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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 13:12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, "Do you know what I have done for you?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/13-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/43_Jhn_13_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 13:12 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, Do you know what I have done for you?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/13-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/13-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/13.htm">Chapter 13</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/13-11.htm" title="John 13:11">◄</a> John 13:12 <a href="/john/13-13.htm" title="John 13:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/13.htm">New International Version</a> When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. &#8220Do you understand what I have done for you?&#8221 he asked them. <a href="/nlt/john/13.htm">New Living Translation</a> After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? <a href="/esv/john/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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? <a href="/bsb/john/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you? <a href="/blb/john/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore when He had washed their feet and taken His garments, and having reclined again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? <a href="/kjv/john/13.htm">King James Bible</a> 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? <a href="/nkjv/john/13.htm">New King James Version</a> 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? <a href="/nasb_/john/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then, when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? <a href="/nasb/john/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, &#8220Do you know what I have done to you? <a href="/nasb77/john/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And so when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments, and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? <a href="/lsb/john/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? <a href="/amp/john/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So when He had washed their feet and put on His [outer] robe and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? <a href="/csb/john/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? <a href="/hcsb/john/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, &#8220Do you know what I have done for you? <a href="/asv/john/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? <a href="/cev/john/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> After Jesus had washed his disciples' feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again. Then he said: Do you understand what I have done? <a href="/erv/john/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? <a href="/gwt/john/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> After Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothes, he took his place at the table again. Then he asked his disciples, "Do you understand what I've done for you? <a href="/gnt/john/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> After Jesus had washed their feet, he put his outer garment back on and returned to his place at the table. "Do you understand what I have just done to you?" he asked. <a href="/isv/john/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer robe, he sat down again and told them, "Do you realize what I've done to you? <a href="/msb/john/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, ?Do you know what I have done for you? <a href="/net/john/13.htm">NET Bible</a> So when Jesus had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table again and said to them, "Do you understand what I have done for you? <a href="/nheb/john/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? <a href="/wbt/john/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said to them, Know ye what I have done to you? <a href="/wey/john/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So after He had washed their feet, put on His garments again, and returned to the table, He said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? <a href="/web/john/13.htm">World English Bible</a> So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> When, therefore, He washed their feet, and took His garments, having reclined again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? <a href="/blb/john/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore when He had washed their feet and taken His garments, and having reclined again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? <a href="/ylt/john/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> When, therefore, he washed their feet, and took his garments, having reclined (at meat) again, he said to them, 'Do ye know what I have done to you? <a href="/slt/john/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> When therefore he washed their feet; and took his garments, going to recline again, he said to them, Knew ye what I have done to you?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then after he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, being set down again, he said to them: Know you what I have done to you? <a href="/cpdv/john/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, after he washed their feet and received his vestments, when he had sat down at table again, he said to them: “Do you know what I have done for you? <a href="/nabre/john/13.htm">New American Bible</a> So when he had washed their feet [and] put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? <a href="/nrsvce/john/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When he had washed their feet, he put on his robes and sat down; and he said to them, Do you know what I have done to you? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But when he had washed their feet, he took up his robe and reclined at the table and he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Therefore, when he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, he reclined at table again, and said to them: Do you understand what I have done for you? <a href="/godbey/john/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then when He washed their feet, and took His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, <FR>Do you understand what I have done to you?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> When therefore he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done unto you? <a href="/mace/john/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> after he had washed their feet, he took his garment, and setting down again, he said to them, do you comprehend what I have been doing? <a href="/wey/john/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So after He had washed their feet, put on His garments again, and returned to the table, He said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? <a href="/worrell/john/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> When, therefore, He washed their feet, and took His garments, and reclined again, He said to them, <FR>"Do ye know what I have done to you?<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when He had washed their feet, and taken his clothes about Him, He sat down again, and said to them, <FR>Do ye know <Fr>the intent of<FR> what I have been doing to you?