John 13:12

KJV

So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3767} after {G3753} he had washed {G3538} their {G846} feet {G4228}, and {G2532} had taken {G2983} his {G846} garments {G2440}, and was set down {G377} again {G3825}, he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Know ye {G1097} what {G5101} I have done {G4160} to you {G5213}?

Complete Jewish Bible

After he had washed their feet, taken back his clothes and returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you?

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you?

American Standard Version

So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
After Jesus, the Lord and Master, completed the profoundly symbolic act of washing His disciples' feet, He resumed His place and posed a direct, penetrating question: "Know ye what I have done to you?" This pivotal verse marks a transition from the extraordinary demonstration of humble servanthood to its crucial interpretation and application, preparing the disciples for a deeper understanding of His actions and the implications for their own lives and ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 13:12 immediately follows Jesus' unprecedented act of washing the feet of His twelve disciples, including Judas Iscariot. The preceding verses (John 13:1-11) establish the setting—the Last Supper, knowing His hour had come to depart to the Father, and His love for His own. Peter's initial resistance to the footwashing (John 13:6-9) highlights the shocking nature of Jesus' actions, emphasizing the profound humility of the Lord performing a task typically reserved for the lowest servant. This verse serves as the bridge from the physical demonstration to the verbal explanation, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on servanthood and mutual love (John 13:13-17).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman societies, footwashing was a common practice due to dusty roads and open sandals. It was a customary act of hospitality, but always performed by a servant for a guest, or by a wife for her husband. For a teacher or master to wash the feet of his disciples was an astonishing reversal of social hierarchy and expectation, a radical departure from the norm. This act would have been deeply humiliating for anyone of status to perform, underscoring Jesus' deliberate and counter-cultural display of humility and service. The disciples' bewilderment and Peter's protest (as seen in [John 13:8](/john/13-8 "John 13:8 - Peter's Objection")) vividly illustrate the cultural shock of the moment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine humility and servanthood**, directly contrasting earthly notions of power and status with God's nature as revealed in Christ. Jesus, the Lord, demonstrates that true greatness in His kingdom is found in humble service, a concept further elaborated in [John 13:13-17](/john/13-13-17 "John 13:13-17 - Jesus' Command to Serve"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **spiritual cleansing and purification**, building on Peter's dialogue where Jesus states, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me" ([John 13:8](/john/13-8 "John 13:8 - The Necessity of Cleansing")). While the physical act was symbolic, it pointed to a deeper spiritual reality of ongoing purification necessary for fellowship with Christ. Finally, the rhetorical question "Know ye what I have done to you?" introduces the theme of **discipleship and understanding**, compelling the disciples to move beyond mere observation to profound comprehension and emulation of Christ's example.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **washed (Greek, _níptō'_):** This verb, G3538, specifically refers to washing a part of the body, such as the hands or feet, as opposed to a full bath. Its use here emphasizes the specific, humble act of cleansing the disciples' feet, highlighting the particularity and intimacy of Jesus' service. It contrasts with `louō` (G3068), which implies a full-body wash, underscoring that while the disciples had been "bathed" (spiritually cleansed by Christ's work), they still needed ongoing "footwashing" (daily purification and humble service).
* **garments (Greek, _himátion'_):** G2440 denotes an outer garment or cloak. The act of Jesus "laying aside" His garments (John 13:4) before washing their feet, and then "taking" them (G2983, _lambánō_) and putting them back on, is highly symbolic. It visually represents His temporary divestment of divine prerogatives or status to perform a menial task, akin to His self-emptying (kenosis) described in Philippians 2. His re-donning of them signifies His resumption of His rightful place and authority to teach and command.
* **Know ye (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** G1097, `ginṓskō`, is a crucial verb here. It implies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual recognition or factual awareness. Jesus is not asking if they physically observed Him washing their feet, but if they truly grasped the profound meaning, purpose, and implications of His action. It challenges them to move beyond superficial observation to spiritual comprehension and internal transformation, preparing them for the subsequent teaching on servanthood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So after he had washed their feet":** This clause establishes the immediate temporal context, emphasizing that the question follows directly from the completed act of humble service. The "so" (οὖν, G3767) indicates a logical consequence or transition, moving from the action to its interpretation.
* **"and had taken his garments":** This detail underscores Jesus' deliberate restoration of His outward appearance and posture of authority. Having performed the servant's task, He reclaims His customary attire, signaling a shift from active service to a position of instruction.
* **"and was set down again":** Jesus' return to His seated position (ἀναπίπτω, G377), likely at the head of the table, signifies His resumption of the teacher's role. This physical re-posturing prepares the disciples for the verbal instruction and authoritative explanation that is about to follow.
* **"he said unto them":** This simple phrase introduces Jesus' direct address to His disciples, indicating that the time for silent demonstration has ended and the time for explicit teaching has begun. The shift from action to word is critical for understanding the full weight of the preceding event.
* **"Know ye what I have done to you?":** This is the heart of the verse—a profound rhetorical question. It is not an inquiry for information, but a challenge to introspection and understanding. Jesus compels His disciples to reflect deeply on the significance of His actions, prompting them to connect the physical act of footwashing with its spiritual and theological implications for their lives and future ministry.

