Bible Strands
John 13:5
After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus acts immediately after rising from the meal and wrapping a towel around His waist, performing a servant’s task for the disciples present.
The words — The narrative records Jesus pouring (βάλλει, ballei) water (ὕδωρ, hudōr) into a basin (νιπτῆρα, niptēra) and beginning (ἤρξατο, ērxato) the physical washing and drying.
The thread — This concrete action aligns with the spiritual cleansing petition of Psalms 51:2, the practical hospitality standard in 1 Timothy 5:10, and the foot-washing scene in Luke 7:44.
Why it lands — The text first establishes a leader physically lowering Himself to wash dirt from followers, which demands the reader abandon status-based expectations and practice identical humble service.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Luke 7:44 And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
- Psalms 51:2 Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
- 1 Timothy 5:10 and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.
- Genesis 18:4 Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.
- Genesis 19:2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
- Leviticus 14:8 The one being cleansed must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe with water; then he will be ceremonially clean. Afterward, he may enter the camp, but he must remain outside his tent for seven days.
- 1 Samuel 25:41 She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.”
- 2 Kings 3:11 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”
- Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.’
- 1 Corinthians 6:11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.