John 13:13

KJV

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye {G5210} call {G5455} me {G3165} Master {G1320} and {G2532} Lord {G2962}: and {G2532} ye say {G3004} well {G2573}; for {G1063} so I am {G1510}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You call me ‘Rabbi’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because I am.

Berean Standard Bible

You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am.

American Standard Version

Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 13:13, Jesus definitively affirms the titles "Master" and "Lord" that His disciples use for Him, declaring these designations to be accurate and fitting. This powerful statement, made immediately after He performs the humble act of washing their feet, underscores the profound paradox of His divine authority expressed through sacrificial service, establishing the foundation for His subsequent teaching on servant leadership within His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Jesus is situated within the profound and intimate setting of the Last Supper, specifically after He has performed the deeply symbolic act of washing His disciples' feet ([John 13:1-12](/john/13-1-12 "John 13:1-12 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")). The disciples, including Peter's initial reluctance and eventual submission, have just witnessed an act of profound humility typically reserved for the lowest servant. Jesus' statement in [John 13:13](/john/13-13 "John 13:13 - Jesus' Affirmation of Master and Lord") directly follows this demonstration, serving as the interpretive key to the foot-washing, explaining *why* He, as their Master and Lord, would perform such a deed. It sets the stage for His subsequent command to them to emulate His example of humble service ([John 13:14-17](/john/13-14-17 "John 13:14-17 - The Command to Serve")). The entire discourse in [John 13](/john/13 "John 13 - The Last Supper and Foot-Washing") moves from a demonstration of love and service to a theological affirmation, culminating in a new commandment of love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman societies, the relationship between a master/teacher (rabbi) and his disciples was one of profound respect and hierarchical deference. Disciples would never expect their teacher to perform menial tasks, especially not foot-washing, which was often done by household slaves. The act of washing feet was a necessary and common practice due to dusty roads and open sandals, but its performance by a superior was unheard of. The titles "Master" (διδάσκαλος, _didaskalos_, teacher) and "Lord" (κύριος, _kyrios_) were common forms of address. While "Master" acknowledged teaching authority, "Lord" could range from a polite "sir" to a recognition of ultimate divine sovereignty, especially when used in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) to translate the divine name YHWH. Jesus' affirmation of both titles, particularly "Lord" with the emphatic "I am," carries immense weight, connecting Him to the divine identity revealed in the Old Testament.
* **Key Themes:** [John 13:13](/john/13-13 "John 13:13 - Jesus' Affirmation of Master and Lord") contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces **Jesus' Divine Authority and Identity**. His declaration "so I am" echoes the divine "I AM" statements found throughout John's Gospel (e.g., [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Before Abraham Was, I Am")). Secondly, it highlights the **Paradox of Service and Sovereignty**. Jesus, the supreme Lord, demonstrates His authority not through dominance but through profound humility and self-giving service, a theme central to the New Testament's understanding of Christ's work (cf. [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Nature of True Discipleship**. By affirming the disciples' correct identification of Him, Jesus sets the stage for their understanding that following Him means embracing a life of humble service, mirroring their Master's example, as He later commands in [John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - The New Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** From G1320, this term literally means "teacher" or "instructor." The disciples frequently used this respectful title for Jesus, acknowledging His profound wisdom, authoritative teaching, and role as their spiritual guide. It signifies His pedagogical authority and the source of their learning.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, this word denotes supreme authority and control. While it can be a general term for "sir" or "master" (owner), in the context of Jesus' self-declaration, especially following the foot-washing, it carries the profound theological weight of divine sovereignty. In the Septuagint, _kýrios_ is the primary translation for the divine name Yahweh, suggesting Jesus' claim to deity and ultimate dominion over all things.
* **for so I am (Greek, _gár eimí'_):** G1063 (_gár_) is a particle assigning a reason, often translated as "for," "because," or "indeed." G1510 (_eimí_) is the first person singular present indicative of the verb "to be," used emphatically. When Jesus says "for so I am," He is not merely agreeing with their titles but emphatically affirming His inherent nature and identity. This echoes the Old Testament divine "I AM" ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")) and other "I AM" statements in John's Gospel, solidifying His claim to divine existence and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye call me Master and Lord":** This clause highlights the disciples' existing recognition and address for Jesus. They correctly perceive Him as both their authoritative Teacher (Master) and their Sovereign (Lord). This is not a new revelation of their understanding, but an acknowledgment of their current, accurate, albeit perhaps incomplete, grasp of His identity.
* **"and ye say well;":** Jesus validates their perception. The phrase "ye say well" (Greek: _kalōs légō_) is an affirmation of their correctness, indicating that their titles for Him are not merely polite forms of address but reflect a profound truth about who He is. This prepares them for the deeper implications of His identity.
* **"for so I am.":** This is the core of Jesus' declaration. The conjunction "for" (Greek: _gár_) introduces the reason or justification for their correct assessment. The emphatic "so I am" is a powerful self-affirmation of His inherent nature, not just a confirmation of a title. It is a declaration of His absolute and divine being, establishing His authority as both Teacher and Sovereign, independent of their acknowledgment. It grounds His identity in His very existence.

