John 13:5

KJV

After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded.

KJV (with Strong's)

After that {G1534} he poureth {G906} water {G5204} into {G1519} a bason {G3537}, and {G2532} began {G756} to wash {G3538} the disciples {G3101}' feet {G4228}, and {G2532} to wipe {G1591} them with the towel {G3012} wherewith {G3739} he was {G2258} girded {G1241}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he poured some water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the talmidim and wipe them off with the towel wrapped around him.

Berean Standard Bible

After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.

American Standard Version

Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 13:5 presents a pivotal moment during the Last Supper where Jesus, the Lord and Master, voluntarily lays aside His garments, pours water into a basin, and begins to wash the feet of His disciples, then wipes them with a towel. This profound act of humble servanthood subverts all cultural expectations and societal norms, serving as a living parable that powerfully illustrates the nature of true leadership in God's kingdom and sets a radical example of self-sacrificial love for His followers to emulate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the intimate setting of Jesus' final Passover meal with His disciples, immediately following the introduction of the Last Supper in [John 13:1-4](/john/13-1-4 "John 13:1-4 - Jesus' Love and Knowledge of His Hour"). John 13:1 establishes Jesus' profound love for "His own who were in the world" and His full awareness that His "hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father." This knowledge undergirds the entire foot-washing scene, transforming a simple act into a deeply symbolic and intentional demonstration of His love and impending sacrifice. The narrative emphasizes Jesus' divine authority ("knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God," [John 13:3](/john/13-3 "John 13:3 - Jesus' Divine Authority")), which makes His subsequent act of humility all the more striking and paradoxical. The disciples, perhaps still grappling with concepts of greatness and position (as seen in [Luke 22:24](/luke/22-24 "Luke 22:24 - Disciples' Dispute Over Greatness")), are about to receive a visual lesson that directly confronts their worldly understanding of power and status.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern culture, particularly in first-century Judea, travel was primarily on foot along dusty roads, and open sandals were the norm. Consequently, feet would become very dirty. Foot washing was a common and necessary act of hospitality upon entering a home. However, it was considered the lowliest of tasks, typically performed by the household's lowest servant, a slave, or occasionally by the wife of the host for honored guests. It was certainly not a task that a host, let alone a revered teacher or master, would perform for his guests or disciples. The fact that none of the disciples offered to perform this customary act for one another at this crucial meal underscores the prevailing social hierarchies and perhaps their own internal struggles with pride, status, and who among them was "greatest." Jesus, by taking on the role of the lowest servant, deliberately and dramatically subverts these deeply ingrained cultural expectations, performing an act that would have been shocking and profoundly humbling to His disciples.
* **Key Themes:** John 13:5 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it is a quintessential demonstration of **Humility and Servanthood**. Jesus, the Son of God, willingly takes on the posture of a slave, illustrating that true greatness in His kingdom is found not in being served, but in serving others, a theme He explicitly teaches in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). Secondly, it is a powerful expression of **Love in Action**. This tangible act of service is a profound demonstration of Jesus' deep and enduring love for His disciples, a love "to the end" ([John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus' Love to the End")). It moves beyond mere words to a physical, self-abasing act of care. Thirdly, it serves as an **Example for Believers**. Jesus explicitly states that He is providing a model for His followers to emulate, commanding them to "wash one another's feet" ([John 13:14-15](/john/13-14-15 "John 13:14-15 - Jesus' Command to Serve")). This command extends beyond a literal ritual to encompass a lifestyle of humble, self-sacrificial service to one another. Finally, while the primary focus is on humility, the act of washing also carries **Symbolic Weight regarding Purity and Cleansing**, which Jesus elaborates on in His subsequent interaction with Peter ([John 13:6-11](/john/13-6-11 "John 13:6-11 - Peter's Objection and Jesus' Explanation of Cleansing")), foreshadowing the spiritual cleansing provided by His atoning work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **poureth (Greek, _bállō'_):** From G906, meaning "to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense):--arise, cast (out), X dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust." In this context, _bállō_ is used in a less violent sense, simply denoting the action of Jesus "putting" or "pouring" water into the basin. It highlights the deliberate and active nature of His initiation of the act.
* **wash (Greek, _níptō'_):** From G3538, which is distinct from _louō_ (to wash the whole body). _Níptō_ specifically refers to washing a part of the body, such as hands or feet. This precision emphasizes that Jesus was performing the customary, localized act of hospitality, not a full ritual purification, though it carried profound spiritual implications. It underscores the practical, humble nature of the task He undertook.
* **towel (Greek, _léntion'_):** From G3012, of Latin origin, meaning "a 'linen' cloth, i.e. apron." This word specifically refers to the linen cloth or apron that a servant would wear, often wrapped around the waist, to prepare for work. Jesus' act of girding Himself with this _léntion_ visually communicates His intentional assumption of the role and posture of a slave, further amplifying the shocking humility of the moment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After that he poureth water into a bason":** This opening clause immediately establishes the sequence of events following Jesus' preparation (laying aside His garments and taking a towel, as described in [John 13:4](/john/13-4 "John 13:4 - Jesus' Preparations for Washing Feet")). The action of pouring water into a _niptēr_ (basin) signifies the practical commencement of the foot-washing ritual, a mundane yet deeply symbolic act that Jesus initiates Himself.
* **"and began to wash the disciples' feet":** This phrase highlights the commencement of the actual service. The verb "began" (_árchomai_) suggests the initiation of a new and significant action. Jesus, the Lord and Teacher, performing the task of the lowest servant, underscores the profound reversal of roles and expectations. This was not a quick, perfunctory act, but a deliberate, personal engagement with each disciple.
* **"and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded":** This final clause completes the act of service. After washing, Jesus personally dries their feet with the towel (_léntion_) that He had wrapped around Himself. The detail "wherewith he was girded" reinforces the imagery of a servant prepared for labor, emphasizing Jesus' complete identification with the posture of humility and service. The act of wiping is as integral to the service as the washing, ensuring the comfort and cleanliness of the disciples.

