John 13 12

John 13:12 kjv

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?

John 13:12 nkjv

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?

John 13:12 niv

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.

John 13:12 esv

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you?

John 13:12 nlt

After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, "Do you understand what I was doing?

John 13 verses

John 13 12 Meaning

John 13:12 marks the pivotal transition where Jesus, having performed the deeply symbolic act of washing His disciples' feet, reclaims His garments and re-assumes His customary place at the table. He then asks them a probing question: "Know ye what I have done to you?" This question is not seeking a literal answer about the physical act, but rather aiming to draw out their comprehension of the profound spiritual meaning and the radical lesson of humble servanthood that He has just exemplified for them. It sets the stage for His ensuing explanation and command regarding reciprocal love and service within His kingdom.

John 13 12 Context

John chapter 13 immediately follows the description of the Last Supper, a Passover meal that Jesus shares with His disciples shortly before His crucifixion. The specific act of foot-washing, performed by Jesus in verses 4-5, is unprecedented for a teacher of His stature to undertake for His disciples, an act usually reserved for the lowest servant. This deliberate and humble act directly challenges the disciples' current mindset and understanding of greatness, as they had recently debated among themselves who would be the greatest (Lk 22:24-27). Historically and culturally, washing feet was a common act of hospitality in dusty Judea, but for the master to do it for his servants was an inversion of social norms. Jesus' question in verse 12 comes after this physically completed act of self-abasement, positioning Himself to impart the profound spiritual and ethical meaning of His actions, setting a radical new standard for leadership and discipleship within His coming kingdom, one built on humble service rather than worldly power or status.

John 13 12 Word analysis

• So (οὖν - oun): This Greek particle serves as a connective, indicating a transition or consequence. Here, it signals a shift from the physical action just completed to the intellectual and spiritual instruction that will follow.
• when he had washed (ἔνιψεν - enipsen): A vivid aorist tense, highlighting the completed action of the foot-washing, emphasizing its entirety and finality. It underlines that Jesus meticulously finished the task for each disciple.
• their feet (τοὺς πόδας αὐτῶν - tous podas autōn): Specific detail. This phrase highlights the intimate and personal nature of Jesus' service. He literally attended to their soiled feet, a task often seen as lowly.
• and had taken (ἔλαβεν - elaben): Another aorist verb, "took up" or "received back." It indicates the specific action of Him retrieving something.
• his garments (τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ - ta himatia autou): Refers to Jesus' outer cloak or robe that He had laid aside (Jn 13:4) to perform the menial task. His resuming these garments signifies His return to His expected outward appearance as the Master or Rabbi at the meal, yet His inward disposition of humility remained.
• and was set down again (ἀνέπεσεν πάλιν - anepesen palin): Anepesen means "reclined," which was the typical posture for eating at that time. Palin means "again," indicating He resumed His original position. This marks His physical return to the role of the teacher or host at the table after a humble interruption.
• he said unto them (εἶπεν αὐτοῖς - eipen autois): A common introductory phrase in the Gospels for direct speech, signalling that important verbal instruction or revelation is about to be given.
• Know ye (Γινώσκετε - Ginōskete): From the verb γινώσκω (ginōskō), meaning "to know," "to understand," or "to perceive." This is not just about factual knowledge but a deeper, experiential, and intellectual understanding. The present tense indicates a call for ongoing reflection and comprehension.
• what I have done (τί πεποίηκα - ti pepoiēka): The use of the perfect tense pepoiēka ("I have done," "I have accomplished") implies a completed action with lasting effects or significance. It draws attention not just to the act itself, but to its purpose and the message it conveys.
• to you? (ὑμῖν - hymin): Direct address to the disciples, inviting their personal introspection and application of the lesson.

Word Group Analysis

• "So when he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again": This sequence meticulously describes Jesus' actions of transition. It physically restores the initial scene of the supper, creating a stark contrast between His immediate past act of radical humility and His present posture of authoritative teaching. This methodical return to His place enhances the impact of the upcoming words.
• "he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?": This forms a direct, pedagogical question. Jesus does not immediately explain the act, but prompts them to reflect. It forces the disciples to engage their minds with the unusual scene they just witnessed, urging them towards a deeper understanding beyond mere observation. It is a challenge to their perception, laying the groundwork for revelation.

John 13 12 Bonus section

The act of Jesus laying aside His outer garments (Jn 13:4) and then taking them back in verse 12 echoes the self-emptying (κένωσις - kenosis) described by Paul in Phil 2:7, where Christ "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant." The visual of Him removing His robe before stooping and resuming it before teaching profoundly symbolized His divine condescension and subsequent re-elevation, not to a throne of power, but to a position of teaching servanthood. This intentional sequence makes His example unforgettable. The question "Know ye what I have done to you?" subtly contrasts with His divine omniscience. He knew they did not yet fully grasp it (Jn 13:7), but He still asked to draw them out, fostering active learning rather than passive reception. This teaching methodology encouraged independent thought and prepared them to teach others. The significance of this interaction also sets up the "new commandment" to love one another as He has loved them, implying active, humble, and self-sacrificial service as the embodiment of that love.

John 13 12 Commentary

John 13:12 serves as the dramatic turning point following Jesus' stunning act of humble service. His intentional return to His garments and reclining position underscores that the physical act of foot-washing was a deliberate performance, designed to be remembered and understood. The question "Know ye what I have done to you?" is not an inquiry for a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Rather, it is a rhetorical device, a Master's poignant query to His disciples, inviting them into a deeper comprehension of the spiritual gravity and profound lesson of His self-emptying love. This act redefined leadership for His followers: greatness in His kingdom is measured not by who is served, but by who serves, transforming the very essence of power dynamics into humble submission for the sake of others. This understanding becomes the foundation for their future mission and interaction within the new community of believers. The call to "know" suggests an experiential understanding leading to application.Examples: A church leader who washes dishes after a potluck, rather than expecting others to; a Christian executive who offers help to a struggling junior colleague instead of demanding performance; parents demonstrating sacrificial service within the family, modeling it for their children.