The Gospel is traditionally associated with John the son of Zebedee, the beloved disciple, whose testimony presents Jesus' signs, words, death, resurrection, and teaching so readers may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.
The Servant-Lord, the Washed Disciples, and the New Command of Love
Jesus, fully aware of His hour, loves His own to the end by humbling Himself to cleanse and serve them, exposing betrayal, revealing cross-shaped glory, and commanding His disciples to love one another as He has loved them.
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Jesus, fully aware of His hour, loves His own to the end by humbling Himself to cleanse and serve them, exposing betrayal, revealing cross-shaped glory, and commanding His disciples to love one another as He has loved them.
John 13 argues that the cross must be interpreted through Jesus' sovereign love, cleansing service, and glory. Jesus is not overtaken by events. He knows His hour, His betrayer, His authority from the Father, His divine origin, and His return to the Father. From this position of supreme authority, He stoops to the slave's task and washes His disciples' feet.
This action reveals the nature of divine love: the Lord serves, the clean still need ongoing washing, and those who receive His cleansing must become servants to one another. Judas's betrayal is neither surprise nor failure; it fulfills Scripture and unfolds under satanic darkness. Once Judas departs, Jesus declares that glory has now begun, because the cross is the place where the Son and Father are glorified.
The new commandment forms the community of the crucified Lord: they must love one another according to the pattern of His own love. Peter's coming denial then warns that disciples cannot stand by self-confidence but need the cleansing, sustaining grace of Christ.
John writes to believers and inquirers who must understand Jesus' death not as defeat but as the hour of love, cleansing, glory, and return to the Father.
The chapter takes place before the Passover Festival, during a supper with Jesus and His disciples. The public ministry has largely closed, and Jesus now instructs His own on the night before His crucifixion.
Jesus, fully aware of His hour, loves His own to the end by humbling Himself to cleanse and serve them, exposing betrayal, revealing cross-shaped glory, and commanding His disciples to love one another as He has loved them.
The Gospel is traditionally associated with John the son of Zebedee, the beloved disciple, whose testimony presents Jesus' signs, words, death, resurrection, and teaching so readers may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.
John writes to believers and inquirers who must understand Jesus' death not as defeat but as the hour of love, cleansing, glory, and return to the Father.
The chapter takes place before the Passover Festival, during a supper with Jesus and His disciples. The public ministry has largely closed, and Jesus now instructs His own on the night before His crucifixion.
- The atmosphere is intimate yet tense. Jesus knows the hour has come. Betrayal is already active in Judas. Satan is involved. The disciples are confused. Peter resists humble cleansing and then overestimates His own loyalty. Jesus prepares His followers for His departure.
Foot washing was a lowly act of hospitality usually performed by a servant or slave because roads were dusty and sandals left feet dirty. Reclining at table placed feet outward, making the action visible. Sharing a morsel could indicate honor and intimacy, making Judas's betrayal especially grievous. Passover frames the scene with deliverance, sacrifice, cleansing, and covenant themes.
John 13 begins Jesus' final instruction to His disciples before the cross. It interprets the cross through love, service, cleansing, betrayal, glory, and the formation of a community marked by Christlike love. The foot washing anticipates the cross, where the Lord stoops lower still to cleanse His own.
Jesus loves His own to the end, enacts humble cleansing through foot washing, exposes betrayal, announces glory after Judas departs into the night, commands His disciples to love one another, and foretells Peter's denial.
Theological exposition and fulfillment
John 13 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus' death is the supreme expression of His love for His own. The Lord with all authority stoops to cleanse. The foot washing points beyond moral example to the necessity of receiving cleansing from Jesus, for without His washing there is no share with Him. Judas's betrayal and Peter's denial reveal the depth of human sin and weakness around the table, but Jesus remains sovereign.
Once betrayal begins, Jesus speaks of glory because the cross will reveal the glory of the Son and the Father. The community created by this gospel is marked by love, not self-exalting power, because the crucified Lord commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them.
Jesus enters the hour of death with full knowledge of His origin, authority, destination, betrayer, and love for His own.
Jesus stoops to wash the disciples' feet, revealing humble love and the necessity of receiving cleansing from Him.
Jesus explains that His disciples must imitate His humble service, knowing and doing what He has shown.
Jesus reveals the betrayal as Scripture-fulfilling, identifies Judas, and Judas goes out into the night under satanic influence.
After Judas leaves, Jesus speaks of glory, gives the new command to love one another, and exposes Peter's coming denial.
- 13:1-3: Jesus knows the hour has come, knows His authority and destination, and loves His own to the end.
- 13:4-5: Jesus performs the lowly act of washing His disciples' feet, embodying the humility and cleansing love that will culminate at the cross.
- 13:6-11: Peter resists Jesus' lowly service, but Jesus teaches that having a share with Him requires receiving cleansing from Him.
- 13:12-17: Jesus explains that His disciples must wash one another's feet, following the example of their Lord and Teacher.
- 13:18-20: Jesus announces betrayal in light of Scripture so that when it happens the disciples may believe who He is.
- 13:21-30: Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer · Judas receives the morsel, Satan enters Him, and He departs into the night.
- 13:31-32: With the betrayal set in motion, Jesus declares that the Son of Man is now glorified and God is glorified in Him.
- 13:33-35: Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure and gives them the defining command to love one another as He has loved them.
- 13:36-38: Peter promises sacrificial loyalty, but Jesus reveals that Peter will deny Him three times before morning.
Theological Argument
John 13 argues that the cross must be interpreted through Jesus' sovereign love, cleansing service, and glory. Jesus is not overtaken by events. He knows His hour, His betrayer, His authority from the Father, His divine origin, and His return to the Father. From this position of supreme authority, He stoops to the slave's task and washes His disciples' feet.
This action reveals the nature of divine love: the Lord serves, the clean still need ongoing washing, and those who receive His cleansing must become servants to one another. Judas's betrayal is neither surprise nor failure; it fulfills Scripture and unfolds under satanic darkness. Once Judas departs, Jesus declares that glory has now begun, because the cross is the place where the Son and Father are glorified.
The new commandment forms the community of the crucified Lord: they must love one another according to the pattern of His own love. Peter's coming denial then warns that disciples cannot stand by self-confidence but need the cleansing, sustaining grace of Christ.
From love to washing, from washing to example, from example to betrayal, from betrayal to glory, from glory to love, and from professed loyalty to exposed weakness.
- 1.Jesus knows the hour has come; the cross is not accident but appointed mission.
- 2.Jesus loves his own in the world to the end, framing the passion as the fullest expression of love.
- 3.Jesus acts with full consciousness of divine authority, origin, and destination.
- 4.The devil's work in Judas is real, but it does not overthrow Jesus' sovereignty.
- 5.The one who has all things under his power stoops to perform the work of a servant.
- 6.The foot washing reveals the character of Jesus' love and anticipates his deeper cleansing through death.
- 7.Peter's resistance shows how pride may refuse grace when grace comes in humbling form.
- 8.Having a share with Jesus requires being washed by Jesus.
- 9.The disciples are clean, yet they still need ongoing washing in their walk.
- 10.Judas is outwardly among the disciples but inwardly unclean and given over to betrayal.
- 11.Jesus' example establishes the pattern for discipleship: the servant is not greater than the master.
- 12.Knowledge without obedience is incomplete; blessing belongs to those who know and do.
- 13.The betrayal fulfills Scripture and confirms rather than discredits Jesus' identity.
- 14.Jesus tells the disciples beforehand so that when betrayal occurs they will believe that he is who he is.
- 15.Jesus is troubled in spirit, showing real anguish before betrayal without losing sovereign command.
- 16.The morsel reveals Judas's treachery within intimate fellowship.
- 17.Judas's departure into night symbolizes moral and spiritual darkness.
- 18.When Judas goes out, Jesus announces glory because the passion has now been set in motion.
- 19.The Son of Man's glory is the cross, where God is glorified in the Son.
- 20.Jesus' departure will create a new situation for the disciples, who cannot follow immediately.
- 21.The new commandment is new in its Christological measure: love one another as Jesus has loved them.
- 22.The church's visible mark is not power, novelty, or mere doctrine, but Christ-shaped love.
- 23.Peter's promise to lay down his life exposes sincere but insufficient self-confidence.
- 24.Jesus knows Peter's denial before it happens, showing both human weakness and Jesus' sovereign pastoral foreknowledge.
