John 13:11

For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

For {G1063} he knew {G1492} who {G3588} should betray {G3860} him {G846}; therefore {G5124}{G1223} said he {G2036}, Ye are {G2075} not {G3780} all {G3956} clean {G2513}.

(He knew who was betraying him; this is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”)

For He knew who would betray Him. That is why He said, “Not all of you are clean.”

For he knew him that should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

Commentary

John 13:11 (KJV)

For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, ‹Ye are not all clean.›

Commentary

This verse provides a crucial insight into Jesus' statement in the preceding verse (John 13:10), where He said, "He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all."

Historical and cultural context: This occurs during the Last Supper, immediately after Jesus has washed the feet of His disciples. Foot washing was a common act of hospitality in a time when people wore open sandals on dusty roads. Jesus elevates this physical act to a symbolic lesson about humility and spiritual cleansing.

Key themes and messages:

  • Jesus' Omniscience: The primary point is that Jesus knew exactly who would betray Him. This highlights His divine knowledge, seeing beyond outward appearances and actions into the hearts and future intentions of people.
  • Spiritual vs. Physical Cleanliness: While the foot washing symbolized the continuous need for cleansing from the "dust" of daily life (minor sins, imperfections), Jesus' statement "Ye are not all clean" points to a deeper, spiritual state. He distinguishes between the general spiritual cleanliness of most disciples and the fundamental spiritual uncleanness of one among them.
  • The Presence of Unbelief: Even within the intimate circle of Jesus' closest followers, there was one whose heart was not truly devoted and clean before God. This serves as a somber reminder that not everyone who appears to be part of the community of faith is genuinely saved or "clean" in God's sight.

Linguistic insights: The Greek word translated "clean" (καθαροί - katharoi) is the same word used in verse 10, linking the physical washing to the spiritual state Jesus is referencing. By saying "not all," Jesus explicitly excludes the betrayer from the spiritual cleanliness enjoyed by the others.

Cross-references:

  • Jesus' knowledge of Judas's nature is mentioned elsewhere: John 6:64 ("For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.").
  • The prediction of the betrayal itself: Matthew 26:21-25, Mark 14:18-21, Luke 22:21-23.

Practical application or reflection: This verse reminds us that genuine faith and spiritual cleanliness come from within, through a relationship with Christ, not merely from outward association or participation in religious rituals. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure we are truly "clean" in God's eyes, not just outwardly conforming.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 13:26 (5 votes)

    Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon.

  • John 13:21 (4 votes)

    When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

  • John 13:2 (4 votes)

    And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], to betray him;

  • John 13:18 (4 votes)

    I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

  • Matthew 26:24 (3 votes)

    The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

  • Matthew 26:25 (3 votes)

    Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

  • John 6:64 (3 votes)

    But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.