John 13:4

Translations

Modern

So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.

Traditional

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

Literal

He rises from the supper and lays aside His garments. And having taken a towel, He girded Himself.

Latin

…surgit a cœna, et ponit vestimenta sua, et cum accepisset linteum, præcinxit se.

Interlinear

Greek

English

So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.

Notes

John 13:4–5

Foot washing was common in Greek and Jewish cultures as a daily routine. It was also a common gesture when hosting guests (see Luke 7:36–50). It was a humble task designated for servants. When Jesus began to wash the disciples’ feet, he assumed the role of a servant.

John 13:1–38

The setting is the final Passover meal of Jesus on Thursday evening. During this meal, Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus. John does not describe the meal itself like the Synoptic Gospels do (Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; Luke 22:7–20; see also 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). John focuses on other activities at the event, such as:

the foot washing (John 13:1–17),
Judas’s betrayal (13:18–30), and
the prediction of Peter’s denials (13:31–38).

Theme notes and profiles

Encounters with Jesus Jesus’ Final Night

Events

Related verses

2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Luke 22:27
For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.
Philippians 2:6–8
Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
Luke 12:37
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.
Luke 17:7
Which of you whose servant comes in from plowing or shepherding in the field will say to him, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’?

Glossary

Bathe, Bathing Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Flax Humility Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Lord’s Supper, the Peter, the Apostle Simon

Topics

Eucharist (The Lord's Supper): General Scriptures Concerning Feet: Washing of, As an Example, by Jesus Foot: Washing the Feet of the Disciples by Jesus Garments: Girt up During Employment Girdles used for Girding up the Garments when Working Girdles used for Taken off when at Rest Hyke or Upper Garment was the Garment: Laid Aside by Christ Jesus, the Christ: Washes the Disciples' Feet (In Jerusalem) Servants: Slaves or Bond: Engaged in the Most Menial offices Towel: General Scriptures Concerning

John 13:4

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