Theological Focus
- The hour of Jesus
- Jesus' love for His own
- Love to the end
- Jesus' divine knowledge
- Jesus' authority from the Father
- Jesus' return to the Father
- Humility of the Lord
- Foot washing as enacted theology
- Cleansing and participation in Christ
- Ongoing discipleship cleansing
- Judas and satanic betrayal
- Scripture fulfilled in betrayal
- Jesus' troubled spirit
- The night as spiritual darkness
- The Son of Man glorified
- God glorified in the Son
- Jesus' departure
- The new commandment
- Love as discipleship marker
- Peter's self-confidence
- Foretold denial
- Grace for weak disciples
- Christ's Love for His Own
- The Hour of Christ
- Sovereignty of Christ
- Humiliation of Christ
- Cleansing by Christ
- Sanctification and Ongoing Cleansing
- Discipleship as Humble Service
- Scripture Fulfilled
- Reality of Satanic Evil
- Glory through the Cross
- Mutual Love in the Church
- Visible Discipleship Witness
- Human Weakness
Covenant Significance
John 13 places Jesus' final act of love before the cross within a Passover setting. The foot washing points to the cleansing Jesus gives His covenant people and establishes the shape of life in the new community formed by His death. The betrayal fulfills Scripture, showing that even treachery is taken up into God's redemptive plan. The new commandment gives the covenant community its visible ethic: love one another as Jesus has loved them.
This love is not generic kindness but cross-shaped, servant-hearted, Christ-derived love.
- The Passover setting connects Jesus' hour with deliverance, sacrifice, and cleansing.
- Jesus' love for His own identifies the disciples as a people belonging to Him in the world.
- The foot washing dramatizes cleansing and humble service within the covenant community.
- The disciples' need to be washed by Jesus points beyond moral example to saving participation in Him.
- The betrayal fulfills Scripture, showing continuity with the biblical pattern of righteous suffering and treacherous opposition.
- Jesus' glory is revealed through His obedient suffering, not through avoidance of humiliation.
- The new commandment forms the visible ethic of the new covenant community.
- The disciples' love for one another becomes public testimony to belonging to Jesus.
- Peter's failure warns that covenant loyalty rests on Jesus' grace, not human confidence.
- Exodus 12:1-28 - Passover setting and deliverance framework
- Exodus 30:17-21 - washing and priestly cleansing imagery
- Leviticus 16:1-34 - cleansing and atonement background
- Psalm 41:9 - close companion lifting heel against the righteous sufferer
- Psalm 51:2, 7 - washing and cleansing from sin
- Isaiah 52:13-15 - the servant exalted and many cleansed/startled
- Isaiah 53:3-12 - rejected servant who bears sin
- Ezekiel 36:25-27 - cleansing water and new heart promise
- Zechariah 13:1 - fountain opened for cleansing
- Daniel 7:13-14 - Son of Man glory and dominion
Canonical Connections
The Passover setting frames Jesus' coming death as deliverance and cleansing for His own.
Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet resonates with biblical cleansing imagery, pointing to the cleansing only He can give.
Jesus' lowly service fulfills the pattern of the servant who humbles Himself for the sake of others.
Jesus' betrayal by one who shares bread fulfills the pattern of righteous suffering described in the Psalms.
Jesus' declaration of the Son of Man's glory connects Danielic glory with the cross-shaped path of Johannine glorification.
Jesus gives a new commandment that fulfills and deepens biblical love by grounding it in His own self-giving love.
Peter's predicted denial prepares for His later restoration by the risen Jesus.
Cross References
John 13 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus' death is the supreme expression of His love for His own. The Lord with all authority stoops to cleanse. The foot washing points beyond moral example to the necessity of receiving cleansing from Jesus, for without His washing there is no share with Him. Judas's betrayal and Peter's denial reveal the depth of human sin and weakness around the table, but Jesus remains sovereign.
Once betrayal begins, Jesus speaks of glory because the cross will reveal the glory of the Son and the Father. The community created by this gospel is marked by love, not self-exalting power, because the crucified Lord commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them.
- Jesus knows His hour has come and willingly moves toward the cross.
- Jesus loves His own to the end.
- Jesus possesses all authority and yet stoops to serve.
- Having a share with Jesus requires being washed by Jesus.
- The disciples are clean because of Jesus, though they still need ongoing washing in their walk.
- Judas's betrayal fulfills Scripture and does not derail God's plan.
- Jesus is troubled in spirit, revealing real sorrow before betrayal.
- Satan's darkness is real, but Jesus' sovereignty remains greater.
- The departure of Judas sets in motion the glorification of the Son of Man.
- The cross glorifies the Son and the Father.
- The new commandment flows from Jesus' own love.
- The church's witness is visible love for one another.
- Peter's denial shows the weakness of self-confident discipleship.
- Jesus' foreknowledge of failure prepares the way for grace and restoration.
- Do not reduce the foot washing to moralism · it first teaches the need to be washed by Christ.
- Do not preach humility apart from Christ's saving work · Jesus' service points toward the cross.
- Do not confuse outward nearness to Jesus with saving cleanness · Judas was at the table and still unclean.
- Do not make Satan responsible in a way that removes human guilt · Judas is still the betrayer.
- Do not define glory apart from the cross · Jesus announces glory when betrayal moves toward crucifixion.
- Do not treat love as optional church atmosphere · Jesus commands it as the identifying mark of disciples.
- Do not define Christian love sentimentally · its measure is Jesus' self-giving love.
- Do not trust bold spiritual promises made in self-confidence · Peter's fall warns every disciple.
Primary Emphasis
John 13 reveals Jesus as the sovereign servant-Lord. He knows the hour, loves His own to the end, possesses all authority, comes from God, returns to God, and yet stoops to wash feet. His humility does not deny His deity; it displays the form of divine love. He is the cleansing Lord, the Scripture-fulfilling sufferer, the betrayed Son of Man, and the one whose glory is revealed through the cross.
The chapter also reveals Jesus as the giver of the new commandment and the one who knows and shepherds His failing disciples even before their failures unfold.
Chapter Contribution
John 13 argues that the cross must be interpreted through Jesus' sovereign love, cleansing service, and glory. Jesus is not overtaken by events. He knows His hour, His betrayer, His authority from the Father, His divine origin, and His return to the Father. From this position of supreme authority, He stoops to the slave's task and washes His disciples' feet.
This action reveals the nature of divine love: the Lord serves, the clean still need ongoing washing, and those who receive His cleansing must become servants to one another. Judas's betrayal is neither surprise nor failure; it fulfills Scripture and unfolds under satanic darkness. Once Judas departs, Jesus declares that glory has now begun, because the cross is the place where the Son and Father are glorified.
The new commandment forms the community of the crucified Lord: they must love one another according to the pattern of His own love. Peter's coming denial then warns that disciples cannot stand by self-confidence but need the cleansing, sustaining grace of Christ.
Believers are marked by sacrificial love.
Christ loves His own completely.
Jesus governs the timing of His betrayal.
Scripture anticipates betrayal.
Christ’s death reveals divine glory.
Even devoted disciples depend on grace.
Judas remains accountable for His actions.
Disciples imitate Christ’s humility.
Participation in Christ requires His cleansing.
Jesus loves His own who are in the world and loves them to the end.
Jesus knows that His appointed hour of departure, death, and return to the Father has come.
Jesus acts knowing that the Father has put all things under His power.
The Lord and Teacher stoops to perform the servant's task of foot washing.
Unless Jesus washes a person, that person has no share with Him.
Those who are clean still need their feet washed, pointing to ongoing cleansing in the disciple's walk.
Jesus' followers must imitate His humble service toward one another.
Judas's betrayal fulfills Scripture and confirms Jesus' foreknowledge.
The devil prompts Judas, and Satan enters Him, showing the dark spiritual dimension of betrayal.
Jesus declares that the Son of Man is glorified as the betrayal sets the passion in motion.
Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them.
All people will know Jesus' disciples by their love for one another.
Peter's confidence collapses into denial, exposing the weakness of self-reliant discipleship.
Theological exposition and fulfillment
- John 13 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus' death is the supreme expression of His love for His own. The Lord with all authority stoops to cleanse. The foot washing points beyond moral example to the necessity of receiving cleansing from Jesus, for without His washing there is no share with Him. Judas's betrayal and Peter's denial reveal the depth of human sin and weakness around the table, but Jesus remains sovereign. Once betrayal begins, Jesus speaks of glory because the cross will reveal the glory of the Son and the Father. The community created by this gospel is marked by love, not self-exalting power, because the crucified Lord commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense Passover
Definition The feast before which Jesus washes his disciples' feet and moves toward death.
References John 13:1
Lexicon Passover
Why it matters Passover frames Jesus' death in terms of deliverance, sacrifice, and cleansing.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense hour, appointed time
Definition Jesus knows that his hour has come to depart from this world to the Father.
References John 13:1
Lexicon hour, appointed time
Why it matters The term marks the arrival of the appointed cross-glory moment.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Subjunctive · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense depart, pass over, move from one place/state to another
Definition Jesus knows he will depart from this world to the Father.
