John 13:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He riseth {G1453} from {G1537} supper {G1173}, and {G2532} laid aside {G5087} his garments {G2440}; and {G2532} took {G2983} a towel {G3012}, and girded {G1241} himself {G1438}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he rose from the table, removed his outer garments and wrapped a towel around his waist.

Berean Standard Bible

So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.

American Standard Version

riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 13:4 meticulously details the preparatory actions of Jesus before He washes His disciples' feet, an act of profound humility and servanthood. This verse sets the immediate scene for a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, revealing Christ's deliberate choice to divest Himself of outward status and assume the posture of a household servant, thereby establishing a foundational example of love and leadership for His followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the beginning of the foot-washing narrative (John 13:1-17), which immediately follows Jesus' private discourse with His disciples regarding His impending departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit (John 12:20-50). It is set within the framework of the Last Supper, a Passover meal, and serves as a dramatic prelude to Jesus' final teachings and prayers before His arrest. John 13:1-3 provides the theological backdrop, emphasizing Jesus' divine knowledge, authority, and ultimate destiny ("knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God" [John 13:3 "John 13:3 - Jesus' Divine Authority and Destiny"]). Against this backdrop of supreme authority, Jesus' actions in John 13:4-5 are starkly contrasted, highlighting the extraordinary nature of His humility.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish and Roman cultures, foot washing was a common practice due to dusty roads and open sandals. However, it was typically performed by the lowest servant or slave in a household. For a host, let alone a revered teacher or master, to perform this task for his guests was unheard of and deeply humiliating by societal standards. The act of "laying aside his garments" (outer robes) and "girding himself" with a towel was precisely what a slave would do to prepare for menial service. This cultural expectation amplifies the radical nature of Jesus' actions; He deliberately steps into the most demeaning role to serve those who were His subordinates, and indeed, those who had just been disputing among themselves about who was the greatest ([Luke 22:24 "Luke 22:24 - Disciples Dispute Over Greatness"]).
* **Key Themes:** John 13:4 powerfully introduces several key themes that permeate both this chapter and the broader Gospel of John. Firstly, it underscores **Profound Humility** as Jesus, the Son of God, willingly takes on the lowest position of a servant, directly challenging the world's notions of power and status. This act foreshadows His ultimate self-abasement on the cross, demonstrating that true greatness is found in humble service. Secondly, it exemplifies **Selfless Love**, as Jesus' actions are rooted in His deep and enduring love for His disciples, even "unto the end" ([John 13:1 "John 13:1 - Jesus' Love for His Own"]). This love is not merely emotional but active and sacrificial. Thirdly, it serves as a **Paradigm for Discipleship**, as Jesus explicitly states later that His actions are an example for His followers to emulate ([John 13:15 "John 13:15 - Jesus' Command to Follow His Example"]). This sets the precedent for Christian service and leadership, emphasizing that true spiritual authority is exercised through humble service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **riseth (Greek, _egeírō'_):** From G1453, meaning "to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence)." Here, it signifies a deliberate, active movement from the reclining posture of supper, indicating intentionality and purpose in Jesus' subsequent actions.
* **laid aside (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** From G5087, meaning "to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from ἵστημι, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while κεῖμαι is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate)." This word choice is highly significant, as it implies a purposeful divestment, a temporary setting aside of His outer garments, which symbolized His status and authority. This same verb is used elsewhere in John's Gospel to describe Jesus "laying down" His life.
* **girded (Greek, _diazṓnnymi'_):** From G1241, meaning "to gird tightly." This action involved tucking up the loose folds of an outer garment or, in this case, securing a towel around the waist. It was a practical preparation for physical labor, signaling readiness for service and the removal of impediments to movement, directly aligning with the role of a servant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He riseth from supper":** This phrase indicates a deliberate and active departure from the customary reclining posture at a meal, signifying Jesus' intentional initiation of a new, profound action. It immediately draws attention to His purpose, contrasting with the passive or relaxed atmosphere of the supper.
* **"and laid aside his garments":** This action refers to Jesus removing His outer robes or cloak. In that culture, this was a significant gesture, as outer garments denoted status and dignity. By divesting Himself of these, Jesus symbolically and practically shed His outward appearance of authority and assumed the humble attire of a servant or slave, preparing for manual labor.
* **"and took a towel":** The act of taking a towel, a common household item, further emphasizes Jesus' intention to perform a menial task. This specific object is crucial, as it would be used for drying the feet after washing, directly associating Him with the role of a domestic servant.
* **"and girded himself":** This final preparatory action involved wrapping the towel around His waist, securing it like an apron. This physical act made Him ready for the task of washing, preventing His clothing from getting in the way or becoming soiled. It completed His transformation into the posture of a humble servant.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in John 13:4 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Foreshadowing**. The act of Jesus "laying aside his garments" is deeply symbolic. In the immediate context, it symbolizes His willingness to humble Himself and take on the form of a servant. More profoundly, it **foreshadows** His ultimate act of self-emptying and sacrifice on the cross. Just as He temporarily divested Himself of His outer robes, He would ultimately "lay down his life" (a phrase using the same Greek verb, *títhēmi*, as "laid aside") for the salvation of humanity. The "towel" itself is a powerful symbol of humble service and the tools of a servant. The entire scene also functions as a **Dramatic Irony**, as the disciples, having just disputed about who was greatest, are about to witness the true nature of greatness demonstrated by their Lord in the most unexpected and counter-cultural way.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:4 serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of God's love and the radical humility embodied by Jesus Christ. It reveals that divine authority is not expressed through domination or self-exaltation, but through self-emptying service. This act of "laying aside" and "girding" is a tangible demonstration of the *kenosis* (self-emptying) described by Paul, where Christ, though in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:6-7 "/philippians/2-6" "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"]). It redefines leadership, asserting that true spiritual leadership is characterized by a willingness to serve others, even in the most menial ways. This theological truth stands in stark contrast to worldly power structures and calls believers to emulate Christ's example in their relationships and ministry.

* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Mind of Christ and His Humiliation")
* [Mark 10:43-45](/mark/10-43 "Mark 10:43-45 - Servanthood as True Greatness")
* [Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26 "Matthew 20:26-28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:4 is not merely a historical account but a living challenge to every believer. It invites us to deeply consider what it means to follow a Savior who, despite His divine authority and origin, willingly took on the lowest position to serve. In a world that often glorifies self-promotion, power, and status, Jesus' actions here provide a counter-cultural blueprint for life. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts: Are we willing to "lay aside our garments" of pride, self-importance, or perceived status? Are we prepared to "gird ourselves" with the towel of humility and engage in acts of service that might seem beneath us, inconvenient, or unnoticed? True Christian character is not measured by the accolades we receive but by the depth of our willingness to serve others, reflecting the very heart of God. This passage compels us to seek opportunities to serve, not for recognition, but out of genuine love and obedience to Christ's example, transforming our relationships, communities, and the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "garments" of status, comfort, or pride might I need to "lay aside" to truly serve others as Christ did?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to "gird myself" with humility and take on tasks that I might consider beneath me?**
* **How can I actively seek out opportunities to serve others, particularly those who are often overlooked or marginalized, in a way that reflects Jesus' selfless love?**
* **What does Jesus' example in this verse teach me about the true nature of leadership and greatness in God's kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus lay aside His garments before washing the disciples' feet?**

Answer: Jesus laid aside His outer garments, which would have been cumbersome and could signify His status as a teacher or master, to physically prepare for the task of washing feet. This action was typical of a household servant or slave preparing for menial labor. By divesting Himself of these garments, Jesus deliberately and symbolically humbled Himself, taking on the appearance and posture of the lowest servant. This act underscored the profound humility and intentionality of His service, setting a powerful example for His disciples and for all believers about the nature of true greatness and leadership in God's kingdom. It also serves as a visual metaphor for His ultimate self-emptying and sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:4, though a simple description of physical actions, is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the very heart of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' deliberate act of "laying aside his garments" and "girding himself" with a towel is a tangible, living parable of His entire earthly ministry and ultimate sacrifice. It foreshadows the *kenosis* (self-emptying) described by Paul in [Philippians 2:7-8 "/philippians/2-7" "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience"], where Christ, though fully God, "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Just as He temporarily divested Himself of His outer robes for the act of service, He ultimately divested Himself of His divine prerogatives and glory to take on human flesh and suffer for humanity's sin. His willingness to assume the lowest position, even that of a slave, prefigures His ultimate act of love on the cross, where He became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29 "/john/1-29" "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"]). This verse, therefore, is not just about an example of servanthood, but about the very essence of Christ's 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 and Give His Life"]), and to demonstrate a love that is willing to descend to the lowest depths for the sake of His beloved. His actions here are a microcosm of the entire Gospel, revealing a Savior who serves, sacrifices, and ultimately saves.

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 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.

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Luke 12:37

Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Philippians 2:6

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Luke 17:7

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?