John 13:14
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
Original Language Analysis
νίπτειν
have washed
G3538
νίπτειν
have washed
Strong's:
G3538
Word #:
4 of 19
to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
your Lord
G2962
κύριος
your Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
9 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὀφείλετε
ought
G3784
ὀφείλετε
ought
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
15 of 19
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
νίπτειν
have washed
G3538
νίπτειν
have washed
Strong's:
G3538
Word #:
17 of 19
to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution
Cross References
1 Peter 5:5Likewise, 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 20:35I 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.Galatians 5:13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.Romans 12:16Be 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 4:1Forasmuch 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;1 Corinthians 8:13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.2 Corinthians 8:9For 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.2 Corinthians 10:1Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
Historical Context
Jesus spoke this during the Last Supper before His crucifixion. The command established a new community ethic for His followers. Early church debates emerged over whether this mandated literal foot-washing (practiced by some groups) or symbolized general humble service. The Reformed tradition generally understands it as prescriptive principle, not binding ceremony.
Questions for Reflection
- In what specific ways can you "wash the feet" of fellow believers in your context?
- How does Christ's example of service undermine pride and status-seeking in the church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If I then, your Lord and Master—Jesus grounds His command in His established authority from v. 13. The conditional "if" (εἰ, ei) assumes the reality: since I (the Lord) have done this, you must also. Have washed your feet (ἔνιψα, enipsa)—aorist tense emphasizes the completed historical act. Ye also ought (ὀφείλετε, opheilete)—not optional suggestion but moral obligation derived from Christ's example.
To wash one another's feet—Jesus commands mutual service, not hierarchical patterns. The reciprocal pronoun allēlōn (one another) mandates horizontal servanthood within the Christian community. This is not merely literal foot-washing (though some traditions practice it) but Christ-like humility in all relationships. The logic is unassailable: if the Master serves, how much more should fellow-servants serve each other?