John 13:10

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.

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}.

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.”

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.”

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

Context

John 13:10 is part of the profound narrative of Jesus washing His disciples' feet during the Last Supper. This act of humble service, detailed from John 13:1, initially met with resistance from Peter, who exclaimed that Jesus would "never" wash his feet. When Jesus clarified the spiritual necessity, Peter then swung to the other extreme, asking for a full bath. Jesus's response in verse 10 clarifies the symbolic meaning, distinguishing between a complete spiritual cleansing and the ongoing need for daily purification from the defilements of the world.

Key Themes

  • Complete vs. Ongoing Cleansing: Jesus differentiates between two types of cleansing. The "he that is washed" refers to a person who has experienced a complete, initial spiritual cleansing—often understood as salvation or regeneration. This person is "clean every whit," meaning they are entirely pure in God's sight through faith in Christ. However, living in a fallen world, believers still pick up "dust" or defilement, symbolized by the feet. This necessitates a continuous, daily process of confession and purification, not for salvation itself, but for maintaining fellowship and walking in purity.
  • Spiritual Purity: The phrase "clean every whit" emphasizes the thoroughness of the spiritual transformation that occurs when one truly commits to Christ. It signifies a holistic purity in God's eyes, a righteousness imputed by Christ.
  • The Nature of Discipleship: This verse subtly highlights the reality of true and false discipleship. While the eleven disciples were spiritually clean, Jesus's poignant remark, "but not all," points directly to Judas Iscariot, who, despite being physically present and participating, was not spiritually clean. This serves as a solemn reminder that outward association does not guarantee inner transformation.
  • Humility and Service: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire foot-washing event, of which this verse is a part, underscores the theme of humble service as a core characteristic of true discipleship.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translation captures an important distinction in the Greek verbs used:

  • "Washed" (λούω - louō): This verb refers to a complete bath or washing of the entire body. It signifies the initial, complete spiritual cleansing that occurs when one becomes a believer.
  • "Wash [his] feet" (νίπτω - niptō): This verb refers to a partial washing, specifically of the hands or feet. In this context, it symbolizes the ongoing need for believers to cleanse themselves from the daily defilements of sin through confession and repentance, without needing a "re-bath" of salvation.

Practical Application

John 13:10 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • Daily Spiritual Hygiene: Just as one washes their feet after walking through a dusty world, so too believers need to regularly confess sins and seek God's cleansing. This isn't about losing salvation, but about maintaining a close, undefiled relationship with God. 1 John 1:9 assures us that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
  • Assurance of Salvation: For those who have truly put their faith in Christ, there is the assurance that they are "clean every whit." Their salvation is complete and secure through Christ's work.
  • Self-Examination: The subtle reference to Judas serves as a call for self-reflection. It prompts us to consider whether our faith is genuine and our hearts truly clean, or if we are merely going through the motions.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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