John 13 10

John 13:10 kjv

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.

John 13:10 nkjv

Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you."

John 13:10 niv

Jesus answered, "Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you."

John 13:10 esv

Jesus said to him, "The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you."

John 13:10 nlt

Jesus replied, "A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you."

John 13 verses

John 13 10 Meaning

John 13:10 reveals Jesus’ teaching on two dimensions of spiritual cleansing, illustrated by the physical act of foot-washing during the Last Supper. It states that one who has already had a full bath needs only to wash their feet, for they are entirely clean. Jesus applies this metaphor to His disciples, affirming their general purity, yet subtly indicating that not every one of them is truly clean, alluding to Judas Iscariot. This signifies the initial, complete purification from sin through faith in Christ (the "bath") and the ongoing, daily cleansing needed from defilement acquired while living in the world (washing the "feet"), while also discerning between genuine spiritual cleanliness and a mere outward appearance.

John 13 10 Context

John chapter 13 opens dramatically with Jesus demonstrating an extraordinary act of humble servitude: washing His disciples' feet during the Last Supper. This cultural custom of hospitality, usually performed by a household servant, was an astonishing display from a teacher and Lord. Peter's initial objection (John 13:6-8) sets the immediate scene. When Peter, bewildered by this act, rejects Jesus's offer, Jesus tells him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me" (John 13:8). This profound statement moves the conversation from mere physical cleansing to deep spiritual significance, indicating the necessity of Jesus's redemptive work for any relationship with Him. Peter, then desiring complete cleansing, asks for a bath, hands, and head too (John 13:9). Jesus’ reply in John 13:10 clarifies the symbolic meaning: a full bath is distinct from a mere foot-washing, pointing to foundational spiritual purity and ongoing maintenance, respectively. The verse also serves as a poignant foreshadowing of Judas's betrayal, subtly differentiating between those who are truly cleansed by faith and those who are not, despite their outward appearance of fellowship.

John 13 10 Word analysis

• Jesus: The divine Son of God, acting as teacher and Lord. His words carry ultimate authority and truth, revealing profound spiritual realities.
• said: Simple statement, yet loaded with theological significance given the context.
• to him: Specifically to Peter, who had just made an enthusiastic request for full washing.
• He who has bathed (λελουμένος - leloumenos): This perfect passive participle of the Greek verb λούω (louō) refers to a complete and thorough washing or bath of the entire body. Spiritually, it signifies the one-time, comprehensive cleansing from the guilt and power of sin that a person receives at conversion or regeneration through Christ’s atoning work. It's a completed act, foundational to a person's relationship with God.
• needs only to wash his feet (πόδας νίψασθαι - podas nipsasthai): νίπτω (niptō) means to wash a specific part of the body, often hands or feet. The phrase points to the daily need for cleansing from defilements incurred through interaction with the world (the "dust" picked up on life's journey). Spiritually, this represents the ongoing process of confession, forgiveness, and purification from the sins that believers commit after their initial regeneration, often referred to as progressive sanctification or daily practical holiness.
• but is completely clean (ἀλλ’ ἔστιν καθαρὸς ὅλος - all’ estin katharos holos): The Greek καθαρός (katharos) means clean, pure. ὅλος (holos) means whole, entire. This affirms that once one has experienced the foundational "bath," they are indeed completely pure in their standing before God. Their identity in Christ is one of total cleanliness.
• and you are clean (καὶ ὑμεῖς καθαροί ἐστε - kai hymeis katharoi este): A direct affirmation to the disciples present that, as a group, they are purified through their relationship with Jesus and His word. This points to the collective identity of Christ's followers.
• but not all of you (ἀλλ’ οὐχὶ πάντες - all’ ouchi pantes): This crucial exception reveals Jesus’ divine knowledge of the inner spiritual state of each disciple. It subtly but definitively excludes Judas Iscariot, who, despite outward appearance and physical presence with Jesus, remained spiritually defiled and would betray Him. This highlights the reality that external association or ritualistic participation does not guarantee genuine spiritual purity or salvation.

Words-group Analysis:

• "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean": This phrase sets up the profound theological distinction. The "bath" represents the foundational, saving work of Christ that thoroughly cleanses a person at conversion, making them totally pure in God's sight (justification/definitive sanctification). The "washing of feet" represents the ongoing, daily need for forgiveness and purification from sins committed by believers as they live in the world (progressive sanctification/confession). Even though fully clean in their standing, believers still acquire spiritual "dust" that needs removal.
• "and you are clean, but not all of you": This affirmation, immediately followed by the stark exception, underscores the personal and spiritual nature of true cleansing. While the disciples, excluding Judas, were indeed "clean" in a salvific sense, Judas remained "unclean" due to his unbelief and rebellious heart, regardless of his close physical proximity to Jesus and participation in outward rituals. This also highlights Jesus’ omniscience and His profound sorrow.

John 13 10 Bonus section

• Christ's Humility and Example: This verse, within the larger foot-washing narrative, serves not only as a theological lesson but also as a powerful demonstration of Jesus's humble leadership and His command to His followers to serve one another (John 13:14-15). The cleansing act is intrinsically linked to humble service.
• Holiness as Identity and Practice: The phrase "completely clean" (καθαρὸς ὅλος) emphasizes the believer's new identity in Christ as holy and pure. The "feet washing" then emphasizes the practical outworking of that holiness in daily conduct. It's a picture of definitive sanctification (being made holy) and progressive sanctification (living out that holiness).
• Knowledge of the Human Heart: Jesus's inclusion of "not all of you" showcases His omniscient understanding of the human heart, piercing beyond outward appearances and knowing the true spiritual state of each individual, including the one destined for betrayal. This reveals His divine insight into the true spiritual condition.

John 13 10 Commentary

John 13:10 offers a concise yet rich theological statement concerning the nature of spiritual cleansing. Jesus distinguishes between a complete, initial cleansing (the "bath") and a continuous, ongoing one (washing of the "feet"). The "bath" represents the once-for-all salvation and purification believers receive when they commit to Christ—their sins are entirely forgiven, and they are declared wholly righteous in God's eyes. This foundational cleansing never needs to be repeated because Christ's work is perfect and complete.

However, living in a fallen world inevitably leads to daily "defilements" or sins, like dust accumulated on one's feet. These do not nullify the original bath (salvation), but they hinder fellowship and diminish practical holiness. Thus, the "washing of feet" symbolizes the continuous need for believers to seek forgiveness, confess their sins (1 Jn 1:9), and allow the word of God and the Spirit to cleanse them daily from unrighteousness. This ensures ongoing communion with God and a pure walk.

The poignant conclusion, "but not all of you," provides a sharp contrast, singling out Judas. It reveals that proximity to sacred rituals, even with Christ Himself, does not guarantee inward spiritual purity or salvation. Judas's uncleanness was a matter of his heart—a lack of genuine faith and an inclination towards betrayal. This serves as a vital reminder that outward association with the community of believers is not synonymous with true inward transformation and spiritual purity, which comes solely through genuine faith in Jesus.