References John 13:1
Lexicon depart, pass over, move from one place/state to another
Why it matters The term frames Jesus' death as departure to the Father, not defeat.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense world, created order, fallen human realm
Definition Jesus departs from this world to the Father while loving his own who are in the world.
References John 13:1
Lexicon world, created order, fallen human realm
Why it matters The term frames the disciples' ongoing life in the world after Jesus' departure.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense love, self-giving covenant love
Definition Jesus loves his own to the end and commands them to love one another as he has loved them.
References John 13:1, 13:34-35
Lexicon love, self-giving covenant love
Why it matters Love frames the cross and defines the disciples' communal identity.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense to the end, to completion, to the fullest extent
Definition Jesus loved his own to the end.
References John 13:1
Lexicon to the end, to completion, to the fullest extent
Why it matters The phrase interprets Jesus' passion as love carried to completion.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense devil, slanderer, adversary
Definition The devil had already prompted Judas to betray Jesus.
References John 13:2
Lexicon devil, slanderer, adversary
Why it matters The term shows the satanic dimension of betrayal without removing Judas's guilt.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Subjunctive · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense hand over, betray, deliver up
Definition Judas is the one who betrays Jesus.
References John 13:2, 13:11, 13:21
Lexicon hand over, betray, deliver up
Why it matters The term becomes central to the passion movement and reveals treachery within intimate fellowship.
Sense all things
Definition Jesus knows the Father has put all things under his power.
References John 13:3
Lexicon all things
Why it matters The fullness of Jesus' authority highlights the depth of His humility in washing feet.
Form in passage Present · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense lay down, place, set aside
Definition Jesus lays aside his outer garment before washing the disciples' feet.
References John 13:4
Lexicon lay down, place, set aside
Why it matters The action echoes the self-giving pattern of the one who lays down His life.
Cross-language bridge 3 links · View in lexicon
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense linen towel
Definition Jesus wraps a towel around himself and dries the disciples' feet.
References John 13:4-5
Lexicon linen towel
Why it matters The towel symbolizes the servant posture of the Lord.
Form in passage Present · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Sense wash, especially part of the body
Definition Jesus washes the disciples' feet.
References John 13:5-14
Lexicon wash, especially part of the body
Why it matters The term carries both humble service and cleansing significance.
Sense feet
Definition Jesus washes the disciples' feet, the lowliest part needing cleansing from the road.
References John 13:5-14
Lexicon feet
Why it matters The foot washing embodies lowly service and ongoing cleansing in the disciples' walk.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense share, portion, part
Definition Jesus tells Peter that unless he washes him, Peter has no share with him.
References John 13:8
Lexicon share, portion, part
Why it matters The term shows that receiving Jesus' cleansing is necessary for participation in Him.
Form in passage Perfect · Middle · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense bathe, wash the whole body
Definition Jesus says the one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet.
References John 13:10
Lexicon bathe, wash the whole body
Why it matters The distinction between bathing and foot washing suggests full cleansing and ongoing cleansing.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense clean, pure
Definition Jesus says the disciples are clean, though not every one of them.
References John 13:10-11
Lexicon clean, pure
Why it matters The term distinguishes true disciples cleansed by Jesus from Judas, who remains unclean.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense teacher, instructor
Definition Jesus affirms that the disciples rightly call him Teacher.
References John 13:13-14
Lexicon teacher, instructor
Why it matters The Teacher instructs not only by words but by enacted humility.
Sense Lord, master
Definition Jesus affirms that the disciples rightly call him Lord.
References John 13:13-14, 13:16
Lexicon Lord, master
Why it matters The Lord's humility becomes binding on those who submit to Him.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense example, pattern, model
Definition Jesus says he has given them an example to do as he has done.
References John 13:15
Lexicon example, pattern, model
Why it matters The term makes Jesus' action a pattern for disciples' mutual service.
Sense slave, servant
Definition Jesus says no servant is greater than his master.
References John 13:16
Lexicon slave, servant
Why it matters The term grounds discipleship in humble imitation of the Master.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense sent one, messenger, apostle
Definition The sent one is not greater than the one who sent him.
References John 13:16
Lexicon sent one, messenger, apostle
Why it matters The term links disciples' mission to humility under Jesus' sending authority.
Sense blessed, favored, truly happy
Definition Jesus says they are blessed if they know and do these things.
References John 13:17
Lexicon blessed, favored, truly happy
Why it matters Blessing is tied to obedient practice, not knowledge alone.
Form in passage Aorist · Middle · Indicative · 1st Person · Singular What is this?
Sense choose, select
Definition Jesus says he knows those he has chosen.
References John 13:18
Lexicon choose, select
Why it matters The term highlights Jesus' sovereign knowledge of His own amid betrayal.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense Scripture, sacred writing
Definition Jesus says the betrayal occurs so that Scripture may be fulfilled.
References John 13:18
Lexicon Scripture, sacred writing
Why it matters The term shows betrayal as included within God's written redemptive plan.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Subjunctive · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense fulfill, bring to completion
Definition Scripture is fulfilled in Judas's betrayal.
References John 13:18
Lexicon fulfill, bring to completion
Why it matters The term shows that betrayal does not negate Jesus' mission but confirms it.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense lift the heel against, turn treacherously
Definition Jesus cites Scripture about one who shared bread lifting his heel against him.
References John 13:18
Lexicon lift the heel against, turn treacherously
Why it matters The phrase portrays intimate betrayal by a close companion.
Sense I am
Definition Jesus tells them beforehand so that when it happens they will believe that he is.
References John 13:19
Lexicon I am
Why it matters The phrase carries Johannine identity weight and connects foreknowledge with faith in Jesus.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense troubled, disturbed, agitated
Definition Jesus is troubled in spirit as he announces the betrayal.
References John 13:21
Lexicon troubled, disturbed, agitated
Why it matters The term shows Jesus' true emotional anguish before betrayal and the cross.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense testify, bear witness
Definition Jesus testifies that one of them will betray him.
References John 13:21
Lexicon testify, bear witness
Why it matters Jesus' solemn testimony reveals hidden treachery and prepares the disciples.
Form in passage Imperfect · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense the one Jesus loved
Definition One disciple is described as reclining next to Jesus, the disciple whom Jesus loved.
References John 13:23
Lexicon the one Jesus loved
Why it matters The phrase highlights relational closeness and later eyewitness testimony in the Gospel.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense piece of bread, morsel
Definition Jesus identifies Judas by giving him the dipped morsel.
References John 13:26-30
Lexicon piece of bread, morsel
Why it matters The morsel intensifies the intimacy and treachery of Judas's betrayal.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Satan, adversary
Definition After Judas receives the morsel, Satan enters him.
References John 13:27
Lexicon Satan, adversary
Why it matters The term shows the dark spiritual climax of Judas's betrayal.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense quickly, soon
Definition Jesus tells Judas to do quickly what he is going to do.
References John 13:27
Lexicon quickly, soon
Why it matters The term shows Jesus' command over the timing even as betrayal proceeds.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense night, darkness
Definition Judas goes out, and it was night.
References John 13:30
Lexicon night, darkness
Why it matters The term functions literally and symbolically as Judas enters the darkness of betrayal.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense glorify, reveal glory, honor
Definition Jesus declares that the Son of Man is now glorified and God is glorified in him.
References John 13:31-32
Lexicon glorify, reveal glory, honor
Why it matters The term interprets the passion as the revelation of divine glory.
Sense Son of Man
Definition Jesus says the Son of Man is now glorified.
References John 13:31
Lexicon Son of Man
Why it matters The title connects Jesus' glory, suffering, death, and exaltation.
Form in passage Vocative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense little children, dear children
Definition Jesus tenderly addresses the disciples as little children.
References John 13:33
Lexicon little children, dear children
Why it matters The term reveals Jesus' pastoral tenderness as He prepares them for His departure.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense new commandment
Definition Jesus gives a new command to love one another.
References John 13:34
Lexicon new commandment
Why it matters The newness is grounded in Jesus' own love as the pattern and measure.
Sense one another, each other
Definition Jesus commands the disciples to love one another.
References John 13:34-35
Lexicon one another, each other
Why it matters The term establishes mutual love within the disciple community.
Sense disciple, learner, follower
Definition All people will know they are Jesus' disciples by their love for one another.
References John 13:35
Lexicon disciple, learner, follower
Why it matters The term identifies the community marked publicly by Christ-shaped love.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 1st Person · Singular What is this?
Sense lay down my life
Definition Peter claims he will lay down his life for Jesus.
References John 13:37-38
Lexicon lay down my life
Why it matters The phrase is ironic because Jesus, not Peter, is about to lay down His life for the disciples.
Form in passage Future · Middle · Indicative · 2nd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense deny, disown, refuse association
Definition Jesus says Peter will deny him three times.