<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/13-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=4876" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/13.htm">Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet</a> …11For He knew who would betray Him. That is why He said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly."></a> <a href="/greek/3753.htm" title="3753: Hote (Adv) -- When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.">When Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/3538.htm" title="3538: enipsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To wash; mid. I wash my own (hands, etc.). To cleanse; ceremonially, to perform ablution.">had washed</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4228.htm" title="4228: podas (N-AMP) -- The foot. A primary word; a foot.">feet</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: elaben (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">put on</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2440.htm" title="2440: himatia (N-ANP) -- A long flowing outer garment, tunic. Neuter of a presumed derivative of ennumi; a dress.">outer garments,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/377.htm" title="377: anepesen (V-AIA-3S) -- From ana and pipto; to fall back, i.e. Lie down, lean back.">He reclined with them</a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.">again</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and asked,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: Ginōskete (V-PIA-2P) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">“Do you know</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: pepoiēka (V-RIA-1S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">I have done</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">for you?</a> 13You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-7</a> Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. <a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a> It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— / just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Mark 10:43-45</a> But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. / For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/luke/22-26.htm">Luke 22:26-27</a> But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13-15</a> Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5</a> Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Romans 12:10</a> Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. <a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ephesians 5:21</a> Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. <a href="/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16</a> By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. <a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Matthew 23:11-12</a> The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a> For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-13</a> Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. <a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a> Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19</a> Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a> “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said to them, Know you what I have done to you?Know.<a href="/john/13-7.htm">John 13:7</a> Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.<a href="/ezekiel/24-19.htm">Ezekiel 24:19,24</a> And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so? … <a href="/matthew/13-51.htm">Matthew 13:51</a> Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/11-44.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/john/13-10.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/john/12-36.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/luke/22-36.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/john/13-4.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/john/12-2.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/john/13-4.htm">Outer</a> <a href="/john/12-11.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/luke/24-30.htm">Reclined</a> <a href="/acts/8-39.htm">Resumed</a> <a href="/john/13-4.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/john/12-14.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/john/12-14.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/john/13-4.htm">Table</a> <a href="/john/13-7.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/john/13-10.htm">Washed</a> <a href="/john/13-5.htm">Washing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/19-40.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/john/13-14.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/john/17-4.htm">Finished</a> <a href="/john/19-2.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/john/19-23.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/john/13-23.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/john/19-23.htm">Outer</a> <a href="/john/21-12.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/john/21-20.htm">Reclined</a> <a href="/acts/8-39.htm">Resumed</a> <a href="/john/19-2.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/john/19-13.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/john/19-13.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/john/13-23.htm">Table</a> <a href="/john/16-18.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/john/13-14.htm">Washed</a> <a href="/acts/9-37.htm">Washing</a><div class="vheading2">John 13</div>1. <a href="/john/13-1.htm">Jesus washes the disciples' feet, and exhorts them to humility and charity.</a> 18. <a href="/john/13-18.htm">He foretells and discovers to John by a token, that Judas should betray him;</a> 31. <a href="/john/13-31.htm">commands them to love one another;</a> 36. <a href="/john/13-36.htm">and forewarns Peter of his denials.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When Jesus had washed their feet This act of washing the disciples' feet is a profound demonstration of humility and servanthood. In the cultural context of the time, foot washing was a task typically reserved for the lowest servant in a household, as feet would become dirty from walking on dusty roads. Jesus, the Master and Teacher, takes on this role, symbolizing His mission to serve and cleanse humanity from sin. This act prefigures His ultimate act of service on the cross. It also fulfills the prophecy of the Suffering Servant in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>, who humbles Himself for the sake of others.and put on His outer garments After washing the disciples' feet, Jesus resumes His position by putting on His outer garments. This action signifies a return to His role as Teacher and Lord, having completed the task of a servant. It reflects the dual nature of Christ as both servant and sovereign. The outer garments can symbolize the glory and authority of Christ, which He temporarily set aside to perform this humble act, much like His incarnation where He set aside divine privileges to become human (<a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6-8</a>).He reclined with them again Reclining at the table was the customary posture for dining in the ancient Near East, especially during a formal meal like the Passover. This setting emphasizes the intimacy and fellowship Jesus shares with His disciples. It also foreshadows the future Messianic banquet, where believers will recline with Christ in the Kingdom of God (<a href="/luke/22-16.htm">Luke 22:16</a>, <a href="/revelation/19-9.htm">Revelation 19:9</a>). The act of reclining signifies rest and communion, themes central to the Gospel message.and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you?” This question invites the disciples to reflect on the deeper meaning of Jesus' actions. It is not merely about physical cleanliness but about spiritual cleansing and the call to emulate His example of humility and service. This moment is a teaching opportunity, urging the disciples to understand the significance of servant leadership. It connects to Jesus' earlier teachings on greatness in the Kingdom of God, where the greatest must be the servant of all (<a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Mark 10:43-45</a>). This question challenges believers to consider their own understanding and application of Christ's example in their lives.