John 13:14

KJV

If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} I {G1473} then {G3767}, your Lord {G2962} and {G2532} Master {G1320}, have washed {G3538} your {G5216} feet {G4228}; ye {G5210} also {G2532} ought {G3784} to wash {G3538} one another's {G240} feet {G4228}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now if I, the Lord and Rabbi, have washed your feet, you also should wash each other’s feet.

Berean Standard Bible

So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

American Standard Version

If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 13:14 encapsulates Jesus' profound lesson in humble, self-sacrificial service, delivered through the symbolic act of washing His disciples' feet during the Last Supper. As their "Lord and Master," Jesus provides a radical example, demonstrating that true leadership and discipleship within the Christian community are defined not by authority or status, but by a willingness to serve others, even in the most menial ways, thereby establishing a new paradigm of mutual love and humility for all His followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intensely intimate and instructional discourse of Jesus with His disciples immediately preceding His crucifixion, often referred to as the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17). The chapter opens with Jesus' full awareness of His impending departure and His deep love for His own (John 13:1). The foot-washing act (John 13:2-11) serves as a dramatic prelude to His command in John 13:14-17. It follows Peter's initial reluctance and Jesus' explanation that the washing symbolizes spiritual cleansing and a share in Christ. The verse itself transitions from Jesus' action to His explicit command, setting the stage for further teachings on love and service that characterize the remainder of the discourse, culminating in the new commandment to love one another (John 13:34).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, dusty roads made foot washing a common necessity for guests entering a home. This task was invariably performed by the lowest servant or, in the absence of one, by a wife or child. For a host to wash a guest's feet was an act of extraordinary humility and hospitality. For a master, especially a revered teacher, to wash the feet of his disciples was utterly unprecedented and counter-cultural. This act directly challenged the prevailing societal norms and the disciples' own understanding of status and greatness, as evidenced by their previous disputes over who would be the greatest among them, even as recently as the Last Supper itself, as recorded in [Luke 22:24](/luke/22-24 "The Disciples' Dispute Over Greatness"). Jesus' action was a deliberate, shocking reversal of roles designed to imprint a profound spiritual truth.
* **Key Themes:** John 13:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and biblical theology. The most prominent is **humility and servant leadership**, where Jesus, as the ultimate authority and divine Son, redefines power through self-abasement. This contrasts sharply with worldly notions of leadership and echoes the theme of the [Son of Man coming to serve](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). Another crucial theme is **mutual love and service within the community of believers**. Jesus' command extends His example to a reciprocal obligation, fostering a community characterized by selfless care for one another, which is a hallmark of true discipleship. This act also embodies **imitation of Christ**, as Jesus explicitly states in [John 13:15](/john/13-15 "John 13:15 - Jesus' Example for Disciples") that He has given them an example to follow. Finally, it highlights **love in action**, demonstrating that true love is not merely an emotion but is expressed through tangible acts of service, a theme central to the entirety of [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, meaning "supreme in authority" or "controller." As a noun, it implies "Master" or "Sir." When applied to Jesus, it signifies His divine sovereignty and ultimate authority, acknowledging Him as the one to whom all allegiance is due. His act of foot washing, therefore, is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of His sovereign will to serve.
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** From G1320, meaning "an instructor" or "teacher." This term emphasizes Jesus' role as the authoritative revealer of truth and the one who imparts wisdom and commands. The disciples recognized Him as their teacher, making His humble act even more impactful as it came from the one they looked to for instruction and guidance.
* **Ought (Greek, _opheílō'_):** From G3784, meaning "to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty." This word conveys a strong moral imperative, not merely a suggestion. It implies a debt or duty owed by the disciples in response to Jesus' example, indicating that humble service is a non-negotiable aspect of Christian life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet;":** This clause sets the premise, highlighting the profound disparity between Jesus' exalted status ("Lord and Master") and the menial nature of His action ("have washed your feet"). The "If" (G1487, _ei_) here is not conditional in the sense of doubt, but rather a logical "since" or "seeing that," emphasizing the undeniable reality of His action. Jesus, who holds ultimate authority and is their revered teacher, has performed the task of the lowest servant. This establishes the unassailable authority of the example He is setting.
* **"ye also ought to wash one another's feet.":** This is the direct command and the application of the premise. The "ye also" (G5210, _hymeîs_ and G2532, _kaí_) emphasizes that the disciples, in turn, are expected to emulate His action. The word "ought" (G3784, _opheílō_) conveys a moral obligation or duty, indicating that this is not an optional suggestion but a necessary response to His example. The phrase "one another's feet" (G240, _allḗlōn_ and G4228, _poús_) specifies the reciprocal nature of this service within the community of believers, breaking down hierarchy and fostering mutual humility.

