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.
Original Language Analysis
εἶτα
After that
G1534
εἶτα
After that
Strong's:
G1534
Word #:
1 of 20
a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover
βάλλει
he poureth
G906
βάλλει
he poureth
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
2 of 20
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νίπτειν
to wash
G3538
νίπτειν
to wash
Strong's:
G3538
Word #:
9 of 20
to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 7:44And 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 51:2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.Genesis 19:2And 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 5:10Well 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 18:4Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:Revelation 7:14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.Hebrews 10:22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.Leviticus 14:8And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.2 Kings 3:11But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.1 Samuel 25:41And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
Historical Context
Foot-washing in Palestine was necessary due to dusty roads and open sandals. Guests' feet were washed upon arrival, typically by household servants. That Jesus washes feet during the meal (not upon arrival) and that He, the Master, performs the task makes this radically symbolic. Peter's initial refusal (v.6-8) reflects proper cultural shock—this violated all social norms. Yet Jesus insists, teaching that participation in His cleansing work is necessary for participation in His kingdom (v.8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the water Jesus uses to wash feet point forward to the spiritual cleansing He accomplishes through His death and resurrection?
- What is the difference between the "bath" of justification (being fully cleansed at conversion) and the ongoing "foot-washing" of sanctification?
- In what practical ways can you follow Jesus's example of humble, servant-hearted love toward fellow believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
After that he poureth water into a bason (εἶτα βάλλει ὕδωρ εἰς τὸν νιπτῆρα)—The simple, practical actions emphasize the incarnation's concreteness. God in flesh performs physical, humble tasks. The water (ὕδωρ/hydōr) anticipates the water and blood flowing from Jesus's pierced side (John 19:34), symbols of spiritual cleansing and life.
And began to wash the disciples' feet (καὶ ἤρξατο νίπτειν τοὺς πόδας τῶν μαθητῶν)—The verb "wash" (νίπτειν/niptein) means to wash part of the body (especially hands or feet), distinct from louō (to bathe the whole body). Jesus later uses this distinction (v.10): believers are "bathed" (λελουμένος/leloumenos) in justification but need ongoing foot-washing (νίπτειν) for sanctification—cleansing from daily defilement.
And to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded (καὶ ἐκμάσσειν τῷ λεντίῳ ᾧ ἦν διεζωσμένος)—Jesus not only washes but wipes—complete service, thorough cleansing. The towel He wore becomes the instrument of purification, as His own body would become the means of our cleansing (Ephesians 5:26: "the washing of water by the word").