Devine Scripture

John 13:12

What does John 13:12 mean?

A plain-English look at John 13:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 13:12 means

After washing their feet and resuming His place, Jesus asks, “Know ye what I have done to you?” He invites reflection, not mere amazement. The question turns the enacted parable into a lesson they must internalize. He has not simply performed kindness; He has modeled the pattern of His kingdom. By sitting down again as Teacher, He frames the act as instruction with binding authority. The disciples must move from witnessing a surprising event to understanding its meaning and implications for their lives together. Jesus’ inquiry dignifies them as learners He expects to grow in discernment and obedience.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So 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?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So 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?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then, after washing their feet and putting on his robe again, he took his seat and said to them, Do you see what I have done to you?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

When, therefore, he washed their feet, and took his garments, having reclined (at meat) again, he said to them, `Do ye know what I have done to you?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then after he had washed their feet and taken his garments, being set down again, he said to them: Know you what I have done to you?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

When therefore he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, having sat down again, he said to them, Do ye know what I have done to you?

Context

This verse marks the transition from action to interpretation. Next, in verses 13–15, Jesus will appeal to His rightful titles—“Teacher” and “Lord”—and argue from greater to lesser that they should wash one another’s feet. Verses 16–17 will distill the principle and promise blessing for doing it. The teaching sits before the darker section where betrayal is exposed, showing that the community’s life of humble service is essential even as conflict looms.

v.11For he knew him that should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

v.12This passage

v.13Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

Cross references

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

  • Ezekiel 24:24

    Thus shall Ezekiel be unto you a sign; according to all that he hath done shall ye do: when this cometh, then shall ye know that I am the Lord Jehovah.

  • John 13:4

    riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself.

  • Ezekiel 24:19

    And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?

  • Matthew 13:51

    Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea.

  • John 13:7

    Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt understand hereafter.

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