John 13:5

Translations

Modern

After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.

Traditional

After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Literal

After that, He pours water into the basin, and He began to wash the feet of the disciples and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

Latin

Deinde mittit aquam in pelvim, et cœpit lavare pedes discipulorum, et extergere linteo, quo erat præcinctus.

Original

Greek

English

After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.

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

Luke 7:44
And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
Psalm 51:2
Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
1 Timothy 5:10
…and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.
Genesis 19:2
…and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
Genesis 18:4
Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.
Titus 3:3–5
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Revelation 7:14
“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Ephesians 5:26
…to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
Hebrews 10:22
…let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
1 Corinthians 6:11
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
2 Kings 3:11
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”
Acts 22:16
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.’

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

Ablution of the Feet Feet: Washing of, As an Example, by Jesus Foot: Washing the Feet of the Disciples by Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Humility of Jesus, the Christ: Meekness of Jesus, the Christ: Washes the Disciples' Feet (In Jerusalem) Servants: Christ Condescended to the office of Servants: Slaves or Bond: Engaged in the Most Menial offices The Feet: Washing for Others, a Menial office The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet Towel: General Scriptures Concerning

John 13:5

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