John 13 11

John 13:11 kjv

For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

John 13:11 nkjv

For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, "You are not all clean."

John 13:11 niv

For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

John 13:11 esv

For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "Not all of you are clean."

John 13:11 nlt

For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, "Not all of you are clean."

John 13 verses

John 13 11 Meaning

John 13:11 clarifies Jesus's statement in the previous verse that not all the disciples were "clean," despite participating in the foot-washing. This verse reveals Jesus's divine omniscience: He knew from the beginning who among them would betray Him. Therefore, His qualification, "Ye are not all clean," was a direct reference to the spiritual impurity and hidden sin of Judas Iscariot, distinguishing him from the other disciples who were spiritually purified by Jesus's word and ministry. It highlights that outward participation in rituals does not equate to inner spiritual purity and true discipleship.

John 13 11 Context

John chapter 13 begins with Jesus knowing His hour had come to depart from the world to the Father. He, out of boundless love, performs the humble act of washing His disciples' feet during the Last Supper. This action serves as an example of humble service and a symbolic cleansing, representing the believer's need for continuous purification from the defilements of walking in the world. When Peter initially resists, Jesus explains the necessity of the washing, stating, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." John 13:11 serves as the direct clarification for the latter part of this statement, immediately explaining the exception. It highlights Jesus's divine insight into the hearts of all men, even those closest to Him, and foreshadows the impending betrayal that would initiate the final events of His Passion.

John 13 11 Word analysis

• For: This conjunction, gar (γάρ) in Greek, introduces the reason or explanation for Jesus's previous statement. It links His earlier words ("You are clean, though not every one of you") directly to His underlying knowledge.

• he knew: From the Greek oidē (οἶδεν), derived from oida (οἶδα), meaning to know, perceive, understand, or be acquainted with. This form signifies a perfect, complete, and intuitive knowledge, not something recently discovered but inherently possessed. It points to Jesus's divine omniscience, a consistent theme in John's Gospel.

• who it was: Points to a specific individual within the group. Jesus's knowledge is precise and focused.

• that should betray him: From the Greek paradidōmi (παραδίδωμι), meaning "to hand over, to deliver, to give up, to betray." This word is frequently used in the Gospels to describe Judas's act of handing Jesus over to the authorities. It encompasses more than mere information-giving; it denotes the act of handing over a person into custody or danger, aligning with the Old Testament prophecies of a close companion delivering the Messiah. This act of "betrayal" is also used theologically of God "delivering" Jesus for our sins (Rom 8:32).

• therefore said he: This phrase, dia touto eipen (διὰ τοῦτο εἶπεν), emphasizes a direct cause-and-effect. Jesus's knowledge of Judas's intent directly prompted His qualification regarding the disciples' cleanliness.

• Ye are not all clean:

  • Ye are not all: This specific phrasing indicates that most were clean, distinguishing the one exception.
  • clean: From the Greek katharoi (καθαροί), meaning pure, free from admixture, spotless. In this context, given the spiritual nature of Jesus's discourse in John, it primarily refers to spiritual purity and moral cleansing, not just physical cleanliness. The foot-washing symbolized the cleansing power of Jesus's word and sacrifice. While the disciples had their "feet washed" and were physically present, Judas was not inwardly cleansed by the Spirit, highlighting the contrast between outward participation and internal regeneration. This suggests an understanding that true "cleanliness" comes from spiritual transformation by Christ, not just ritual.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "For he knew who it was that should betray him": This clause asserts Jesus's pre-knowledge of Judas's intention and action. It speaks to Jesus's divine foresight and control over the unfolding events, emphasizing that His passion was not a chaotic accident but part of a sovereign plan known to Him. This foreknowledge allowed Him to anticipate and address the reality of spiritual impurity within His immediate circle.
  • "therefore said he, Ye are not all clean": This directly links Jesus's omniscient awareness to His spoken words. It means His qualification about "not all clean" was not a general philosophical statement but a specific, pointed truth about Judas, though delivered in a way that protected Judas's anonymity until the appointed time. It implies a spiritual state of impurity (lack of saving faith and genuine discipleship) contrasted with the outward association and ceremonial cleansing.

John 13 11 Bonus section

The allowing of Judas to remain among the disciples, despite Jesus's full knowledge of his intentions, serves multiple purposes. It demonstrates God's long-suffering patience and grace, extending an opportunity for repentance even to the very end. It also ensures the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the betrayal of the Messiah. Furthermore, Judas's presence and subsequent actions underscore the truth that God can and does use human evil, not as a condonement, but for the accomplishment of His divine and perfect will, leading to the ultimate redemption of humanity through the cross. The narrative contrasts external religious observance (the foot-washing) with the absolute necessity of internal, spiritual transformation, which Judas crucially lacked.

John 13 11 Commentary

John 13:11 is a profound verse that underscores several critical truths. Firstly, it reiterates Jesus's absolute divine foreknowledge. He was not surprised or caught off guard by Judas's impending treachery; rather, He had full awareness of it even as He performed the humble act of washing the feet of His betrayer. This speaks to His sovereignty and control over even the most painful aspects of His mission. Secondly, the verse clarifies the spiritual nature of the "cleanliness" Jesus refers to. While the physical foot-washing symbolized the ongoing need for believers to be purified from daily defilements through Christ's intercession and word (John 15:3), Judas lacked the fundamental spiritual cleansing of regeneration. His heart was not made new; he was never truly purified by faith. Thus, "clean" here refers to a state of spiritual purity, made possible through Jesus and his work. Thirdly, it highlights the stark contrast between external association with Christ and true inner purity and discipleship. Judas participated in the Last Supper and the foot-washing, appearing as a disciple, yet his heart harbored evil intentions. This serves as a sober warning that not all who appear to follow Christ are genuinely His. The presence of Judas within the inner circle also testifies to Jesus's patient endurance, giving Judas every opportunity for repentance, even up to the final moments.