#### Literary Devices
John 13:14 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, as the physical act of foot washing serves as a profound symbol of humble service, spiritual cleansing, and the self-sacrificial love of Christ. It is a visual parable, teaching a truth far deeper than the literal action. The verse also features a strong element of **contrast** and **paradox**, juxtaposing Jesus' supreme titles ("Lord and Master") with His lowly action ("have washed your feet"). This highlights the radical nature of His kingdom, where greatness is found in service, not domination. Furthermore, the structure of the verse presents a clear **example-command pattern**, where Jesus first performs the action and then issues the imperative based on His own conduct. This rhetorical strategy makes the command both authoritative and deeply personal, grounding the obligation in His own lived demonstration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:14 is a foundational text for understanding Christian ethics and community. It fundamentally redefines leadership and discipleship, asserting that true greatness in God's kingdom is expressed through humble service, not through the exercise of power or status. This act of foot washing, performed by the divine "Lord and Master," serves as a tangible embodiment of God's agape love—a love that gives of itself, even to the point of self-abasement, for the benefit of others. It calls believers to a radical counter-cultural lifestyle, mirroring Christ's own self-emptying (kenosis) and prioritizing the needs of others above one's own pride or comfort, thereby fostering a community marked by authentic love and mutual care.

* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "The Humility of Christ")
* [Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "Greatness Through Service")
* [1 Peter 5:5-6](/1_peter/5-5-6 "Humility and God's Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:14 challenges every believer to examine their understanding of leadership, service, and community. It calls us beyond mere intellectual assent to Jesus' teachings and into active, tangible expressions of love and humility. While literal foot washing may be practiced by some, the spiritual essence of this command is universal: to willingly step into uncomfortable, unnoticed, or even demeaning acts of service for others, particularly within the body of Christ. This means prioritizing the needs of fellow believers, actively seeking opportunities to lift burdens, and fostering an environment where pride is dismantled and mutual care flourishes. It compels us to ask ourselves: In what ways am I resisting the call to humble service? Am I willing to "wash the feet" of those around me, whether through practical help, compassionate listening, or self-sacrificial giving of my time and resources? Living out this verse transforms our relationships, builds up the church, and powerfully witnesses to the world the radical, serving love of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle with pride or a desire for recognition, hindering my willingness to serve others humbly?**
* **What practical, "foot-washing" acts of service can I perform for those in my family, church, or community this week?**
* **How does Jesus' example of being "Lord and Master" yet serving challenge my own understanding of authority and leadership?**
* **What barriers (e.g., discomfort, perceived status, busyness) prevent me from actively seeking opportunities to serve others, especially in ways that might go unnoticed?**

### FAQ
**Does John 13:14 command a literal practice of foot washing for all Christians today?**

Answer: While some Christian traditions interpret John 13:14 as a command for the literal practice of foot washing as an ordinance or sacrament, the broader consensus among scholars and denominations is that the primary emphasis is on the **spirit of humble service and mutual love** that the act symbolizes. Jesus explicitly states in [John 13:15](/john/13-15 "John 13:15 - Jesus' Example for Disciples") that He gave them an "example" to follow. The example is not necessarily the specific ritual itself, but the profound humility and willingness to serve others, especially those considered "lower" or in need. The cultural context of dusty roads made foot washing a necessary and common act of hospitality, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant. By performing it Himself, Jesus radically redefined what it meant to be a leader and a disciple. Therefore, while literal foot washing can be a meaningful expression for some, the core command is to embody the selfless, serving attitude of Christ in all our interactions, prioritizing the needs of others and fostering a community of mutual humility, as seen in passages like [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Serve One Another in Love") and [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Consider Others More Significant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:14 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in an example to be emulated, but in the very nature of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus, as the eternal Son of God, truly is "Lord and Master" over all creation, yet He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Self-Emptying")). His washing of the disciples' feet foreshadows His ultimate act of humble service: laying down His life on the cross as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The foot washing symbolically cleanses, much as His blood provides ultimate spiritual cleansing and reconciliation. His command to "wash one another's feet" is therefore a call to participate in the very ethos of the Kingdom He inaugurated—a kingdom where the King Himself served and sacrificed. Believers are not merely to imitate a good teacher, but to embody the Spirit of the One who, being God, became man to serve and give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thus, our service to one another is a tangible expression of our gratitude for His saving work and a living witness to the transformative power of His humble, self-giving love, reflecting the very heart of the [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant").

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

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Luke 22:26

But ye [shall] not [be] so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

Luke 22:27

For whether [is] greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? [is] not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Romans 12:16

[Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

1 Peter 4:1

¶ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;