John 13:10

KJV

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} to him {G846}, He that is washed {G3068} needeth {G5532} not {G3756}{G2192} save {G2228} to wash {G3538} his feet {G4228}, but {G235} is {G2076} clean {G2513} every whit {G3650}: and {G2532} ye {G5210} are {G2075} clean {G2513}, but {G235} not {G3780} all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to him, “A man who has had a bath doesn’t need to wash, except his feet — his body is already clean. And you people are clean, but not all of you.”

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus told him, “Whoever has already bathed needs only to wash his feet, and he will be completely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.”

American Standard Version

Jesus saith to him, He that is bathed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 13:10, Jesus distinguishes between a complete, initial spiritual cleansing and the ongoing need for daily purification, using the physical act of foot-washing as a profound metaphor. Addressing Peter's misunderstanding, Jesus clarifies that one who has been "washed" (fully cleansed) does not need a complete re-bath, but only to wash their feet, signifying the continuous need for cleansing from the defilements encountered in the world. This verse also subtly highlights the presence of Judas Iscariot, who, despite physical proximity, was not spiritually clean.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 13:10 is embedded within the deeply symbolic narrative of Jesus washing His disciples' feet during the Last Supper, a scene spanning from [John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet"). This act of humble service, unprecedented for a master, initially provoked a strong reaction from Peter, who vehemently declared, "Thou shalt never wash my feet" ([John 13:8](/john/13-8 "John 13:8 - Peter's Refusal")). Jesus's response, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me," shifted Peter's perspective dramatically, leading him to request a full bath. Verse 10 is Jesus's nuanced reply, clarifying the spiritual distinction between a one-time, comprehensive cleansing and the ongoing, partial cleansing required for daily life. This dialogue sets the stage for Jesus's subsequent teaching on humility and service, and His foreshadowing of betrayal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, foot-washing was a common and necessary practice. People wore open sandals and walked on dusty, unpaved roads, making their feet dirty quickly. It was a customary act of hospitality for a host to provide water and a servant to wash the feet of arriving guests. This act was often performed by the lowest servant in the household, underscoring its humble nature. For Jesus, the Master, to perform this task for His disciples was a radical inversion of social norms, a powerful visual lesson in servant leadership. Understanding this cultural backdrop illuminates the shock of Peter's initial refusal and the profound humility conveyed by Jesus's actions, which went against all expectations of status and hierarchy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Spiritual Purity and Cleansing**, differentiating between the complete, initial cleansing of salvation (justification) and the ongoing, daily purification (sanctification) required for fellowship with God, as seen in passages like [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness"). The act itself is a powerful demonstration of **Humility and Servant Leadership**, setting an example for disciples to follow, as Jesus explicitly states in [John 13:14-15](/john/13-14-15 "John 13:14-15 - Jesus's Example of Service"). Furthermore, Jesus's poignant remark, "but not all," subtly introduces the theme of **True vs. False Discipleship**, foreshadowing Judas Iscariot's betrayal and emphasizing that outward association with Christ does not equate to inner spiritual transformation, a concept explored further in [John 6:70-71](/john/6-70-71 "John 6:70-71 - Jesus Identifies His Betrayer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Washed (Greek, _loúō'_):** Derived from G3068, this verb refers to a complete bathing of the entire body. In this context, Jesus uses it to signify the comprehensive, once-for-all spiritual cleansing that occurs when a person is regenerated or justified by faith in Him. It implies a thorough purification from the defilement of sin, making one "clean every whit" in God's sight. This is not a process that needs to be repeated.
* **Wash (Greek, _níptō'_):** Derived from G3538 (related to G3068), this verb specifically denotes the washing of a part of the body, such as the hands or feet. Here, it symbolizes the ongoing, daily need for believers to cleanse themselves from the defilements, sins, and impurities that accumulate through their walk in a fallen world. This "foot washing" is not about regaining salvation, but about maintaining fellowship and purity in one's daily conduct, akin to confession and repentance.
* **Clean (Greek, _katharós'_):** Derived from G2513, this adjective means pure, clean, or clear, both literally and figuratively. When Jesus declares, "but is clean every whit" (using G3650, _hólos_, meaning "whole" or "all"), He emphasizes the absolute and complete spiritual purity granted to those who have been "washed" by Him. This purity is comprehensive and extends to every part of their being in God's eyes. However, the subsequent phrase, "and ye are clean, but not all" (using G3956, _pâs_, meaning "all" or "every"), tragically highlights that despite being physically present and seemingly part of the group, one individual (Judas) lacked this true, internal purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus saith to him,"**: This introduces Jesus's direct response to Peter's extreme request for a full bath, following Peter's initial refusal to have his feet washed. It signals a crucial teaching moment.
* **"He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet,"**: This clause establishes the core distinction. "He that is washed" (using _loúō_) refers to someone who has undergone a complete, spiritual cleansing—the initial act of salvation. Such a person does not need to be "re-washed" (re-saved). However, they do need to "wash [his] feet" (using _níptō_), symbolizing the ongoing, daily process of dealing with the defilements of sin encountered while living in the world.
* **"but is clean every whit:"**: This affirms the thoroughness and completeness of the initial spiritual cleansing. Once truly washed by Christ, a person is entirely pure in God's eyes, without any remaining spiritual blemish that would require a "re-bath" of salvation. This emphasizes the efficacy and finality of Christ's redemptive work.
* **"and ye are clean, but not all."**: This final, poignant statement reiterates the spiritual purity of the majority of the disciples, but introduces a stark exception. The phrase "not all" is a direct, albeit veiled, reference to Judas Iscariot. It highlights that despite being physically present and having his feet washed by Jesus, Judas lacked the true spiritual cleanliness that came from genuine faith and commitment to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
John 13:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound spiritual truths. **Symbolism** is central, with the physical act of foot-washing serving as a rich metaphor for spiritual cleansing. The "washing" of the whole body symbolizes the one-time, complete cleansing of salvation, while the "washing of the feet" symbolizes the ongoing, daily purification from sin that believers need. There is a clear **Contrast** or **Antithesis** between the two Greek verbs, _loúō_ (complete bath) and _níptō_ (partial washing), which underscores the theological distinction between justification and sanctification. Furthermore, the verse uses **Irony** and **Foreshadowing** with the phrase "but not all." This subtle remark, understood by the reader in hindsight, is deeply ironic given Judas's impending betrayal, and it foreshadows the revelation of his true spiritual state, setting him apart from the truly "clean" disciples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:10 is a cornerstone for understanding the Christian doctrines of justification and sanctification. The "washing" (louō) refers to the complete, definitive spiritual cleansing that occurs at salvation, where a believer is declared righteous before God through faith in Christ's atoning work. This is a one-time event, securing one's position as "clean every whit." However, living in a fallen world, believers inevitably encounter sin and defilement. The "washing of the feet" (niptō) symbolizes the ongoing process of sanctification—the daily need for confession, repentance, and purification through the Word and the Holy Spirit to maintain intimate fellowship with God. This verse assures believers of their secure standing in Christ while also calling them to continuous spiritual hygiene, ensuring their walk remains consistent with their clean identity.

* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Cleanses the Church")
* [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:10 offers profound insights for the daily life of a believer, reminding us of both the completeness of our salvation and the necessity of ongoing spiritual maintenance. For those who have genuinely put their faith in Jesus, there is immense assurance: we are "clean every whit" through His finished work on the cross. Our standing before God is secure and perfect. Yet, as we journey through a world full of spiritual "dust," we inevitably pick up defilements. This verse calls us to practice "daily foot washing"—a consistent rhythm of confession, repentance, and seeking God's cleansing through His Word and prayer. This isn't about re-earning salvation, but about maintaining an unhindered, vibrant fellowship with our Lord. The subtle reference to Judas also serves as a solemn call for self-examination, prompting us to honestly assess whether our faith is truly transformative and our hearts genuinely clean, or if we are merely outwardly associated with Christ without true inner purity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I experience the "dust" of the world defiling my spiritual walk, and how regularly do I engage in "foot washing" through confession and repentance?**
* **How does the assurance of being "clean every whit" through Christ's complete work impact my daily confidence and freedom from guilt?**
* **Am I confident that my faith is a genuine, saving faith that has made me "clean every whit," or am I merely going through the motions like Judas?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that believers can lose their salvation if they don't regularly "wash their feet"?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that believers can lose their salvation. The distinction Jesus makes between being "washed" (G3068, _loúō_ - a complete bath) and needing to "wash [his] feet" (G3538, _níptō_ - a partial washing) is crucial. The initial "washing" refers to the one-time act of spiritual regeneration or justification, which makes a person "clean every whit" and secures their salvation. This is a permanent state for true believers. The "washing of the feet" refers to the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers deal with the daily sins and defilements encountered in the world. This ongoing cleansing is necessary for maintaining close fellowship with God and living a pure life, but it is not a condition for retaining salvation. [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness") further clarifies this, stating that confessing sins leads to forgiveness and cleansing, not re-salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the sole source of all true spiritual cleansing. He is the one who provides both the initial, complete "washing" and the ongoing "foot washing" for His people. The "clean every whit" status of the believer is achieved not by human effort or ritual, but by the perfect, atoning sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His blood cleanses us from all sin, making us perfectly righteous in God's sight ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, Christ continues to provide the ongoing "foot washing" through His intercessory work as our [Advocate with the Father](/1_john/2-1-2 "1 John 2:1-2 - Christ Our Advocate") and through the sanctifying power of His Word and Spirit ([Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Sanctification by the Word")). Thus, Jesus is not merely the example of humility in the foot-washing, but the very means by which we are made clean and kept clean, ensuring our continuous fellowship with God and our ultimate presentation as a glorious church, "not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - A Glorious Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 15:3

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Numbers 19:19

And the clean [person] shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.

Numbers 19:21

And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation shall be unclean until even.

Ephesians 5:26

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Ephesians 5:27

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.