FocusCleansing and humble service
Connection to the wholeJesus' action interprets His love through service and gives His followers an example, while acknowledging that not all are clean.
interpretation John 13:1
KJVNow before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
Read it in context
Jesus washes the disciples' feet
Start reading at John 13:1 (John 13:1 to John 13:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus' action interprets His love through service and gives His followers an example, while acknowledging that not all are clean.
- 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
- 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;
- 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
- 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
- 13:5 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.
- 13:6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
- 13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
- 13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
- 13:9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
- 13:10 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.
- 13:11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
- 13:12 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?
- 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
- 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
- 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
- 13:16 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.
- 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
- 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
- 13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
- 13:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 13:1–13:38): Jesus shares the supper with His disciples, washes their feet, identifies the betrayal, and instructs them. Judas leaves during the chapter. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jesus washes the disciples' feet. Read John 13:1 through John 13:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus' action interprets His love through service and gives His followers an example, while acknowledging that not all are clean. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus washes the disciples' feet (John 13:1 to John 13:20). Start reading at John 13:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 13:1, John 13:20, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- the feast John 6:4 Matt 26:2-5 Mark 14:1-2 Luke 22:1-2
- knew John 7:6,30 John 8:20 John 11:9-10 John 12:23 John 17:1,11 John 18:4 Matt 26:45 Luke 9:51
- depart John 13:3 John 14:28 John 16:5-7,28 John 17:5,11,13
- having John 13:34 John 15:9-10,13-14 John 17:9-10,14,16,26 Jer 31:3 Rom 8:37 Eph 5:25-26 1 John 4:19 Rev 1:5
- unto Matt 28:20 1 Cor 1:8 Heb 3:6,14 Heb 6:11 1 Pet 1:13
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 13
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him. Chapters 13–17 form the extended setting of Jesus with His disciples before the arrest.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The betrayer departs
John 13:21–30FocusJesus' knowledge of betrayal
Connection to the wholeThe announcement and identification of the betrayer move the supper toward Judas' departure and the coming passion.
interpretation Love and impending separation
John 13:31–38FocusA new command and a warning
Connection to the wholeJesus gives the command to love one another and addresses Peter's confidence with a warning of denial.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.