References John 13:38
Lexicon deny, disown, refuse association
Why it matters The term exposes the failure of self-confident loyalty under pressure.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense rooster
Definition Jesus says the rooster will not crow before Peter denies him three times.
References John 13:38
Lexicon rooster
Why it matters The rooster marks the precise fulfillment of Jesus' foreknowledge of Peter's denial.
Definition Hour; the appointed time of Jesus' death, departure, and glorification.
References John 13:1
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Definition Love; Jesus' love to the end and the command for mutual love.
References John 13:1, 13:34-35
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Definition To the end; love carried to completion and full extent.
References John 13:1
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Subjunctive · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Definition Betray or hand over; Judas's treachery moving the passion forward.
References John 13:2, 13:11, 13:21
Form in passage Present · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Definition Wash; Jesus' cleansing and servant action.
References John 13:5-14
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Definition Share or part; participation in Jesus requires being washed by him.
References John 13:8
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Definition Clean; true disciples are clean, but Judas is not.
References John 13:10-11
Definition Lord; Jesus' authority makes his humility binding.
References John 13:13-14, 13:16
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Definition Example; Jesus' action is a pattern for disciples.
References John 13:15
Definition Servant or slave; disciples are not greater than their Lord.
References John 13:16
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Definition Scripture fulfilled; betrayal occurs according to Scripture.
References John 13:18
Definition I am; Jesus' foretelling confirms his identity.
References John 13:19
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Definition Troubled; Jesus' spirit is disturbed before betrayal.
References John 13:21
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Definition Morsel; the table sign identifying Judas.
References John 13:26-30
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Definition Satan; enters Judas as betrayal climaxes.
References John 13:27
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Definition Night; literal and symbolic darkness as Judas departs.
References John 13:30
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Definition Glorify; the Son of Man and God are glorified in the cross.
References John 13:31-32
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Definition New commandment; love one another as Jesus loved them.
References John 13:34
Definition Disciple; known publicly by mutual love.
References John 13:35
Form in passage Future · Middle · Indicative · 2nd Person · Singular What is this?
Definition Deny; Peter will disown Jesus three times.
References John 13:38
Lexicon data: MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML (CC0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (CC BY 4.0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon (CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible Data (CC BY 4.0) · Full details
Discourse Connectives (54)
| v.1 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.2 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.3 | ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.6 | οὖνtheninference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff. |
| v.7 | δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.8 | ἐὰνonlyconditional (subjunctive / open)ἐάν + subjunctive signals an open condition: 'if (as may be the case)...' |
| v.9 | ἀλλὰbutstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
| v.10 | εἰonlyconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical.ἀλλ᾽butstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead?ἀλλ᾽butstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
| v.11 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.12 | οὖνthereforeinference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff. |
| v.13 | γάρ.for.grounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.14 | εἰIfconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical.οὖνthereforeinference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff. |
| v.15 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...'καθὼςeven ascomparative / scriptural groundingWhen Paul writes καθώς γέγραπται ('just as it is written'), he is providing scriptural warrant for everything preceding it. |
| v.16 | οὐδὲnor [is]negative additiveοὐδέ in a list builds rhetorical force — each addition strengthens the overall negation. |
| v.17 | εἰIfconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical.ἐὰνifconditional (subjunctive / open)ἐάν + subjunctive signals an open condition: 'if (as may be the case)...' |
| v.18 | ἀλλ᾽butstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead?ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.19 | ἵναso thatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...'ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.20 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.21 | ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.22 | οὖνthereforeinference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff. |
| v.23 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.24 | οὖνthereforeinference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff. |
| v.25 | οὖνtheninference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff. |
| v.26 | οὖνthereforeinference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff.οὖνtheninference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff. |
| v.27 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.οὖνthereforeinference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff. |
| v.28 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.29 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.ὅτιforcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.30 | οὖνthereforeinference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff.δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.31 | οὖνthereforeinference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff. |
| v.32 | εἰIfconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.33 | καθὼςeven ascomparative / scriptural groundingWhen Paul writes καθώς γέγραπται ('just as it is written'), he is providing scriptural warrant for everything preceding it.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.34 | καθὼςeven ascomparative / scriptural groundingWhen Paul writes καθώς γέγραπται ('just as it is written'), he is providing scriptural warrant for everything preceding it. |
| v.35 | ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.ἐὰνifconditional (subjunctive / open)ἐάν + subjunctive signals an open condition: 'if (as may be the case)...' |
| v.36 | δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
Discourse data: STEPBible TAGNT (CC BY 4.0)
Verb Aspect (146 main verbs)
| v.1 | εἰδὼςhoráōknewperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἦλθενérchomaicomeaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionμεταβῇmetabaínōdepartaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἀγαπήσαςlovedaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἠγάπησενlovedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.2 | γινομένουgínomaiwaspresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionβεβληκότοςputperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπαραδοῖparadídōmibetrayaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.3 | εἰδὼςhoráōknowingperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔδωκενdídōmigivenaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐξῆλθενexérchomaicomeaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionὑπάγειhypágōgoing backpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.4 | ἐγείρεταιegeírōgot uppresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthτίθησινtíthēmilaid asidepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλαβὼνlambánōtakingaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionδιέζωσενdiazṓnnymitied ~ aroundaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.5 | βάλλειpouredpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἤρξατοbeganaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionνίπτεινníptōwashpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἐκμάσσεινekmássōwipepresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.6 | ἔρχεταιérchomaicamepresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthνίπτειςníptōwashpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.7 | ἀπεκρίθηansweredaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionποιῶpoiéōdoingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthοἶδαςeídōunderstandperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultγνώσῃginṓskōunderstandfuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.8 | λέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthνίψῃςníptōwashaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἀπεκρίθηansweredaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionνίψωníptōwashaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἔχειςéchōhavepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.9 | λέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.10 | λέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλελουμένοςloúōbathedperfect middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔχειéchōhavepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthνίψασθαιníptōwashaorist middle infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.11 | ᾔδειeídōknewpluperfect active indicativeresultantPluperfect — action completed before another past actionπαραδιδόνταparadídōmibetraypresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.12 | ἔνιψενníptōwashedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἔλαβενlambánōput onaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀνέπεσενreclinedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionΓινώσκετεginṓskōknowpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπεποίηκαpoiéōdoneperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present result |
| v.13 | φωνεῖτέphōnéōcallpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλέγετεlégōspeakingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.14 | ἔνιψαníptōwashedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionὀφείλετεopheílōoughtpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthνίπτεινníptōwashpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.15 | ἔδωκαdídōmigivenaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐποίησαpoiéōdoneaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionποιῆτεpoiéōdopresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.16 | λέγωlégōsaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπέμψαντοςpémpōsentaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.17 | οἴδατεeídōknowperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultποιῆτεpoiéōdopresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.18 | λέγωlégōspeakingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthοἶδαeídōknowperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultἐξελεξάμηνeklégomaichosenaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionπληρωθῇplēróōfulfilledaorist passive subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentτρώγωνtrṓgōeatspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐπῆρενepaírōlifted upaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.19 | λέγωlégōtellingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthγενέσθαιgínomaihappensaorist middle infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbπιστεύσητεpisteúōbelieveaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentγένηταιgínomaihappenaorist middle subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.20 | λέγωlégōsaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλαμβάνωνlambánōreceivespresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionπέμψωpémpōsendaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentλαμβάνειlambánōreceivespresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλαμβάνωνlambánōreceivespresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλαμβάνειlambánōreceivespresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπέμψαντάpémpōsentaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.21 | εἰπὼνépōsaidaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐταράχθηtarássōtroubledaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐμαρτύρησενmartyréōtestifiedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγωlégōsaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπαραδώσειparadídōmibetrayfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.22 | ἔβλεπονlookingimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἀπορούμενοιuncertainpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλέγειlégōspeakingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.23 | ἠγάπαlovedimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.24 | νεύειneúōmotionedpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπυθέσθαιpynthánomaiaskaorist middle infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbλέγειlégōspeakingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.25 | ἀναπεσὼνleaning backaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.26 | ἀποκρίνεταιansweredpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthβάψωdippedfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionδώσωdídōmigivefuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionβάψαςdippedaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionδίδωσινdídōmigavepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.27 | εἰσῆλθενeisérchomaienteredaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthποιεῖςpoiéōdopresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthποίησονpoiéōdoaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortation |
| v.28 | ἔγνωginṓskōknewaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀνακειμένωνat the tablepresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.29 | ἐδόκουνdokéōthoughtimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionεἶχενéchōhadimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionλέγειlégōtellingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἈγόρασονbuyaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἔχομενéchōneededpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthδῷdídōmigiveaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.30 | λαβὼνlambánōreceivingaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐξῆλθενexérchomaiwent outaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.31 | ἐξῆλθενexérchomaigone outaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἐδοξάσθηdoxázōglorifiedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐδοξάσθηdoxázōglorifiedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.32 | ἐδοξάσθηdoxázōglorifiedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionδοξάσειdoxázōglorifyfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionδοξάσειdoxázōglorifyfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.33 | ζητήσετέzētéōseekfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionεἶπονépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionὑπάγωhypágōgoingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthδύνασθεdýnamaiablepresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἐλθεῖνérchomaicomeaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbλέγωlégōsaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.34 | δίδωμιdídōmigivepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀγαπᾶτεlovepresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἠγάπησαlovedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀγαπᾶτεlovepresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.35 | γνώσονταιginṓskōknowfuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἔχητεéchōhavepresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.36 | Λέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthὑπάγειςhypágōgoingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀπεκρίθηansweredaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionὑπάγωhypágōgoingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthδύνασαίdýnamaiyou ablepresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀκολουθῆσαιfollowaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἀκολουθήσειςfollowfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.37 | λέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthδύναμαίdýnamaicanpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀκολουθῆσαιfollowaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbθήσωtíthēmilay downfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.38 | ἀποκρίνεταιansweredpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthθήσειςtíthēmilay downfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionλέγωlégōsaypresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthφωνήσῃphōnéōcrowaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἀρνήσῃdeniedfuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
Verb forms indicate aspect — not interpretive weight. Consult context before drawing conclusions about emphasis.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain
The reader must see that Jesus' love is sovereign, cleansing, humble, cross-shaped, and glorious, and that discipleship must receive and reflect that love.
