King James Version

What Does John 13:5 Mean?

John 13:5 in the King James Version says “After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewi...” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

John 13:5 · KJV

Context

3

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

4

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

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.

6

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

7

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter .

Read John 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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").

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the water Jesus uses to wash feet point forward to the spiritual cleansing He accomplishes through His death and resurrection?
  2. What is the difference between the "bath" of justification (being fully cleansed at conversion) and the ongoing "foot-washing" of sanctification?
  3. In what practical ways can you follow Jesus's example of humble, servant-hearted love toward fellow believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
εἶτα1 of 20

“After that”

G1534

a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover

βάλλει2 of 20

“he poureth”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

ὕδωρ3 of 20

“water”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

εἰς4 of 20

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν5 of 20
G3588

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

νιπτῆρα6 of 20

“a bason”

G3537

a ewer

καὶ7 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ἤρξατο8 of 20

“began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

νίπτειν9 of 20

“to wash”

G3538

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

τοὺς10 of 20
G3588

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

πόδας11 of 20

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

τῶν12 of 20
G3588

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

μαθητῶν13 of 20

“the disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

καὶ14 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ἐκμάσσειν15 of 20

“to wipe”

G1591

to knead out, i.e., (by analogy) to wipe dry

τῷ16 of 20
G3588

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

λεντίῳ17 of 20

“them with the towel”

G3012

a "linen" cloth, i.e., apron

ᾧ18 of 20

“wherewith”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἦν19 of 20

“he was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

διεζωσμένος20 of 20

“girded”

G1241

to gird tightly

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 13:5 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 13:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 7:44Psalms 51:21 Timothy 5:10Genesis 18:4Genesis 19:2Leviticus 14:8

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