### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word poús (`{{G4228}}`) fundamentally refers to the anatomical "foot" of a human or animal. As a primary word, its literal usage is straightforward and frequent throughout the New Testament. However, its semantic range extends significantly into rich figurative and idiomatic expressions, conveying a variety of nuanced meanings:
* **Literal Reference:** The physical limb used for standing, walking, running, and various physical actions (e.g., [[John 13:5]], [[Acts 3:7]]).
* **Movement and Presence:** To be present, to follow, to journey (e.g., to go on foot, to follow in someone's footsteps).
* **Dominion and Subjugation:** Placing something "under the feet" signifies complete conquest, authority, or subjugation. This is a powerful metaphor for ultimate victory over enemies (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 15:27]]). The related term "footstool" (podion, a derivative of poús) also falls under this category, denoting a place of complete subservience or divine sovereignty (e.g., [[Matthew 5:35]]).
* **Humility and Worship:** Falling or kneeling at someone's feet expresses reverence, adoration, supplication, or submission (e.g., [[Mark 5:22]]).
* **Discipleship and Instruction:** Sitting at the feet of a teacher indicates a posture of learning, attentiveness, and submission to instruction (e.g., [[Luke 10:39]]).
* **Service and Cleansing:** The act of washing feet symbolizes humility, service, and spiritual cleansing (e.g., [[John 13:5]]).
* **Guidance and Path:** Though less direct in the NT, the concept of a "lamp to my feet" (from the LXX of [[Psalm 119:105]], using pous) implies guidance for one's path.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term poús occurs frequently in the New Testament, appearing in various contexts that highlight its literal and figurative meanings:
* **Literal Physical Description:**
* Describing physical actions such as walking or standing: Jesus washing the disciples' feet in [[John 13:5]], [[John 13:6]], [[John 13:8]], [[John 13:9]], [[John 13:10]], [[John 13:12]], [[John 13:14]].
* Mention of physical healing: The lame man's feet and ankles being strengthened in [[Acts 3:7]], [[Acts 3:8]].
* Descriptions of divine or angelic beings: Christ's feet like burnished bronze in [[Revelation 1:15]], [[Revelation 2:18]]; the angel's feet like pillars of fire in [[Revelation 10:1]].
* **Figurative of Dominion and Authority:**
* The ultimate authority of Christ: "For God has put all things in subjection under his feet" ([[1 Corinthians 15:27]]; cf. [[Ephesians 1:22]]). This echoes Old Testament messianic prophecies like [[Psalm 8:6]] and [[Psalm 110:1]], signifying complete victory over all enemies, including death.
* The earth as God's footstool: "The earth is my footstool" ([[Matthew 5:35]]; cf. [[Acts 7:49]]), derived from [[Isaiah 66:1]], emphasizing God's transcendence and sovereign rule over creation.
* Authority over spiritual enemies: "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy" ([[Luke 10:19]]). This indicates spiritual power over malevolent forces.
* Victory over Satan: "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" ([[Romans 16:20]]), promising the believer's participation in Christ's ultimate triumph over evil.
* **Figurative of Humility, Worship, and Discipleship:**
* Falling at Jesus' feet in worship or supplication: The Gerasene demoniac's father ([[Mark 5:22]]), the Syrophoenician woman ([[Mark 7:25]]), Jairus ([[Luke 8:41]]), and the Samaritan leper ([[Luke 17:16]]). This posture signifies reverence, desperation, and recognition of divine authority.
* Sitting at Jesus' feet for instruction: Mary choosing "the good portion" by sitting at the Lord's feet and listening to His teaching ([[Luke 10:39]]). This highlights the posture of a devoted disciple.
* The example of service: Jesus washing the disciples' feet ([[John 13:5-14]]) serves as a profound lesson in humility, servant leadership, and mutual love within the community of believers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of poús is enriched by examining its relationship to other terms and broader theological concepts:
* **Hebrew Counterparts:** The most common Hebrew equivalent is `{{H7272}}` (*regel*), which also carries both literal and figurative meanings, particularly in contexts of dominion (e.g., "under the feet") and movement.
* **Greek Cognates and Derivatives:**
* `{{G4229}}` (*podion*): "Footstool," directly derived from poús, reinforcing the concept of subjugation and divine rule.
