King James Version

What Does John 13:11 Mean?

John 13:11 in the King James Version says “For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.”

John 13:11 · KJV

Context

9

Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

10

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

11

For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

12

So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

13

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. This verse explains Jesus's cryptic statement in verse 10. The phrase he knew (ᾔδει γάρ/ēdei gar) uses the pluperfect form of οἶδα (oida), indicating comprehensive, settled knowledge existing before the moment—Jesus had always known. The participle who should betray him (τὸν παραδιδόντα αὐτόν/ton paradidonata auton) uses present tense, suggesting ongoing treachery—Judas's betrayal wasn't sudden impulse but developing conspiracy.

The verb παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi)—to hand over, betray, deliver up—appears repeatedly in the Passion narrative. Judas paradidōmi Jesus to the authorities (John 18:2), who paradidōmi Him to Pilate (John 18:30), who paradidōmi Him to crucifixion (John 19:16). Yet providentially, the Father paradidōmi the Son for our redemption (Romans 8:32). Human treachery serves divine purposes.

Jesus's foreknowledge of betrayal intensifies the scene's pathos. He washes the feet of His betrayer. He serves the one plotting His death. This displays both divine omniscience and incomprehensible love—while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Judas receives the same intimate service as the faithful Eleven, demonstrating that Christ's love extends even to those who reject Him. Yet love spurned becomes judgment. Judas's presence at the foot-washing but exclusion from spiritual cleansing illustrates the tragedy of resisting grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John's Gospel emphasizes Jesus's divine knowledge throughout—He knew what was in man (2:25), knew the Samaritan woman's history (4:18), knew from the beginning who would believe and who would betray (6:64). This foreknowledge doesn't cause Judas's betrayal but reveals Jesus's deity. Judas held the disciples' money bag and regularly stole from it (John 12:6), showing long-standing treachery. Jesus's selection of Judas knowing he would betray raises questions addressed by verse 18: 'that the scripture may be fulfilled.' Judas fulfilled Psalm 41:9—'he that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.' Satan entered Judas during this very meal (John 13:27), though Judas had already contracted with the chief priests for thirty silver pieces (Matthew 26:14-16). The early church wrestled with Judas's culpability versus divine sovereignty. Church fathers like Augustine argued Judas acted freely yet within God's sovereign plan—a mystery but not contradiction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's foreknowledge of Judas's betrayal yet willingness to wash his feet demonstrate the nature of divine love?
  2. What does Judas's proximity to Jesus—sharing meals, hearing teaching, witnessing miracles—yet remaining spiritually unclean warn about external religion?
  3. How should the reality that Christ's love extends even to His betrayers shape our understanding of evangelism and treatment of enemies?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ᾔδει1 of 12

“he knew”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

γὰρ2 of 12

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τὸν3 of 12

“who”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παραδιδόντα4 of 12

“should betray”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτόν·5 of 12

“him”

G846

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

διὰ6 of 12
G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο7 of 12

“therefore”

G5124

that thing

εἶπεν8 of 12

“said he”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὐχὶ9 of 12

“not”

G3780

not indeed

πάντες10 of 12

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καθαροί11 of 12

“clean”

G2513

clean (literally or figuratively)

ἐστε12 of 12

“Ye are”

G2075

ye are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 13:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 13:26John 13:18John 13:2John 13:21John 6:64-71Matthew 26:24-25

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