Joh 13:4-5 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 4. He riseth from supper ] Not from eating , as Bishop Pearce has well observed, but from his place at table; probably the dishes were not as yet laid down, though the guests were seated. According to the custom of the Jews and other Asiatics, this washing must have taken place before the supper. . Laid aside his garments ] That is, his gown or upper coat, with the girdle wherewith it was girded close to his tunic or under coat; and, instead of this girdle, he tied a towel about him: 1. that he might appear in the character of a servant ; and 2. that he might have it in readiness to dry their feet after he had washed them.

‏ John 13:4-5

Verse 4. He riseth from supper] Not from eating, as Bishop Pearce has well observed, but from his place at table; probably the dishes were not as yet laid down, though the guests were seated. According to the custom of the Jews and other Asiatics, this washing must have taken place before the supper. See Clarke on Joh 13:2.

Laid aside his garments] That is, his gown or upper coat, with the girdle wherewith it was girded close to his tunic or under coat; and, instead of this girdle, he tied a towel about him: 1. that he might appear in the character of a servant; and 2. that he might have it in readiness to dry their feet after he had washed them.

Verse 5. Poureth water into a bason, &c.] This was the office of the meanest slaves. When David sent to Abigail, to inform her that he had chosen her for wife, she arose and said: Behold, let thy handmaid be a SERVANT, to WASH the FEET of the SERVANTS of my lord, 1Sa 25:41. Some of the ancients have supposed that our Lord began with washing the feet of Judas, to inspire him with sentiments of compunction and remorse, to melt him down with kindness, and to show all his disciples how they should act towards their enemies. Dr. Lightfoot supposes he washed the feet of Peter, James, and John only; but this is not likely: the verb αρχεσθαι in the sacred writings, signifies, not only to commence, but to finish an act, Ac 1:1; and in the Septuagint, Ge 2:3. There is every reason to believe that he washed the feet of all the twelve. See Clarke on Joh 13:9.