John 13:5

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on John 13:5 KJV

John 13:5 describes a profoundly humble and significant act performed by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper, just before His crucifixion. This verse details the physical action of Jesus demonstrating servant leadership to His disciples.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, travel involved dusty roads and open sandals, making feet dirty. Washing feet was a common act of hospitality upon entering a home, typically performed by the lowest servant or a host's wife. It was considered a menial task. The fact that none of the disciples offered to wash each other's feet, despite being at a crucial meal, highlights the prevailing social hierarchy and perhaps their own internal struggles with pride and status. Jesus, as their Master and Lord, deliberately takes on this role, subverting expectations and setting a radical example of humility and service. This event takes place in the context of the Passover meal (John 13:1), intensifying its symbolic weight.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Humility and Servanthood: The central theme is Jesus' profound humility. By performing the task of a slave, He demonstrates that true greatness in His kingdom is found in serving others, not in being served. This act is a powerful illustration of His mission to serve, not to be served.
  • Love in Action: This act is an expression of Jesus' deep love for His disciples. It's a tangible demonstration of His willingness to go to any length, even to the point of humbling Himself, for their benefit and spiritual instruction.
  • An Example for Believers: Beyond the immediate act, Jesus explicitly states that He is providing an example for His followers to emulate. His subsequent teaching in John 13:14-15 commands them to wash one another's feet, both literally and figuratively, through acts of humble service.
  • Purity and Cleansing: While the primary focus here is on humility, the act of washing also carries symbolic weight regarding spiritual cleansing, which Jesus elaborates on in the verses immediately following, particularly in His interaction with Peter (John 13:6-9).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "poureth" is ballō, which can mean to cast, put, or pour. Here, it simply describes Jesus placing water into the basin. The term "bason" (Greek: niptēr) refers specifically to a washing basin. The phrase "wherewith he was girded" indicates Jesus had wrapped a towel around His waist, much like a servant or slave would do to prepare for work, further emphasizing His deliberate assumption of a servile posture.

Practical Application

John 13:5 challenges believers today to embrace a spirit of servanthood and humility in all aspects of life. It calls us to:

  • Serve Others: Look for opportunities to serve, especially those tasks that are considered lowly, inconvenient, or beneath one's perceived status.
  • Overcome Pride: This verse confronts our natural tendency towards self-importance and status. It reminds us that true Christian leadership and discipleship are characterized by selfless service.
  • Emulate Christ: Jesus did not just teach about humility; He lived it. We are called to follow His example, demonstrating love through practical, humble acts of service to our families, communities, and fellow believers. This act lays the groundwork for the new commandment to love one another.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 7:44 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • Genesis 19:2 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Acts 22:16 (4 votes)

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

  • Titus 3:3 (4 votes)

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