Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

JOHN 13:6KJV
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John 13:6 (KJV)

What does John 13:6 mean?

John 13:6 describes the moment when Jesus comes to Simon Peter during the foot washing, and Peter, surprised, asks Jesus, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" Peter’s question shows his discomfort and amazement that Jesus, his teacher and Lord, would take the humble role of washing his feet.

In this scene, Jesus is moving from disciple to disciple, washing their feet as an act of service. When Jesus reaches Simon Peter, Peter speaks up, addressing Jesus as "Lord" and questioning why someone so honored would perform such a lowly task for him. This exchange highlights the reversal of roles and sets the stage for Jesus to explain the deeper meaning of his actions.

The Greek behind John 13:6

  • κύριε (kýrie, "Lord"): Peter uses this word to address Jesus with respect and authority, showing he recognizes Jesus’ elevated position. This makes Peter’s discomfort even more pronounced, as it is unusual for a "Lord" to serve in this way.
  • πλύνεις (plyneis, "wash"): This verb means to wash, especially in the sense of washing a part of the body. The Greek here emphasizes the physical act, underlining how unexpected it is for Jesus to perform this humble service himself.
  • τοὺς πόδας (tous podas, "the feet"): The mention of "feet" makes clear the lowliness of the task, as foot washing was typically done by servants in that culture.

Why John 13:6 matters

  • John 13:6 makes clear the shock and reversal of expectations that Jesus’ actions caused among his disciples, especially someone as outspoken as Peter.
  • The verse highlights the humility of Jesus, who takes on the role of a servant, challenging common ideas about leadership and honor.
  • This moment sets up the teaching that follows, where Jesus explains the meaning behind his actions and calls his followers to a similar attitude of humble service.

Where else these words appear

“dost” Greek G3538 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
  • John 9:11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
  • John 13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

“Simon” Greek G4613 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
  • John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

“feet” Greek G4228 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
  • Acts 16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.