* `{{G4230}}` (*podēres*): "Reaching to the feet," used to describe garments, particularly the high priest's robe or the Son of Man's garment (e.g., [[Revelation 1:13]]).
* `{{G4231}}` (*podizo*): "To trip up" or "to put feet in," though less common.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Christ's Supremacy and Victory:** The consistent imagery of "all things under His feet" is a cornerstone of Christology, affirming His ultimate authority over creation, sin, and death.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The earth as God's footstool underscores His transcendence and absolute control over His creation.
* **Servant Leadership:** Jesus' act of foot-washing radically redefines power and leadership, emphasizing humility, self-sacrifice, and mutual service as foundational to Christian community.
* **Discipleship and Learning:** The posture of sitting at the feet of a teacher signifies the importance of attentive listening, submission to instruction, and prioritizing spiritual wisdom.
* **Worship and Submission:** Falling at the feet is a universal sign of profound reverence, adoration, and complete surrender to a higher authority, whether divine or human.
* **The Christian Walk:** While not always explicit with poús, the concept of the "feet" is inherently tied to one's journey, path, or conduct in life, often guided by God's word (cf. [[Psalm 119:105]]).
### Theological Significance
The Greek word poús (`{{G4228}}`) holds profound theological significance, extending far beyond its literal anatomical meaning. Its most prominent theological contribution lies in its association with **Christ's cosmic dominion and ultimate triumph**. The repeated declaration that all things have been put "under His feet" (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 15:27]], [[Ephesians 1:22]]) directly echoes Old Testament messianic prophecies ([[Psalm 8:6]], [[Psalm 110:1]]). This imagery signifies not merely a position of power, but the complete and decisive subjugation of all hostile forces—including sin, death, and demonic powers—by the resurrected and ascended Christ. His feet, once pierced on the cross, now symbolize His absolute sovereignty over creation and His definitive victory over evil. Furthermore, the concept of the earth as God's "footstool" (e.g., [[Matthew 5:35]], [[Acts 7:49]]) underscores divine transcendence and the Creator's majestic authority over all creation.
Beyond dominion, poús also illuminates the nature of **Christian humility and radical service**. Jesus' unparalleled act of washing His disciples' feet ([[John 13:5-14]]) transforms a lowly servant's task into a profound paradigm for leadership and community. This act challenges human hierarchies, compelling believers to emulate Christ's self-emptying love and mutual submission. It is a tangible demonstration of love that serves rather than demands.
Finally, the posture associated with poús conveys essential aspects of **discipleship and worship**. Sitting at the feet of Jesus (e.g., Mary in [[Luke 10:39]]) exemplifies the posture of an attentive disciple, prioritizing spiritual instruction and communion with the Lord above worldly distractions. Falling at the feet (e.g., [[Mark 5:22]]) is a common New Testament expression of deep reverence, adoration, desperate supplication, and complete surrender, underscoring the believer's utter dependence on divine grace and authority. Thus, poús serves as a versatile and potent linguistic tool, pointing to Christ's majestic reign, the believer's call to humble service, and the essential posture of worship and learning.
### Summary
The Greek word poús (`{{G4228}}`) primarily denotes the anatomical "foot," but its New Testament usage extends significantly into rich figurative and theological meanings. Literally, it describes the physical appendage used for movement and support. Figuratively, poús is central to conveying concepts of **dominion and authority**, most powerfully seen in the declaration that all things are "under Christ's feet" (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 15:27]]), signifying His ultimate triumph over all creation and His enemies, including death. The earth is also described as God's "footstool" ([[Matthew 5:35]]), emphasizing divine sovereignty. Beyond power, poús is crucial for understanding **Christian humility and service**, exemplified by Jesus' profound act of washing His disciples' feet ([[John 13:5-14]]). It also depicts the posture of **discipleship and worship**, as seen in Mary sitting at Jesus' feet to learn ([[Luke 10:39]]) and individuals falling at His feet in reverence or supplication ([[Mark 5:22]]). Therefore, poús is far more than a simple anatomical term; it is a key word that illuminates Christ's majestic reign, the call to humble service, and the proper posture of the believer before God.
TRV