#### Literary Devices
[John 13:13](/john/13-13 "John 13:13 - Jesus' Affirmation of Master and Lord") employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Affirmation**, where Jesus directly validates the disciples' titles for Him, transforming their respectful address into a divine declaration of His true nature. This is immediately followed by a profound **Paradox**, as the one who is "Master and Lord" has just performed the most menial of tasks. This juxtaposition of supreme authority with ultimate humility creates a striking image that challenges conventional notions of power. Furthermore, the phrase "so I am" functions as a **Christological Declaration**, echoing the divine "I AM" statements found throughout the Gospel of John (e.g., [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Before Abraham Was, I Am")), thereby asserting Jesus' divine identity and pre-existence. This concise statement encapsulates a foundational truth about His person and mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:13 stands as a pivotal Christological declaration, asserting Jesus' dual identity as both authoritative Teacher and divine Sovereign. His affirmation "so I am" resonates with the divine name revealed to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"), underscoring His eternal, self-existent nature and absolute authority. This verse provides the theological grounding for the preceding act of foot-washing, revealing that true Lordship in God's kingdom is expressed through self-emptying service, not through worldly power or domination. It challenges disciples then and now to align their understanding of Jesus with His own self-revelation and to embody the paradoxical nature of His kingdom, where greatness is found in humility.

* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Exaltation")
* [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Greatness Through Service")
* [Luke 6:46](/luke/6-46 "Why Do You Call Me Lord?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:13 calls believers to a profound and active recognition of Jesus' identity. To call Him "Master" implies a commitment to learning from His teachings, submitting to His wisdom, and allowing His words to shape our worldview and behavior. To call Him "Lord" signifies acknowledging His supreme authority over every aspect of our lives – our decisions, desires, resources, and relationships. This is not merely a verbal affirmation but a posture of submission and obedience. The context of the foot-washing makes it clear that this Lordship is not one of oppressive power, but of humble, self-sacrificial love. Therefore, our recognition of Jesus as Master and Lord must translate into a life that mirrors His servant heart, actively seeking to serve others, especially the marginalized and overlooked, just as He served His disciples. Our worship of Him should lead to imitation of Him, demonstrating His love and humility to a world that desperately needs to see true leadership.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways do I acknowledge Jesus as my "Master" (Teacher) in my daily life? Am I actively learning from His Word and submitting to His instruction?**
* **What does it truly mean for Jesus to be "Lord" over my finances, relationships, career, and future? Am I holding anything back from His sovereignty?**
* **How does Jesus' example of humble service, immediately preceding His declaration of Lordship, challenge my own understanding of leadership and influence?**
* **If I truly believe Jesus is "Master and Lord," how should that belief transform my interactions with others, particularly those I might consider "beneath" me?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus affirming "Master" and "Lord" after washing feet?**

Answer: The timing of this declaration is crucial. By affirming these titles immediately after performing the most menial task, Jesus redefines the nature of His authority and leadership. He demonstrates that His "Lordship" is not about being served, but about serving; His "Mastery" is not about distant command, but about intimate, humble example. It underscores the paradox of the cross – that ultimate power is revealed through ultimate self-sacrifice ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). He is worthy of these titles precisely because of His willingness to humble Himself.

**What is the difference between "Master" and "Lord" in this context?**

Answer: "Master" (Greek: _didáskalos_) primarily denotes a teacher or instructor. It highlights Jesus' role as the authoritative source of truth and wisdom for His disciples. "Lord" (Greek: _kýrios_) carries a broader and deeper meaning. While it can simply mean "sir," in this context, especially with Jesus' emphatic "I am," it signifies divine sovereignty, absolute authority, and ownership. It connects Jesus to the divine name YHWH used in the Old Testament, asserting His deity. So, "Master" speaks to His teaching authority, while "Lord" speaks to His divine nature and supreme dominion.

**Why does Jesus say "for so I am"?**

Answer: The phrase "for so I am" is a powerful self-affirmation. The Greek particle "for" (gár) indicates that what follows is the reason or justification. "So I am" (Greek: _eimí_) is an emphatic statement of being. It's not just an agreement with their titles, but a declaration of His inherent, eternal reality. This echoes the divine "I AM" statements throughout the Gospel of John (e.g., [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Before Abraham Was, I Am")) and the Old Testament (e.g., [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")), asserting His divine identity and pre-existence as the Son of God. He is Master and Lord because that is who He fundamentally is.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 13:13](/john/13-13 "John 13:13 - Jesus' Affirmation of Master and Lord") is a profound Christ-centered declaration, revealing the very essence of who Jesus is and how His Lordship is manifested. As "Master," Jesus is the ultimate revealer of God's truth, the one who perfectly embodies and teaches the will of the Father. His teachings are not mere human philosophy but divine wisdom, leading to eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")). As "Lord," He is the sovereign God, the creator and sustainer of all things, who holds all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His emphatic "so I am" points to His eternal pre-existence and divine nature, echoing the "I AM" statements that reveal His identity as Yahweh in human flesh ([John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Before Abraham Was, I Am")). The fulfillment of this Lordship is seen most clearly in His redemptive work: as Lord, He willingly humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross to redeem humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), and as Master, He provides the perfect example of sacrificial love and servant leadership for all His followers ([John 13:14-15](/john/13-14-15 "John 13:14-15 - You Also Ought to Wash One Another's Feet")). His resurrection and ascension confirm His supreme Lordship, making Him the one to whom every knee will one day bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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

Luke 6:46

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

1 Corinthians 12:3

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

John 11:28

And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

Romans 14:8

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Romans 14:9

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,