John 13:5 Commentary - Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

1 ) "After that he poureth water into a bason," (eita ballei hudor eis ton niptera) "Then he puts water into the basin," the basin used for physical cleanliness, in the residence of the day. He requested no one to assist Him, and had no help at all, so far as the Scriptures indicate.

2) "And began to wash the disciples' feet," (kai erksato niptein tous poclas ton matheton) "And he began to wash the feet of the disciples," one by one, including those of Judas Iscariot, who later in the evening left to contract for the betrayal and delivery of Jesus to the Jewish religious rulers, Joh 13:30; Mat 26:14-16; Mar 14:10-11.

3) "And to wipe them with the towel," (kai ekrassein to lentio) "And to wipe them (off) with the towel," to dry them of the water He had used in washing the feet. All this was normally a slave's task, 1Sa 25:41.

4) "Wherewith he was girded." (ho hen diezosmenos) "With which he was having girded himself," Joh 13:4; Php_2:5-7. Our holy, sinless, Redeemer stooped to the lowest of human tasks, to manifest the character of His and His Father's redeeming love, Joh 3:16; 2Co 8:9; Rom 5:8.