#### Literary Devices
John 13:12 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Know ye what I have done to you?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer, but to provoke deep thought, reflection, and self-examination among the disciples. It forces them to confront the meaning of Jesus' actions and prepares them for His subsequent teaching. There is also profound **Symbolism** at play; the physical act of footwashing symbolizes spiritual cleansing, humble service, and the radical nature of Christ's love. The entire scene functions as a **Didactic Narrative**, where Jesus uses a concrete, memorable action to convey a profound spiritual lesson. Furthermore, the scene presents a striking **Role Reversal** or **Inversion**, where the Master performs the task of the lowest servant, dramatically subverting conventional social hierarchies and establishing a new paradigm for leadership and discipleship within the Kingdom of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:12 serves as a theological hinge, connecting Jesus' unparalleled demonstration of humility with His subsequent command for His disciples to emulate His example. It reveals the heart of God, who, in Christ, stoops to serve humanity, even to the point of death. The question "Know ye what I have done to you?" challenges believers to move beyond superficial observation of Christ's life to a deep, transformative understanding that compels them to embody His servanthood. This understanding is not merely intellectual assent but an experiential knowledge that reshapes one's values and actions, aligning them with the divine pattern of self-giving love. It underscores that true spiritual authority and leadership in God's kingdom are defined by humble service, not by worldly power or prestige.

* [John 13:14-15](/john/13-14-15 "John 13:14-15 - Jesus' Command to Follow His Example")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")
* [Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "Matthew 20:26-28 - Greatness Through Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:12 is a timeless invitation to profound spiritual introspection and practical transformation. Jesus' question, "Know ye what I have done to you?", echoes through the centuries, challenging every believer to move beyond a mere intellectual acknowledgment of His servanthood to a deep, experiential understanding that shapes our attitudes and actions. It compels us to consider whether we truly grasp the radical nature of His humility and love, and whether we are willing to embody that same spirit in our daily lives. This verse calls us to actively seek opportunities for humble service, particularly in ways that might be unseen, uncomfortable, or considered beneath our perceived status. It encourages us to prioritize the needs of others, to wash the "feet" of those around us—whether through practical help, compassionate listening, or self-sacrificial love—recognizing that such service is not a burden but a privilege and a hallmark of true discipleship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most resistant to humble service, and why?**
* **How does Jesus' act of footwashing challenge my understanding of leadership and greatness?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to "wash the feet" of someone in my family, community, or church?**
* **Am I seeking a deeper, experiential knowledge of Christ's teachings, or am I content with superficial understanding?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus asking "Know ye what I have done to you?" immediately after washing their feet?**

Answer: The question is a rhetorical device, not a literal inquiry for information. Its significance lies in compelling the disciples to reflect deeply on the meaning and implications of Jesus' actions. Having performed a profoundly counter-cultural act of humble service, Jesus immediately shifts to teaching, forcing them to move beyond mere observation to a transformative understanding. He wants them to grasp the spiritual lessons of servanthood, humility, and the nature of His kingdom, preparing them for the explicit command to follow His example found in [John 13:14-15](/john/13-14-15 "John 13:14-15 - Jesus' Command to Emulate Him").

**Why did Jesus take off and put on His garments? Is there symbolism in this?**

Answer: Yes, there is significant symbolism. Jesus "laying aside" His garments (as mentioned in [John 13:4](/john/13-4 "John 13:4 - Jesus Lays Aside His Garments")) before washing their feet, and then "taking" them and putting them back on, visually represents His temporary divestment of divine prerogatives or status to perform a menial task. This action foreshadows His ultimate self-emptying (kenosis) in His incarnation and crucifixion, where He willingly set aside His glory to serve and save humanity (see [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). His re-donning of the garments signifies His resumption of His rightful place and authority to teach and command, emphasizing that His act of service was a deliberate, sovereign choice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:12, with its profound question, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in Jesus' exemplary act of humble service, but in the culminating act of His redemptive work on the cross. The footwashing, a symbolic cleansing and an act of profound humility, foreshadows the spiritual cleansing and ultimate self-sacrifice that Jesus would accomplish. Just as He "laid aside His garments" to serve, so too did He "empty Himself" of divine glory, taking the form of a servant, even to death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Kenosis and Obedience"). His question, "Know ye what I have done to you?", extends beyond the physical act to the entirety of His mission: to serve, to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The cleansing of feet points to the greater, once-for-all spiritual cleansing provided by His blood, which washes away the sins of the world ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood") and [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus Washes Us in His Blood")). Thus, the footwashing serves as a tangible parable of the gospel itself, revealing a Savior who humbles Himself completely to reconcile humanity to God, inviting His followers to participate in His mission of self-giving love, empowered by the New Covenant established through His ultimate sacrifice ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")).

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 13:7

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

John 13:4

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

Ezekiel 24:24

Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

Matthew 13:51

Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

Ezekiel 24:19

And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these [things are] to us, that thou doest [so]?

Mark 4:13

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?