King James Version

What Does John 13:14 Mean?

John 13:14 in the King James Version says “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.”

John 13:14 · KJV

Context

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.

14

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

15

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

Read John 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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?

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific ways can you "wash the feet" of fellow believers in your context?
  2. How does Christ's example of service undermine pride and status-seeking in the church?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
εἰ1 of 19

“If”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

οὖν2 of 19

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐγὼ3 of 19

“I”

G1473

i, me

νίπτειν4 of 19

“have washed”

G3538

to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution

ὑμῶν5 of 19

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τοὺς6 of 19
G3588

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

πόδας·7 of 19

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

ὁ8 of 19
G3588

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

κύριος9 of 19

“your Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καὶ10 of 19

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ11 of 19
G3588

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

διδάσκαλος12 of 19

“Master”

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

καὶ13 of 19

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμεῖς14 of 19

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ὀφείλετε15 of 19

“ought”

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

ἀλλήλων16 of 19

“one another's”

G240

one another

νίπτειν17 of 19

“have washed”

G3538

to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution

τοὺς18 of 19
G3588

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

πόδας·19 of 19

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

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 13:14 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 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 5:5Acts 20:35Romans 12:16Galatians 5:13Luke 22:26-271 Peter 4:1

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