King James Version

What Does John 13:6 Mean?

John 13:6 in the King James Version says “Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Peter saith: Gr. he saith” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 13:6 · KJV

Context

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 .

8

Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

Read John 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Peter's reaction to Jesus washing his feet reveals the natural human recoil from grace—the pride that resists receiving unmerited service. The phrase Lord, dost thou wash my feet? (Κύριε, σύ μου νίπτεις τοὺς πόδας/Kyrie, sy mou nipteis tous podas) places emphatic pronouns in stark contrast: Thou (σύ)—the Master, and my (μου)—the servant. The present tense nipteis (wash) suggests Peter interrupted Jesus mid-action, shocked at what was unfolding.

The verb νίπτω (niptō) specifically means to wash a part of the body (usually feet or hands), distinct from λούω (louō), which means to bathe the whole body—a distinction Jesus exploits in verse 10. Footwashing was the task of the lowliest household slave, so degrading that Jewish law forbade requiring it of Hebrew servants (only Gentile slaves). Yet here stands the Lord of Glory, the one Peter confessed as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16), performing the most menial service.

Peter's question contains both reverence ('Lord') and resistance. He grasps the incongruity but not yet the theology. This scene dramatizes the incarnation itself: the Word became flesh and took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7). The Creator serves His creatures. The Judge cleanses the guilty. Pride says, 'I must serve You'; grace says, 'Let Me serve you.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

This scene occurs in the upper room during the Last Supper, hours before Jesus's arrest (John 13:1-2). Jewish Passover meals required ritual purity, and guests arriving with dusty feet from Jerusalem's streets would need washing. Normally, a household servant performed this task upon arrival. The disciples' failure to wash one another's feet reveals their persistent dispute about greatness (Luke 22:24)—each considered himself too important to serve.

First-century Jewish culture was intensely hierarchical. Rabbis held exalted status; disciples served masters, never the reverse. Peter had witnessed Jesus's divine power—walking on water, raising the dead, commanding nature. The cognitive dissonance of seeing this Lord kneel before him with a water basin was profound. Roman foot-washing customs differed somewhat from Jewish, but throughout the ancient Near East, the act signified the washer's inferior status. For Jesus to wash His disciples' feet inverted all social and religious order.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does receiving unmerited service from Christ feel more difficult than serving Him through our own efforts?
  2. In what ways does our spiritual pride manifest as resistance to God's grace rather than gratitude for it?
  3. How does Jesus's willingness to perform the most degrading service challenge our concern for status and reputation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἔρχεται1 of 15

“cometh he”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

οὖν2 of 15

“Then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πρὸς3 of 15

“to”

G4314

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,

Σίμωνα4 of 15

“Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Πέτρον·5 of 15

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ6 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

λέγει7 of 15

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ8 of 15

“unto 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

ἐκεῖνος,9 of 15

“Peter”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

Κύριε10 of 15

“Lord”

G2962

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

σύ11 of 15

“thou”

G4771

thou

μου12 of 15

“my”

G3450

of me

νίπτεις13 of 15

“dost”

G3538

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

τοὺς14 of 15
G3588

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

πόδας15 of 15

“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 13:6 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 13:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 1:27Matthew 3:11-14Luke 5:8

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