Description and usage
Straps were long, thin pieces of leather. They were put to many uses, including tying sandals, binding other things (that is, used like rope; see Rope, cord), or wielding as a whip (Whip, scourge). See the illustrations at Sandal, shoe.
Translation
In a number of languages the Greek word himas may be rendered “leather string” or “strip of leather.” In JHN 1:27 the term may be absorbed within the total expression at the end of the verse, for example, “I am not worthy to untie his sandals” (implying the untying of the straps with which the sandals were bound). This may be done in MRK 1:7 and LUK 3:16 also.
In ACT 22:25 two meanings are possible for the Greek word himas. Luke may either be telling the reason why Paul was being tied up or the means by which Paul was being tied up. So translators may render the first clause in this verse as “they tied him up with thongs” or “they tied him up for whipping,” in which case himas would refer to an event, not to an object.