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is demonstrating servant leadership by washing the feet of His disciples. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The followers of Jesus who are present during the Last Supper, witnessing and experiencing Jesus' act of humility. 3. <a href="/topical/u/upper_room.htm">Upper Room</a> The location where the Last Supper takes place, a setting for intimate teaching and fellowship. 4. <a href="/topical/f/foot_washing.htm">Foot Washing</a> A cultural practice of hospitality and cleanliness, here used by Jesus as a powerful symbol of servanthood and purification. 5. <a href="/topical/l/last_supper.htm">Last Supper</a> The final meal Jesus shares with His disciples before His crucifixion, filled with significant teachings and symbolic acts.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/servant_leadership.htm">Servant Leadership</a> Jesus exemplifies true leadership through service, challenging us to lead by serving others selflessly. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_humility.htm">Understanding Humility</a> The act of foot washing is a profound lesson in humility, urging us to adopt a humble attitude in our interactions. <a href="/topical/s/symbol_of_cleansing.htm">Symbol of Cleansing</a> Beyond physical cleanliness, Jesus' act symbolizes spiritual cleansing and the need for inner purity. <a href="/topical/c/call_to_action.htm">Call to Action</a> Jesus' question, "Do you understand what I have done for you?" invites us to reflect on our understanding and application of His teachings. <a href="/topical/m/model_for_relationships.htm">Model for Relationships</a> Jesus sets a standard for how we should treat one another, with love, humility, and service at the forefront.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 13</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_upper_room_significant.htm">Why is the Upper Room significant?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_jewelry.htm">How do you show honor to others?</a> <a href="/q/what's_in_the_gospel_of_the_hebrews.htm">What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_modeling.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian modeling?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) And was set down again.--This means in the reclining position customary at meals. Comp. <a href="/luke/11-37.htm" title="And as he spoke, a certain Pharisee sought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.">Luke 11:37</a>; <a href="/luke/22-14.htm" title="And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.">Luke 22:14</a>; and in this Gospel <a href="/john/6-10.htm" title="And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.">John 6:10</a>; <a href="/john/21-20.htm" title="Then Peter, turning about, sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrays you?">John 21:20</a>. Here it implies that the washing the feet preceded the supper (<a href="/john/13-1.htm" title="Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them to the end.">John 13:1</a>).Know ye what I have done to you?--This question is asked, not to be answered, but to direct their attention to what He had done, and to the interpretation which follows--"Do ye perceive what I have done? This is the meaning of it." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 12-17. - The Lord gives other practical instructions based on his own humble self-obliterating discharge of a duty which it was obvious that, in their desire to be great, they had one and all abstained from doing even for their Lord. Out of it he draws the great lesson of mutual love and brotherly regard. Verse 12. - So when he had washed their feet - the interruption of Peter had brought forth the wonderful and weighty replies, and then, in awfulness and great amazement, the process went on. John and Judas as well as Peter submitted. Matthew and Thomas, Philip and Nathanael, and the rest yielded and received the deep, ineffaceable impression - and taken his garments he was no longer in the form of a slave, but of their Teacher and Lord - and again reclined at their head, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done unto you? They must consider the meaning of it all. There was no affectation of humility about it. The purpose of the Lord was distinctly practical and ethical. So when he ceased his manifestation in the likeness of sinful flesh, and was set down on the right hand of God, he sent his Spirit to teach them all things. Moulton calls attention to the trial arrangement. Three particulars precede the great utterance that follows (cf. vers. 1-3; cf. also <a href="/john/16-6.htm">John 16:6</a>; <a href="/john/16-8.htm">John 16:8</a>, etc.; John 17:22, 23), as well as the three topics of the intercessory prayer; also the three words from the cross (<a href="/john/19-27.htm">John 19:27-30</a>) and three appearances to the disciples (<a href="/john/21-14.htm">John 21:14</a>). This may be compared with the use of three throughout the Apocalypse. <a href="/commentaries/john/13-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>When [Jesus] Ὅτε (Hote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3753.htm">Strong's 3753: </a> When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When. had washed ἔνιψεν (enipsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3538.htm">Strong's 3538: </a> To wash; mid. I wash my own (hands, etc.). To cleanse; ceremonially, to perform ablution. their αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. feet πόδας (podas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4228.htm">Strong's 4228: </a> The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. put on ἔλαβεν (elaben) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. outer garments, ἱμάτια (himatia) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2440.htm">Strong's 2440: </a> A long flowing outer garment, tunic. Neuter of a presumed derivative of ennumi; a dress. He reclined with them ἀνέπεσεν (anepesen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_377.htm">Strong's 377: </a> From ana and pipto; to fall back, i.e. Lie down, lean back. again πάλιν (palin) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3825.htm">Strong's 3825: </a> Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand. [and] asked, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “Do you know Γινώσκετε (Ginōskete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. what τί (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. I have done πεποίηκα (pepoiēka) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. for you? ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/13-12.htm">John 13:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/13-12.htm">NT Gospels: John 13:12 So when he had washed their feet (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/13-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 13:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 13:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/13-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 13:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 13:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>