The chapter presses believers away from pride, self-confident loyalty, loveless truth, and hidden betrayal, and toward receiving Christ's cleansing, practicing humble service, loving the church visibly, and depending on grace.
Washed, humbled, loving disciples who serve one another under the Lordship of Christ and refuse both Judas-like hidden betrayal and Peter-like self-confidence.
- Read John 13 and mark every reference to love, knowing, washing, clean, betrayal, glory, command, and denial.
- Use John 13:1 to define the cross as Jesus' love to the end.
- Use John 13:3-5 to show that true authority can stoop without insecurity.
- Use John 13:8 to teach the necessity of being cleansed by Christ.
- Use John 13:14-17 to call leaders and members to humble, practical service.
- Use John 13:18-30 to warn about hidden betrayal and spiritual darkness.
- Use John 13:31-32 to show that the cross is glory.
- Use John 13:34-35 to form church culture around Christ-measured love.
- Use John 13:36-38 to warn against spiritual overconfidence and prepare for Christ's restoring mercy.
- John 13 warns against refusing Jesus' humbling cleansing, knowing truth without doing it, outward nearness to Christ without inward cleanness, betrayal under the cover of fellowship, satanic darkness, self-confident discipleship, and professed loyalty unsupported by grace. Judas warns that proximity to Jesus and participation in the disciple circle do not equal saving faith. Peter warns that sincere love can still collapse when it rests on self-confidence rather than Christ.
- The foot washing certainly gives an example of humble service, but Jesus also teaches that unless He washes a person, that person has no share with Him. The act points to cleansing received from Christ.
- John emphasizes that Jesus washes feet while knowing all things are under His power. His humility expresses sovereign love, not loss of authority.
- Peter's refusal misunderstands grace. He resists the humbling necessity of being served and cleansed by Jesus.
- Jesus distinguishes the one who has bathed from the need for feet to be washed, suggesting real belonging and ongoing cleansing in the walk of discipleship.
- Jesus knows the betrayer, identifies Him, and frames the betrayal as Scripture fulfilled.
- John presents satanic activity as real, but Judas remains the betrayer who goes out into the night.
- Jesus declares glory precisely when the betrayal sets the passion in motion.
- The command is specifically measured by Jesus' own love: 'as I have loved You.'
- The love commanded is rooted in Jesus' identity, death, cleansing, glory, and command. It is theological love, not sentiment detached from truth.
- Peter's confidence is sincere but misplaced. He will deny Jesus unless sustained by grace.
- Do I allow Jesus to cleanse me, or do I resist grace because it humbles me?
- Where am I willing to call Jesus Lord and Teacher but unwilling to imitate His lowliness?
- Do I serve others only when it feels honorable, or also when it feels hidden and lowly?
- Am I content to know biblical truth without doing it?
- Is there any Judas-like area where outward closeness hides inward betrayal?
- Where might Satan exploit secrecy, greed, resentment, or disappointment in my life?
- Do I understand the cross as the glory of Christ or only as tragedy?
- What would it look like to love others as Jesus has loved me?
- Would people identify me as Jesus' disciple by my love for His people?
- Where am I making Peter-like promises in my own strength?
- Do I know that Jesus sees my weakness before I do?
- Am I resting in the cleansing and keeping grace of Christ?
- John 13 should be preached as enacted theology before the cross. The foot washing is not a detachable humility lesson · it reveals the love, cleansing, humiliation, and glory that will be climactically displayed at Calvary.
- The church worships a Lord who stoops. True worship must marvel that the one with all authority takes the towel before taking the cross.
- Jesus' followers must become towel-bearing servants. The pattern of discipleship is not status protection but Christlike service.
- Peter's resistance helps expose people who struggle to receive grace. Some can serve others but cannot bear to be served, known, forgiven, or cleansed.
- Leadership under Jesus must reject domination and self-importance. If the Lord and Teacher washed feet, no leader is too important for lowly service.
- The new commandment makes mutual love the visible marker of discipleship. A doctrinally precise but loveless church contradicts the command of Christ.
- Judas's departure into night warns the church that betrayal often grows in hidden darkness while remaining outwardly close to holy things.
- Peter's denial is predicted before it happens, showing that Jesus' knowledge of weakness is not the same as abandonment. This prepares for restoration after failure.
- Judas and Peter must be distinguished. Judas moves into betrayal and night. Peter collapses in weakness but will later be restored. The church must warn hypocrites and restore the repentant.
Jesus knows all things are under His power, then stoops to wash feet.
The feast of deliverance frames Jesus' enacted cleansing and approaching death.
Peter must learn that fellowship with Jesus depends on receiving cleansing from Jesus.
Jesus' disciples are blessed not merely by understanding humble service but by doing it.
Judas shares intimate fellowship while moving toward treachery.
The sign of intimate table-sharing becomes the moment before Judas departs into darkness.
Once Judas leaves, Jesus announces glory, showing that the cross is now underway.
Jesus prepares the disciples for His absence by commanding mutual love shaped by His own love.
Peter claims He will die for Jesus, but Jesus reveals that Peter will deny Him.
Trace servant identity, obedient mission, and suffering service across Scripture.
Trace how divine glory, revealed majesty, and Christ-centered exaltation move across Scripture.
Track judgment as covenant accountability, divine justice, and eschatological reckoning.
The Biblical World
Chapter At A Glance
Jesus loves His own to the end, enacts humble cleansing through foot washing, exposes betrayal, announces glory after Judas departs into the night, commands His disciples to love one another, and foretells Peter's denial.
John 13 places Jesus' final act of love before the cross within a Passover setting. The foot washing points to the cleansing Jesus gives His covenant people and establishes the shape of life in the new community formed by His death. The betrayal fulfills Scripture, showing that even treachery is taken up into God's redemptive plan. The new commandment gives the covenant community its visible ethic: love one another as Jesus has loved them.
This love is not generic kindness but cross-shaped, servant-hearted, Christ-derived love.
John 13 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus' death is the supreme expression of His love for His own. The Lord with all authority stoops to cleanse. The foot washing points beyond moral example to the necessity of receiving cleansing from Jesus, for without His washing there is no share with Him. Judas's betrayal and Peter's denial reveal the depth of human sin and weakness around the table, but Jesus remains sovereign.
Once betrayal begins, Jesus speaks of glory because the cross will reveal the glory of the Son and the Father. The community created by this gospel is marked by love, not self-exalting power, because the crucified Lord commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them.
Washed, humbled, loving disciples who serve one another under the Lordship of Christ and refuse both Judas-like hidden betrayal and Peter-like self-confidence.
