or (feminine) נַעֲלָה; from נָעַל; properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless); dryshod, (pair of) shoe((-latchet), -s).
Transliteration:naʻal
Pronunciation:nah'-al
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5275}}` (naʻal), often appearing also in its feminine form נַעֲלָה (naʻalah), fundamentally denotes a "sandal" or "slipper." Derived from the verb נָעַל (naʻal), which carries meanings of "to lock," "to bar," or "to shoe," the noun `{{H5275}}` initially refers to the "sandal tongue" or the strap that secures the footwear. By extension, it came to signify the entire sandal or shoe, a common item of ancient Near Eastern attire. Beyond its literal function as protective footwear, `{{H5275}}` carries a rich semantic range encompassing several symbolic meanings:
1. **Occupancy and Possession:** The act of casting a shoe over a territory or exchanging a shoe served as a legal symbol for taking possession of land or transferring rights, particularly in matters of redemption or inheritance.
2. **Refusal to Marry/Renunciation:** In the context of levirate marriage, the removal and spitting upon a shoe symbolized a public renunciation of a brother's duty to raise up offspring for his deceased sibling.
3. **Insignificance or Worthlessness:** The phrase "for a pair of shoes" could denote an extremely low price, signifying contemptible valuation or the cheapening of human life.
4. **Humility and Reverence:** The removal of sandals before entering a sacred space or in the presence of divine manifestation signifies humility, respect, and the acknowledgment of holy ground.
5. **Readiness and Travel:** Wearing sandals was essential for journeying, symbolizing preparedness for movement or departure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H5275}}` throughout the Hebrew Bible illuminate its diverse applications:
* **Symbol of Sacred Space and Divine Presence:** In pivotal encounters with God, Moses at the burning bush and Joshua before the Commander of the Lord's army are commanded to remove their sandals. [[Exodus 3:5]] states, "Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." Similarly, [[Joshua 5:15]] records the same instruction. This act underscores the profound holiness of God and the need for human reverence and humility in His presence, marking a clear distinction between the profane and the sacred.
* **Legal Symbol of Redemption and Transfer of Rights:** Perhaps one of the most striking uses of `{{H5275}}` is found in the book of Ruth. [[Ruth 4:7]] describes an ancient custom in Israel concerning redemption and exchange of property: "Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, a man removed his sandal and gave it to the other." Boaz's kinsman, by refusing to redeem Ruth and the land, removed his sandal, symbolizing the transfer of the right and responsibility to Boaz ([[Ruth 4:8]]). This illustrates the sandal as a tangible legal instrument, signifying a binding agreement or the renunciation of a claim.
* **Symbol of Contempt and Subjugation:** In the Psalms, the casting of a shoe over Edom ([[Psalm 60:8]], [[Psalm 108:9]]) signifies an act of conquest, subjugation, and contempt. It implies treading upon or taking possession of a conquered land, treating it as a mere footstool.
* **Symbol of Poverty and Injustice:** The prophets use `{{H5275}}` to denounce social injustice. Amos condemns those who "sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals" ([[Amos 2:6]], [[Amos 8:6]]). This phrase vividly portrays the extreme exploitation of the poor and the utter contempt for human dignity, valuing a person's life less than the cheapest item.
* **Readiness for Departure:** During the instruction for the first Passover, the Israelites are commanded to eat the meal "with your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand" ([[Exodus 12:11]]). This imagery emphasizes immediate readiness for a journey, symbolizing their imminent deliverance and departure from Egypt.
* **Prophetic Sign of Humiliation:** Isaiah is commanded to walk "naked and barefoot" as a sign against Egypt and Cush ([[Isaiah 20:2-4]]). The absence of sandals here symbolizes the humiliation, captivity, and nakedness that awaited those nations, serving as a stark visual prophecy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H5275}}` is its verbal root נָעַל (naʻal), meaning "to lock," "to bar," or "to shoe." This root suggests the action of enclosing, fitting, or securing, which aligns with the function of footwear.
Related concepts include:
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh):** The removal of sandals is intrinsically linked to the concept of holy ground and the divine presence, emphasizing reverence and purity.
* **Covenant and Law (בְּרִית, berit; תּוֹרָה, torah):** The legal custom in Ruth highlights the meticulous nature of Israelite jurisprudence and the binding power of agreements within the covenant community.
* **Possession (יָרַשׁ, yarash):** The transfer of property rights through the shoe custom underscores the legal mechanisms for inheritance and ownership.
* **Humiliation and Slavery (עֶבֶד, eved):** Barefootness or the cheap value placed on life (a pair of sandals) often symbolizes a state of subjugation, poverty, or profound disgrace.
* **Journey and Pilgrimage (דֶּרֶךְ, derek):** Sandals are essential for travel, symbolizing readiness, purpose, and the transient nature of life's journey.
### Theological Significance
The seemingly mundane object of a sandal, `{{H5275}}`, carries profound theological weight within the biblical narrative.
Firstly, the command to remove sandals before the divine presence ([[Exodus 3:5]], [[Joshua 5:15]]) is a foundational lesson in **divine holiness and human reverence**. It teaches that God's presence sanctifies space, demanding a posture of humility and awe from those who approach Him. This act acknowledges God's absolute otherness and majesty, highlighting human unworthiness and the need for purification before the Holy One. It prefigures the New Testament understanding of Christ as the one who makes us holy and grants access to God.
Secondly, the use of `{{H5275}}` in legal transactions ([[Ruth 4:7-8]]) underscores God's concern for **justice, order, and the integrity of community life**. The specific ritual involving the sandal ensured transparency and validity in property transfers and familial obligations, reflecting the divine expectation for righteousness and faithfulness in all human dealings. This demonstrates how God's law permeated every aspect of Israelite society, even down to the seemingly small details.
Thirdly, the prophetic use of `{{H5275}}`, whether as a symbol of contempt ([[Psalm 60:8]]) or exploitation ([[Amos 2:6]]), reveals God's **passionate concern for the oppressed and His judgment against injustice**. The image of selling the righteous "for a pair of sandals" is a powerful indictment of those who devalue human life for profit, a theme that resonates throughout biblical ethics. It emphasizes that every person, regardless of status, possesses inherent dignity in God's eyes.
Finally, the sandal's association with readiness ([[Exodus 12:11]]) speaks to the **dynamic nature of faith and obedience**. Believers are called to be prepared for God's directives, ready to embark on His appointed path, whether it be a physical journey of deliverance or a spiritual walk of faithfulness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5275}}` (naʻal) denotes a "sandal" or "slipper," but its significance extends far beyond mere footwear. Rooted in the concept of enclosure or fitting, `{{H5275}}` functions biblically as a multifaceted symbol. It powerfully conveys the **holiness of God** and the **reverence due to Him** through the command to remove sandals on sacred ground. In legal contexts, it served as a tangible sign of **possession, transfer of rights, and the binding nature of agreements**, particularly evident in the levirate marriage custom and property redemption. Furthermore, `{{H5275}}` is employed prophetically to signify **contempt, subjugation, and the profound injustice** of valuing human life cheaply. Its presence also speaks to **readiness for action and journey**. Thus, `{{H5275}}` transforms from a common article of clothing into a profound theological marker, illuminating divine majesty, legal integrity, social justice, and the dynamics of obedience in the biblical narrative.
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