John 13:4

But before he left us, he wanted to show us how we should love each other. So he got up from where he was eating. He took off his outer cloak and wrapped a long towel around his waist, as a slave would do.

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

In Context

3But Jesus knew that his Father had given to him complete authority to control the situation. He knew that he had come from God and would soon return to God.

5Then he poured some water in a basin. He began to wash our feet, and then dry them with the towel that he had wrapped around himself.

Read all of John 13

Cross References

Luke 12:37If those servants are awake when he returns, he will be very pleased with them. I will tell you this: He will put on the kind of clothes that servants wear and tell them to sit down, and he will serve them a meal.

Luke 22:27Keep in mind who is the most important one [RHQ]. It is certainly the one who just sits at the table, not [RHQ] those who serve the meal. But I, your leader, have been an example for you by serving you while I have been among you.

Philippians 2:6Although he has the same nature as God has, he did not insist on keeping all the privileges of being equal with God.

Matthew Henry on John 13:2-18

Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet; Necessity of Obedience. 1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study John 13:4