Focus Points
- The hour of Jesus
- Jesus' love for His own
- Love to the end
- Jesus' divine knowledge
- Jesus' authority from the Father
- Jesus' return to the Father
- Humility of the Lord
- Foot washing as enacted theology
- Cleansing and participation in Christ
- Ongoing discipleship cleansing
- Judas and satanic betrayal
- Scripture fulfilled in betrayal
- Jesus' troubled spirit
- The night as spiritual darkness
- The Son of Man glorified
- God glorified in the Son
- Jesus' departure
- The new commandment
- Love as discipleship marker
- Peter's self-confidence
- Foretold denial
- Grace for weak disciples
- Christ's Love for His Own
- The Hour of Christ
- Sovereignty of Christ
- Humiliation of Christ
- Cleansing by Christ
- Sanctification and Ongoing Cleansing
- Discipleship as Humble Service
- Scripture Fulfilled
- Reality of Satanic Evil
- Glory through the Cross
- Mutual Love in the Church
- Visible Discipleship Witness
- Human Weakness
Cross References
Passages
Chapter opening: John 13:1-17
Now before the feast of the passover (προ δε της εορτης του πασχα). Just before, John means, not twenty-four hours before, that is our Thursday evening (beginning of 15th of Nisan, sunset to sunset Jewish day), since Jesus was crucified on Friday 15th of Nisan. Hence Jesus ate the regular passover meal at the usual time. The whole feast, including the feast of unleavened bread, lasted eight days.
For a discussion of the objections to this interpretation of John in connexion with the Synoptic Gospels one may consult my Harmony of the Gospels , pp. 279-84, and David Smith's In the Days of His Flesh , Appendix VIII. The passover feast began on the 15th Nisan at sunset, the passover lamb being slain the afternoon of 14th Nisan. There seems no real doubt that this meal in Joh 13:1-30 is the real passover meal described by the Synoptics also ( Mr 14:18-21 ; Mt 26:21-25 ; Lu 22:21-23 ), followed by the institution of the Lord's Supper.
Thus understood verse 1 here serves as an introduction to the great esoteric teaching of Christ to the apostles ( Joh 13:2-17:26 ), called by Barnas Sears The Heart of Christ . This phrase goes with the principal verb ηγαπησεν (loved). Knowing (ειδως). Second perfect active participle, emphasizing the full consciousness of Christ. He was not stumbling into the dark as he faced "his hour" (αυτου η ωρα).
See 18:4 ; 19:28 for other examples of the insight and foresight (Bernard) of Jesus concerning his death. See on 12:23 for use before by Jesus. That he should depart (ινα μεταβη). Sub-final use of ινα with second aorist active subjunctive of μεταβαινω, old word, to go from one place to another, here ( 5:24 ; 1Jo 3:14 ) to go from this world ( 8:23 ) back to the Father from whom he had come ( 14:12 , 28 ; 16:10 , 28 ; 17:5 ).
His own which were in the world (τους ιδιους τους εν τω κοσμω). His own disciples ( 17:6 , 9 , 11 ), those left in the world when he goes to the Father, not the Jews as in 1:11 . See Ac 4:23 ; 1Ti 5:8 for the idiom. John pictures here the outgoing of Christ's very heart's love (chs. Joh 13-17 ) towards these men whom he had chosen and whom he loved "unto the end" (εις τελος) as in Mt 10:22 ; Lu 18:15 , but here as in 1Th 2:16 rather "to the uttermost."
The culmination of the crisis ("his hour") naturally drew out the fulness of Christ's love for them as is shown in these great chapters ( Joh 13-17 ).
During supper (δειπνου γινομενου). Correct text, present middle participle of γινομα (not γενομενου, second aorist middle participle, "being ended") genitive absolute. Verse 4 shows plainly that the meal was still going on. The devil having already put (του διαβολου ηδη βεβληκοτος). Another genitive absolute without a connective (asyndeton), perfect active participle of βαλλω, to cast, to put.
Luke ( Lu 22:3 ) says that Satan entered Judas when he offered to betray Jesus. Hence John's "already" (ηδη) is pertinent. John repeats his statement in verse 27 . In Joh 6:70 Jesus a year ago had seen that Judas was a devil. To betray him (ινα παραδο αυτον). Cf. Ac 5:3 . Purpose clause with ινα and second aorist active subjunctive of παραδιδωμ (form in -ο as in Mr 14:10 rather than the usual -ω in Lu 22:4 ).
Satan had an open door by now into the heart of Judas.
Knowing (ειδως). Repeated from verse 1 , accenting the full consciousness of Jesus. Had given (εδωκεν). So Aleph B L W, aorist active instead of δεδωκεν (perfect active) of διδωμ. Cf. 3:31 for a similar statement with εν instead of εις. See Mt 11:27 ( Lu 10:22 ) and 28:18 for like claim by Jesus to complete power. And that he came forth from God, and goeth unto God (κα οτ απο θεου εξηλθεν κα προς τον θεον υπαγε).
See plain statement by Jesus on this point in 16:28 . The use of προς τον θεον recalls the same words in 1:1 . Jesus is fully conscious of his deity and Messianic dignity when he performs this humble act.
Riseth from supper (εγειρετα εκ του δειπνου). Vivid dramatic present middle indicative of εγειρω. From the couch on which he was reclining. Layeth aside (τιθησιν). Same dramatic present active of τιθημ. His garments (τα ιματια). The outer robe ταλλιθ (ιματιον) and with only the tunic (χιτων) on "as one that serveth" ( Lu 22:27 ). Jesus had already rebuked the apostles for their strife for precedence at the beginning of the meal ( Lu 22:24-30 ).
A towel (λεντιον). Latin word linteum , linen cloth, only in this passage in the N. T. Girded himself (διεζωσεν εαυτον). First aorist active indicative of διαζωννυω (-υμ), old and rare compound (in Plutarch, LXX, inscriptions, and papyri), to gird all around. In N. T. only in John ( 13:4 , 5 ; 21:7 ). Did Peter not recall this incident when in 1Pe 5:5 he exhorts all to "gird yourselves with humility" (την ταπεινοφροσυνην εγκομβωσασθε)?
Poureth (βαλλε). Vivid present again. Literally, "putteth" (as in verse 2 , βαλλω). Into the basin (εις τον νιπτηρα). From verb νιπτω (later form of νιζω in this same verse and below) to wash, found only here and in quotations of this passage. Note the article, "the basin" in the room. Began to wash (ηρξατο νιπτειν). Back to the aorist again as with διεζωσεν (verse 4 ).
Νιπτω was common for washing parts of the body like the hands or the feet. To wipe (εκμασσειν). "To wipe off" as in 12:3 . With the towel (τω λεντιω). Instrumental case and the article (pointing to λεντιον in verse 4 ). Wherewith (ω). Instrumental case of the relative ο. He was girded (ην διεζωσμενος). Periphrastic past perfect of διαζωννυω for which verb see verse 4 .
So he cometh (ερχετα ουν). Transitional use of ουν and dramatic present again (ερχετα). Lord, dost thou wash my feet? (Κυριε, συ μου νιπτεις τους ποδασ;). Emphatic contrast in position of συ μου (away from ποδας), "Dost thou my feet wash?" "Peter, we may suppose, drew his feet up, as he spoke, in his impulsive humility" (Bernard).
I ... thou (εγω ... συ). Jesus repeats the pronouns used by Peter in similar contrast. Not now (ουκ αρτ). Just now αρτ means ( 9:19 , 25 ). Used again by Jesus (verse 33 ) and Peter (verse 37 ). But thou shalt understand hereafter (γνωση δε μετα ταυτα). Future middle of γινωσκω (instead of the verb οιδα) to know by experience. "Thou shalt learn after these things," even if slowly.
Thou shalt never wash my feet (ου μη νιψηις μου τους ποδας εις τον αιωνα). Strong double negative ου μη with first aorist active subjunctive of νιπτω with εις τον αιωνα (for ever) added and μου (my) made emphatic by position. Peter's sudden humility should settle the issue, he felt. If I wash thee not (εαν μη νιψω σε). Third-class condition with εαν μη (negative).
Jesus picks up the challenge of Peter whose act amounted to irreverence and want of confidence. "The first condition of discipleship is self-surrender" (Westcott). So "Jesus, waiting with the basin" (Dods), concludes. Thou hast no part with me (ουκ εχεις μερος μετ' εμου). Not simply here at the supper with its fellowship, but in the deeper sense of mystic fellowship as Peter was quick to see.
Jesus does not make foot-washing essential to spiritual fellowship, but simply tests Peter's real pride and mock-humility by this symbol of fellowship.
Not my feet only, but also my hands and my head (μη τους ποδας μου μονον αλλα κα τας χειρας κα την κεφαλην). Nouns in the accusative case object of νιψον understood. Peter's characteristic impulsiveness that does not really understand the Master's act. "A moment ago he told his Master He was doing too much: now he tells Him He is doing too little" (Dods).
He that is bathed (ο λελουμενος). Perfect passive articular participle of λουω, to bathe the whole body ( Ac 9:37 ). Save to wash his feet (ε μη τους ποδας νιψασθα). Aleph and some old Latin MSS. have only νιψασθα, but the other words are genuine and are really involved by the use of νιψασθα (first aorist middle infinitive of νιπτω, to wash parts of the body) instead of λουσασθα, to bathe the whole body (just used before).
