Devine Scripture

John 13:11

What does John 13:11 mean?

A plain-English look at John 13:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 13:11 means

John clarifies that Jesus spoke of an exception because He knew who would betray Him. Therefore, “Ye are not all clean.” Judas is present, his feet about to be washed, yet his heart remains unwashed. Christ’s knowledge is not guesswork; He sees the truth of every disciple. This verse deepens the pathos of the scene: Jesus’ humility extends even to the one plotting against Him. It also shows that Jesus is not naive; His love is steadfast despite knowing betrayal is imminent. External participation in sacred moments does not equal belonging to Christ if the heart turns away.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For he knew him that should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For he knew him that should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

(He had knowledge who was false to him; that is why he said, You are not all clean.)

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for he knew him who is delivering him up; because of this he said, `Ye are not all clean.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For he knew who he was that would betray him; therefore he said: You are not all clean.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For he knew him that delivered him up: on account of this he said, Ye are not all clean.

Context

This editorial note concludes the exchange about cleansing (verses 8–10) and points forward to the betrayal announcement later in the chapter (verses 21–30). With the washing completed, Jesus will put His garments back on and teach about the example He has set (verses 12–17). Holding Judas in view keeps the teaching realistic: the call to humble service exists in a community that will face treachery and failure.

v.10Jesus saith to him, He that is bathed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

v.11This passage

v.12So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 6:64

    But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him.

  • John 13:18

    I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth my bread lifted up his heel against me.

  • John 13:26

    Jesus therefore answereth, He it is, for whom I shall dip the sop, and give it him. So when he had dipped the sop, he taketh and giveth it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.

  • John 13:2

    And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,

  • John 2:25

    and because he needed not that any one should bear witness concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

  • Matthew 26:24

    The Son of man goeth, even as it is written of him: but woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born.

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