John 13:6

Authorized King James Version

Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔρχεται
cometh he
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
οὖν
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
πρὸς
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#4
Σίμωνα
Simon
simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites
#5
Πέτρον·
Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
λέγει
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#8
αὐτῷ
unto him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#9
ἐκεῖνος,
Peter
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#10
Κύριε
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#11
σύ
thou
thou
#12
μου
my
of me
#13
νίπτεις
dost
to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution
#14
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πόδας
feet
a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The divine name or title here functions within theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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