The guest was supposed to bathe (λουω) before coming to a feast and so only the feet had to be washed (νιπτω) on removing the sandals. Clean (καθαρος). Because of the bath. For καθαρος meaning external cleanliness see Mt 23:26 ; 27:59 ; but in Joh 15:3 it is used for spiritual purity as here in "ye are clean" (καθαρο). Every whit (ολος). All of the body because of the bath.
For this same predicate use of ολος see 9:34 . But not all (αλλ' ουχ παντες). Strongly put exception (ουχ). Plain hint of the treachery of Judas who is reclining at the table after having made the bargain with the Sanhedrin ( Mr 14:11 ). A year ago Jesus knew that Judas was a devil and said to the apostles: "One of you is a devil" ( 6:64 , 70 ). But it did not hurt them then nor did they suspect each other then or now.
It is far-fetched to make Jesus here refer to the cleansing power of his blood or to baptism as some do.
For he knew him that should betray him (ηιδε γαρ τον παραδιδοντα αυτον). Past perfect ηιδε used as imperfect. Jesus had known for a year at least ( 6:64 , 70 ) and yet he treated Judas with his usual courtesy. The articular present participle of παραδιδωμ, "the betraying one," for Judas was already engaged in the process. Did Judas wince at this thrust from Jesus?
Sat down again (ανεπεσεν παλιν). Second aorist active indicative of αναπιπτω, old compound verb to fall back, to lie down, to recline. Παλιν (again) can be taken either with ανεπεσεν, as here, or with ειπεν (he said again). Know ye what I have done to you? (γινωσκετε τ πεποιηκα υμιν;). "Do ye understand the meaning of my act?" Perfect active indicative of ποιεω with dative case (υμιν). It was a searching question, particularly to Simon Peter and Judas.
Ye (υμεις). Emphatic. Call me (φωνειτε με). "Address me." Φωνεω regular for addressing one with his title ( 1:48 ). Master (Hο διδασκαλος). Nominative form (not in apposition with με accusative after φωνειτε), but really vocative in address with the article (called titular nominative sometimes) like Hο Κυριος κα ο θεος μου in 20:28 . "Teacher." See 11:28 for Martha's title for Jesus to Mary.
Lord (Hο Κυριος). Another and separate title. In 1:38 we have Διδασκαλε (vocative form) for the Jewish Ραββε and in 9:36 , 38 Κυριε for the Jewish Mari . It is significant that Jesus approves (καλως, well) the application of both titles to himself as he accepts from Thomas the terms κυριος and θεος. For I am (ειμ γαρ). Jesus distinctly claims here to be both Teacher and Lord in the full sense, at the very moment when he has rendered this menial, but symbolic, service to them.
Here is a hint for those who talk lightly about "the peril of worshipping Jesus!"
If I then (ε ουν εγω). Argumentative sense of ουν (therefore). Condition of first class, assumed to be true, with first aorist active indicative of νιπτω, "If I, being what I am, washed your feet" (as I did). Ye also ought (κα υμεις οφειλετε). The obligation rests on you a fortiori . Present active indicative of the old verb οφειλω, to owe a debt ( Mt 18:30 ).
The mutual obligation is to do this or any other needed service. The widows who washed the saints' feet in 1Ti 5:10 did it "as an incident-of their hospitable ministrations" (Bernard). Up to 1731 the Lord High Almoner in England washed the feet of poor saints ( pedilavium ) on Thursday before Easter, a custom that arose in the fourth century, and one still practised by the Pope of Rome.
An example (υποδειγμα). For the old παραδειγμα (not in N. T.) , from υποδεικνυμ, to show under the eyes as an illustration or warning ( Mt 3:7 ), common in the papyri for illustration, example, warning, here only in John, but in Jas 5:10 ; 2 Peter 2:6 ; Heb 4:11 ; 8:5 ; 9:26 . Peter uses τυπο ( 1Pe 5:3 ) with this incident in mind. In Jude 1:7 δειγμα (without υπο) occurs in the sense of example.
That ye also should do (ινα κα υμεις ποιητε). Purpose clause with ινα and the present active subjunctive of ποιεω (keep on doing). Doing what? Does Jesus here institute a new church ordinance as some good people today hold? If so, it is curious that there is no record of it in the N. T. Jesus has given the disciples an object lesson in humility to rebuke their jealousy, pride, and strife exhibited at this very meal.
The lesson of the "example" applies to all the relations of believers with each other. It is one that is continually needed.
Is not greater (ουκ εστιν μειζων). Comparative adjective of μεγας (greater) followed by the ablative case κυριου (contrast between slave, lord) and του πεμψαντος (articular participle of πεμπω, to send, with contrast with apostle, "one sent" (αποστολος) from αποστελλω). Jesus here enforces the dignity of service. In Lu 22:27 Jesus argues this point a bit. In Lu 6:40 the contrast is between the pupil and the teacher, though some pupils consider themselves superior to the teacher.
In Mt 10:24 Jesus uses both forms of the saying (pupil and slave). He clearly repeated this λογιον often.
If ye know (ε οιδατε). Condition of first class assumed as true, ε and present (οιδατε used as present) active indicative. If ye do (εαν ποιητε). Third-class condition, εαν and present active subjunctive, assumed as possible, "if ye keep on doing." Both conditions with the one conclusion coming in between, "happy are ye." Just knowing does not bring happiness nor just occasional doing.
Not of you all (ου περ παντων). As in verse 11 , he here refers to Judas whose treachery is no surprise to Jesus ( 6:64 , 70 ). Whom I have chosen (τινας εξελεξαμην). Indirect question, unless τινας is here used as a relative like ους. The first aorist middle indicative of εκλεγω is the same form used in 6:70 . Jesus refers to the choice ( Lu 6:13 εκλεξαμενος, this very word again) of the twelve from among the large group of disciples.
Θατ θε σχριπτυρε μιγτ βε φυλφιλλεδ (αλλ' ινα η γραφη πληρωθη). See the same clause in 17:12 . Purpose clause with ινα and first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροω. This treachery of Judas was according to the eternal counsels of God ( 12:4 ), but none the less Judas is responsible for his guilt. For a like elliptical clause see 9:3 ; 15:25 . The quotation is from the Hebrew of Ps 41:9 .
He that eateth (ο τρωγων). Present active participle of old verb to gnaw, to chew, to eat, in N. T. only in John ( 6:54 , 56 , 57 , 58 ; 13:18 ) and Mt 26:38 . LXX has here ο εσθιων. Lifted up his heel against me (επηρεν επ' εμε την πτερναν αυτου). First aorist active indicative of επαιρω. Πτερνα, old word for heel, only here in N. T. The metaphor is that of kicking with the heel or tripping with the heel like a wrestler.
It was a gross breach of hospitality to eat bread with any one and then turn against him so. The Arabs hold to it yet.
From henceforth (απ' αρτ). "From now on," as in 14:7 ; Mt 23:39 ; Re 14:13 . Before it come to pass (προ του γενεσθα). Προ with ablative of the articular second aorist middle infinitive γινομα (before the coming to pass). When it is come to pass (οταν γενητα). Indefinite relative clause with οταν and the second aorist middle subjunctive of γινομα, "whenever it does come to pass."
That ye may believe (ινα πιστευητε). Purpose clause with ινα and present active subjunctive of πιστευω, "that ye may keep on believing." Cf. Isa 48:5 . That I am he (οτ εγω ειμ). As Jesus has repeatedly claimed to be the Messiah ( 8:24 , 58 , etc.) Cf. also 14:29 (πιστευσητε here); 16:4 .
Whomsoever I send (αν τινα πεμψω). More precisely, "If I send any one" (third-class condition, αν=εαν and τινα, indefinite pronoun accusative case, object of πεμψω, first aorist active subjunctive of πεμπω, to send). This use of ε τις or εαν τις (if any one) is very much like the indefinite relative οστις and ος αν (or εαν), but the idiom is different. In Mr 8:34 f. we have both ε τις θελε and ος εαν while in Joh 14:13 f. we find οτ αν and εαν τ (Robertson, Grammar , p. 956).
He was troubled in the spirit (εταραχθη το πνευματ). First aorist passive indicative of ταρασσω and the locative case of πνευμα. See already 11:33 ; 12:27 for this use of ταρασσω for the agitation of Christ's spirit. In 14:1 , 27 it is used of the disciples. Jesus was one with God ( 5:19 ) and yet he had our real humanity ( 1:14 ). Testified (εμαρτυρησεν). First aorist active indicative of μαρτυρεω, definite witness as in 4:44 ; 18:37 .
One of you shall betray me (εις εξ υμων παραδωσε με). Future active of παραδιδωμ, to betray, the word so often used of Judas. This very language occurs in Mr 14:18 ; Mt 26:21 and the idea in Lu 22:21 . Jesus had said a year ago that "one of you is a devil" ( Joh 6:70 ), but it made no such stir then. Now it was a bolt from the blue sky as Jesus swept his eyes around and looked at the disciples.