#### Literary Devices
John 13:5 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. Central to the passage is **Symbolism**, where the physical act of foot washing symbolizes spiritual cleansing, humble service, and the nature of Christ's love. It also serves as a **Paradox**, presenting the divine Lord in the role of a lowly servant, challenging conventional notions of power and authority. This **Role Reversal** is a powerful dramatic element, as the expected master-disciple dynamic is inverted, forcing the disciples (and readers) to confront their understanding of leadership and greatness. The scene also employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the disciples likely do not fully grasp the profound implications of Jesus' actions until after His resurrection, viewing it initially as merely a shocking act of humility rather than a prophetic demonstration of His ultimate self-sacrifice and the new commandment of love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:5 is a profound theological statement, revealing the very heart of God's character as embodied in Jesus Christ. It demonstrates that divine authority is expressed not through domination, but through self-emptying love and humble service. This act foreshadows Jesus' ultimate act of service on the cross, where He would lay down His life to cleanse humanity from sin, becoming the ultimate servant. The foot washing establishes a new paradigm for the Kingdom of God, where greatness is measured by one's willingness to serve others, reflecting the very nature of God who serves His creation. It is a living illustration of the "new commandment" that Jesus would give shortly thereafter: to love one another as He has loved them ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - The New Commandment")).

* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Kenosis Hymn")
* [Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "Matthew 20:26-28 - Greatness Through Service")
* [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Gifts for Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:5 calls every believer to a radical reorientation of their understanding of leadership, love, and service. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to Jesus' teachings and to actively embody His humble, self-sacrificial love in our daily lives. This means intentionally seeking out opportunities to serve others, especially in ways that might be considered menial, inconvenient, or beneath our perceived status. It demands that we confront our own pride, our desire for recognition, and our tendency to prioritize self-interest over the needs of others. To truly follow Christ is to emulate His example, to "gird ourselves with humility" ([1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Clothe Yourselves with Humility")) and to serve with a heart that seeks to bless and uplift, just as Jesus did for His disciples. This act of foot washing is a timeless reminder that authentic Christian discipleship is characterized by a willingness to stoop low, to love practically, and to serve without expectation of reward, reflecting the very heart of our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle with pride or a desire for status, preventing me from serving others humbly?**
* **What "dirty feet" (unpleasant tasks, overlooked needs) in my family, church, or community is God calling me to wash?**
* **How can I practically demonstrate Christ-like humility and service to those around me this week?**
* **What does Jesus' act of washing feet teach me about the nature of true love and leadership?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus wash the disciples' feet instead of just teaching about humility?**

Answer: Jesus often taught through parables and actions, not just words. By physically washing His disciples' feet, He provided a tangible, unforgettable, and deeply impactful demonstration of the principles of humility and servant leadership. This act was a living parable, far more powerful than a verbal instruction alone. It subverted cultural norms and directly confronted the disciples' own struggles with pride and status, as evidenced by their earlier arguments about who was greatest ([Luke 22:24](/luke/22-24 "Luke 22:24 - Disciples' Dispute")). It was an object lesson designed to indelibly impress upon them the true nature of greatness in the Kingdom of God.

**Was Jesus commanding believers to literally wash each other's feet for all time?**

Answer: While some Christian traditions practice literal foot washing as an ordinance or act of fellowship, the primary emphasis of Jesus' command in [John 13:14-15](/john/13-14-15 "John 13:14-15 - Jesus' Command to Serve") is on the *spirit* of humble service that the act represents. Jesus said, "I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." This implies a call to emulate the *attitude* and *action* of humble, self-sacrificial service in all aspects of life, not merely to replicate the physical ritual. It means being willing to perform any act of loving service for others, especially those tasks considered lowly or inconvenient, just as Jesus did.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:5 is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, not merely as an example, but as a microcosm of Jesus' entire redemptive mission. His act of laying aside His garments and taking on the form of a servant directly foreshadows His divine **kenosis** or self-emptying, as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Kenosis Hymn"), where He, being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. The washing of feet, a cleansing act, points forward to His ultimate act of spiritual cleansing on the cross, where He, the sinless Lamb of God, would shed His blood to wash away the sins of the world ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Blood") and [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Washed by His Blood")). Just as He stooped to wash their physical dirt, He would stoop to bear the spiritual filth of humanity, offering complete purification and reconciliation with God. This act of humble service is the very essence of His atoning work, demonstrating that the King of Glory came not to be served, but to serve, and 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")). Thus, John 13:5 is a living prophecy of the cross, revealing the heart of a Savior who humbles Himself to lift up humanity.

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 7:44

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head.

Psalms 51:2

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Genesis 19:2

And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

1 Timothy 5:10

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Genesis 18:4

Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

Acts 22:16

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.