John 13 14

John 13:14 kjv

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

John 13:14 nkjv

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

John 13:14 niv

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.

John 13:14 esv

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

John 13:14 nlt

And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet.

John 13 verses

John 13 14 Meaning

John 13:14 means that if Jesus, who is acknowledged as Lord and Teacher, performed the humbling act of washing His disciples' feet, then His followers are obligated to perform similar acts of humble service for one another. It establishes a principle of reciprocal servanthood, where those who are followers of Christ must imitate His selfless humility in their relationships within the Christian community. This act is not merely ritualistic but symbolizes a continuous attitude of love, self-abasement, and care for others, especially those under one's care or among equals in faith.

John 13 14 Context

John 13:14 is situated within the Upper Room Discourse, specifically at the beginning of Jesus' final intimate moments with His disciples before His crucifixion. The entire chapter focuses on Jesus' ultimate act of humble service (the foot washing), the prediction of His betrayal, and His teaching on love for one another. Before this verse, Jesus, fully aware of His divine origin, His ultimate destiny, and His authority from the Father (John 13:3), willingly performs the most menial task of washing His disciples' feet (John 13:5), an act typically reserved for the lowest servant in a household. This shocking display of humility culminates in His explanation that follows in verse 14.

Historically and culturally, foot-washing was a necessary act in ancient Palestine due to dusty roads and sandals. It was a sign of hospitality offered by a host or performed by a servant for guests. For Jesus, the "Lord and Teacher," to assume the role of the lowliest servant was profoundly counter-cultural and revolutionary, directly challenging contemporary Jewish societal norms where honor and status were highly prized. It was a stark contrast to the disciples' earlier disputes about who would be the greatest (Luke 22:24) and likely served as a gentle rebuke and a powerful object lesson. The act served as a "polemic" against the hierarchical and status-driven mindsets prevalent then, establishing a new paradigm of leadership based on servant hood within the Kingdom of God.

John 13 14 Word analysis

• If (εἰ - ei): A conditional particle introducing a real or probable condition. It indicates that Jesus' action is a factual premise upon which the subsequent obligation rests, implying "since it is true that I have done this..."
• I (ἐγὼ - egō): Emphatic personal pronoun, stressing Jesus' own identity. It highlights His unique position as Lord and Teacher, making His act of humility even more significant and impactful. It draws attention to the disparity between His status and His action.
• Lord (ὁ Κύριος - ho Kyrios): Refers to Master, Owner, or God. Here it denotes Jesus' divine authority and sovereignty recognized by the disciples. It emphasizes that one holding the highest position performed the lowest service.
• and (καὶ - kai): Conjunction connecting Jesus' two titles, emphasizing both His authoritative teaching and divine mastery.
• Teacher (ὁ διδάσκαλος - ho didaskalos): Signifies one who instructs, imparts wisdom, and guides disciples. This title acknowledges His role as their spiritual and moral guide, reinforcing the weight of His example and teaching.
• have washed (ἔνιψα - enipsa): Aorist active indicative. This specific past tense highlights the completed, decisive act of foot-washing, not a continuous process, making it a singular, exemplary event to be remembered and imitated.
• your feet (τοὺς πόδας ὑμῶν - tous podas hymōn): Literal reference to a physical action, symbolizing deep humility and servanthood. Feet were considered the lowest, dirtiest part of the body, making their washing a menial and defiling task for a person of status.
• you (καὶ ὑμεῖς - kai hymeis): The "and you" part emphasizes the reciprocal expectation and the mutuality of the action. It's an emphatic "you also," suggesting a moral compulsion.
• also (καὶ - kai): Implies reciprocity and imitation. As He has done, so they too must do.
• ought (ὀφείλετε - opheilete): Strong verb denoting moral obligation, duty, or necessity. It is not an option but a required response, signifying a deep commitment or debt. It conveys "you are obligated," or "you owe it to."
• to wash (νίπτειν - niptein): Present infinitive. Unlike Jesus' completed singular act ("have washed"), this suggests an ongoing, habitual practice of washing, implying a continuous attitude of service and humility rather than a one-time ritual.
• one another's feet (ἀλλήλων τοὺς πόδας - allēlōn tous podas): Signifies a mutual obligation and communal practice. It means service and humility must be reciprocated and shared within the community of believers, breaking down hierarchies.

John 13 14 Bonus section

The context of the foot washing immediately precedes the institution of the Lord's Supper and the giving of the "new commandment" to love one another (John 13:34). This timing emphasizes that loving one another "as I have loved you" directly entails this practical, humbling, service-oriented love. It moves beyond abstract affection to concrete, often unseen, acts of service. Furthermore, Jesus' action and teaching here address the ongoing human struggle with pride and the desire for status, which His disciples had previously exhibited (Luke 9:46; 22:24). The foot washing serves as Jesus' final, ultimate teaching demonstration of what true leadership and fellowship look like in His kingdom. It foreshadows His ultimate act of service on the cross, which was the greatest washing of all—the cleansing from sin through His shed blood. Thus, foot washing not only teaches humility but also echoes the cleansing and sanctifying work of Christ for His people, which His followers are called to manifest in their daily lives toward one another.

John 13 14 Commentary

John 13:14 distills the essence of Christian leadership and community into a single, profound principle demonstrated through the foot-washing. It's not a mere suggestion but an imperative rooted in Christ's own actions and identity. By combining "Lord and Teacher" with the lowest form of service, Jesus redefined greatness in His kingdom not by authority exerted but by humility enacted. The emphasis is on internalizing the posture of Christ – one of radical self-giving and placing the needs of others above one's own. While some traditions observe literal foot-washing as a practice, the deeper meaning is the daily, continuous readiness to perform acts of selfless service, care, and humility towards fellow believers. It challenges pride and calls believers to mirror Christ's humble love, particularly in areas that are inconvenient, overlooked, or beneath one's perceived status. This serves as the foundation for the "new commandment" to love one another, transforming the community into a living testament to Christ's self-sacrificing love.

Examples for practical usage:

• Leaders serving their teams in tangible ways.
• Congregation members supporting one another through acts of service like meal provision or visitation.
• Overlooking personal preferences to meet a brother or sister's genuine need.