John 13:4
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγείρεται
He riseth
G1453
ἐγείρεται
He riseth
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
1 of 13
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
2 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δείπνου
supper
G1173
δείπνου
supper
Strong's:
G1173
Word #:
4 of 13
dinner, i.e., the chief meal (usually in the evening)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τίθησιν
laid aside
G5087
τίθησιν
laid aside
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
6 of 13
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
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.Luke 22:27For 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.Luke 12:37Blessed 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.Luke 17:7But 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?
Historical Context
In Greco-Roman and Jewish culture, social hierarchy was rigid. Masters didn't serve slaves; rabbis didn't serve disciples. Yet Isaiah 53 prophesied a Suffering Servant who would bear others' sins, and Philippians 2 celebrates Christ's self-emptying. The early church saw foot-washing as both a literal practice of hospitality (1 Timothy 5:10) and a symbolic picture of Christian humility and mutual service. Some traditions made it a sacrament; others saw it as an acted parable of sanctification (John 13:8-10).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's laying aside His garments foreshadow His laying down His life at the cross?
- What does it mean for those "in Christ" to likewise "gird themselves" for humble service to others?
- In what areas of life are you most resistant to taking the servant's role, and why?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments (ἐγείρεται ἐκ τοῦ δείπνου καὶ τίθησιν τὰ ἱμάτια)—The verb "laid aside" (τίθησιν/tithēsin) is the same word used in John 10:11, 15, 17-18 where Jesus says the Good Shepherd "lays down" (τίθησιν) His life. This isn't coincidence—John is showing the foot-washing as a symbolic anticipation of Calvary. Jesus voluntarily lays aside His garments as He will voluntarily lay down His life.
And took a towel, and girded himself (καὶ λαβὼν λέντιον διέζωσεν ἑαυτόν)—Jesus assumes the posture of a servant. The towel (λέντιον/lention, a Latin loan-word) was the servant's uniform. To "gird" (διέζωσεν/diezōsen) oneself with a towel was to prepare for menial labor. The Lord of glory dresses as a slave.