Looked one on another (εβλεπον εις αλληλους). Inchoative imperfect of βλεπω, "began to glance at one another in bewilderment (doubting, απορουμενο, present passive participle of απορεω, to be at a loss, to lose one's way, α privative and πορος, way). They recalled their strife about precedence and Judas betrayed nothing. Concerning whom he spake (περ τινος λεγε). Indirect question retaining present active indicative λεγε. See same note in Mr 14:19 ; Mt 26:22 ; Lu 22:23 .
Was at the table reclining in Jesus' bosom (ην ανακειμενος εν τω κολπω του Ιησου). No word for "table" in the text. Periphrastic imperfect of ανακειμα, to lie back, to recline. Κολπος usual word for bosom ( 1:18 ). Whom Jesus loved (ον ηγαπα Ιησους). Imperfect active of αγαπαω, John's description of himself of which he was proud ( 19:26 ; 20:2 ; 21:7 , 20 ), identified in 21:24 as the author of the book and necessarily one of the twelve because of the "explicit" (Bernard) language of Mark ( Mr 14:17 ; Lu 22:14 ).
John son of Zebedee and brother of James. At the table John was on the right of Jesus lying obliquely so that his head lay on the bosom of Jesus. The centre, the place of honour, Jesus occupied. The next place in rank was to the left of Jesus, held by Peter (Westcott) or by Judas (Bernard) which one doubts.
Beckoneth (νευε). Old verb to nod, in N. T. only here and Ac 24:10 . They were all looking in surprise at each other. Tell us who it is of whom he speaketh (ειπε τις εστιν περ ου λεγε). Second aorist active imperative with indirect question (τις) and relative clause (περ ου). Peter was cautious, but could not contain his curiosity. John in front of Jesus was in a favourable position to have a whispered word with him.
Breast (στηθος). As in 21:20 ; Lu 18:13 in place of κολπον (verse 23 ). This is the moment represented in Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper," only he shows the figures like the monks for whom he painted it.
He (εκεινος). "That one" (John). Leaning back (αναπεσων). Second aorist active participle of αναπιπτω, to fall back. As he was (ουτως). "Thus." It was easily done.
He (εκεινος). Emphatic pronoun again. For whom I shall dip the sop (ω εγω βαψω το ψωμιον). Dative case of the relative (ω) and future active of βαπτω, to dip ( Lu 16:24 ). Ψωμιον is a diminutive of ψωμος, a morsel, a common Koine word (in the papyri often), in N. T. only in this passage. It was and is in the orient a token of intimacy to allow a guest to dip his bread in the common dish (cf.
Ru 2:14 ). So Mr 14:20 . Even Judas had asked: "Is it I?" ( Mr 14:19 ; Mt 26:22 ). Giveth it to Judas (διδωσιν Ιουδα). Unobserved by the others in spite of Christ's express language, because "it was so usual a courtesy" (Bernard), "the last appeal to Judas' better feeling" (Dods). Judas now knew that Jesus knew his plot.
Then entered Satan into him (τοτε εισηλθεν εις εκεινον ο Σατανας). The only time the word Satan occurs in the Gospel. As he had done before ( 13:2 ; Lu 22:3 ) until Christ considered him a devil ( 6:70 ). This is the natural outcome of one who plays with the devil. That thou doest, do quickly (Hο ποιεις ποιησον ταχειον). Aorist active imperative of ποιεω. "Do more quickly what thou art doing."
Ταχειον is comparative of ταχεως ( Joh 11:31 ) and in N. T. only here, 20:4 ; Heb 13:19 , 23 . See the eagerness of Jesus for the passion in Lu 12:50 .
No one knew (ουδεις εγνω). Second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω. The disciples had not yet perceived the treacherous heart of Judas.
Some thought (τινες εδοκουν). Imperfect active of δοκεω. Mere inference in their ignorance. The bag (το γλωσσοκομον). See on 12:6 for this word. What things we have need of (ων χρειαν εχομεν). Antecedent (ταυτα) of the relative (ον) not expressed. For the feast (εις την εορτην). The feast of unleavened bread beginning after the passover meal and lasting eight days.
If this was twenty-four hours ahead of the passover meal, there was no hurry for next day would be in ample time. Or that he should give something to the poor (η τοις πτωχοις ινα τ δω). Another alternative in their speculation on the point. Note prolepsis of τοις πτωχοις (dative case) before ινα δω (final clause with ινα and second aorist active subjunctive of διδωμ).
Having received the sop (λαβων το ψωμιον). Second aorist active participle of λαμβανω. Judas knew what Jesus meant, however ignorant the disciples. So he acted "straightway" (ευθυς). And it was night (ην δε νυξ). Darkness falls suddenly in the orient. Out into the terror and the mystery of this dreadful night (symbol of his devilish work) Judas went.
Now (νυν). Now at last, the crisis has come with a sense of deliverance from the presence of Judas and of surrender to the Father's will (Westcott). Is glorified (εδοξασθη). First aorist passive of δοξαζω, consummation of glory in death both for the Son and the Father. For this verb in this sense see already 7:39 ; 12:16 and later 17:3 . Four times here in verses 31 f .
In himself (εν αυτω). Reflexive pronoun. God is the source of the glory ( 17:5 ) and is the glory succeeding the Cross (the glory with the Father in heaven). And straightway (κα ευθυς). No postponement now. First and quickly the Cross, then the Ascension.
Little children (τεκνια). Diminutive of τεκνα and affectionate address as Jesus turns to the effect of his going on these disciples. Only here in this Gospel, but common in I John ( 1Jo 2:1 , etc.), and nowhere else in N.T. Yet a little while (ετ μικρον). Accusative of extent of time. See also 7:33 ; 8:21 (to which Jesus here refers); 16:16-19 . So now I say unto you (κα υμιν λεγω αρτ). This juncture point (αρτ) of time relatively to the past and the future ( 9:25 ; 16:12 , 31 ).
New (καινην). First, in contrast with the old (αρχαιος, παλαιος), the very adjective used in 1Jo 2:7 ) of the "commandment" (εντολην) at once called old (παλαια). They had had it a long time, but the practice of it was new. Jesus does not hesitate, like the Father, to give commandments ( 15:10 , 12 ). That ye love one another (ινα αγαπατε αλληλους). Non-final use of ινα with present active subjunctive of αγαπαω, the object clause being in the accusative case in apposition with εντολην.
Note the present tense (linear action), "keep on loving." Even as (καθως). The measure of our love for another is set by Christ's love for us.
By this (εν τουτω). Locative case with εν, "In this way," viz. , "if ye have love" (εαν αγαπην εχητε), condition of third class (in apposition with εν τουτω) with εαν and present active subjunctive of εχω ("keep on having love"). See 17:23 where Jesus prays for mutual love among the disciples "that the world may know" that the Father sent him. Jerome ( ad Galat .
vi. 10) says that in his extreme old age John repeated often this command of Jesus and justified it: "Because it is the Lord's commandment; and if it be fulfilled it is enough." See also 14:31 . Tertullian ( Apol . 39) urges it also as proof of being disciples. Hatred of one another per contra , is an argument that we are νοτ disciples (learners) of Jesus.
Whither goest thou? (που υπαγεισ;). Peter is puzzled just as the Pharisees were twice ( 7:35 ; 8:21 f. ).
"Why can I not follow thee even now?" (δια τ ου δυναμα σο ακολουθειν αρτι;). The use of αρτ (right now, this minute) instead of νυν (at this time, verse 36 ) illustrates the impatience of Peter. I will lay down my life for thee (τεν ψυχην μου υπερ σου θησω). Future active indicative of τιθημ. Peter, like the rest, had not yet grasped the idea of the death of Christ, but, like Thomas ( 11:16 ), he is not afraid of danger.
He had heard Christ's words about the good shepherd ( 10:11 ) and knew that such loyalty was the mark of a good disciple.
Wilt thou lay down? (θησεισ;). Jesus picks up Peter's very words and challenges his boasted loyalty. See such repetition in 16:16 f. , 31 ; 21:17 . Shall not crow (φωνηση). Aorist active subjunctive of φωνεω, to use the voice, used of animals and men. Note strong double negative ου μη. Mark adds δις (twice). John's report is almost identical with that in Lu 22:34 .
The other disciples joined in Peter's boast ( Mr 14:31 ; Mt 26:35 ). Till thou hast denied (εως ου αρνηση). Future middle indicative or aorist middle subjunctive second person singular (form identical) with compound conjunction εως ου (until which time), "till thou deny or deniest" ( futurum exactum needless). Peter is silenced for the present. They all "sat astounded and perplexed" (Dods).