or a point of secure attachment. In Genesis 14:23, Abram swears he will not take even a 'sandal thong' from the king of Sodom, emphasizing he will accept no material gain. In Isaiah 5:27, the metaphor highlights the preparedness of God's judgment, where not even a sandal's thong is broken, signifying unhindered strength and readiness.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, in two distinct contexts. In Genesis 14:23, it appears in a narrative about Abram's refusal of spoils, symbolizing the smallest possible item of material value. In Isaiah 5:27, it is used in a prophetic oracle of judgment, within a list of military imagery describing the unstoppable force of God's appointed army. The usage pattern shows it serving as a metaphor for either something insignificant (Genesis) or something that remains intact under duress, signifying strength and completeness (Isaiah).
Etymology
The noun שׁרוךי (sərôwk) is derived from the root שׁרךי (sârak, H8308), meaning 'to lace or tie together.' This root connection clearly points to its function as a fastening cord. Cognate words in other Semitic languages, such as Akkadian šerku, also refer to a strap or band, confirming its basic meaning as a tied binding.
Semantic Range
Though a mundane object, its use in scripture carries theological weight. In Genesis 14:23, Abram's oath regarding the 'sandal thong' underscores the doctrine of divine provision and the rejection of compromised wealth, highlighting that his blessing comes solely from God. In Isaiah 5:27, the unbroken thong is part of a metaphor for God's unstoppable, disciplined judgment, illustrating His sovereign power and the certainty of His prophetic word. Understanding this small detail enriches the reading by revealing how biblical authors used everyday objects to convey profound spiritual truths about integrity, dependence on God, and His absolute power.
In the ancient Near East, sandals were essential footwear, typically consisting of a sole attached to the foot by leather thongs or latchets. A sandal's latchet was a small but vital component; losing or breaking it would render the sandal useless. Therefore, references to it would immediately resonate with an ancient audience as something both commonplace and necessary. Abram's refusal of even a thong powerfully communicated a complete renunciation of claim, as even the most minor part of the spoils was rejected. Its mention in a military metaphor in Isaiah would evoke an image of an army so well-equipped that even the smallest straps are secure.
None directly synonymous for 'sandal latchet' are used in the Hebrew Bible. Related words for bindings or cords include: חבל (chevel, H2256) — a rope or measuring line; עבות (ʿābôt, H5688) — a leather strap or girdle.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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