Devine Scripture

John 13:14

What does John 13:14 mean?

A plain-English look at John 13:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 13:14 means

Jesus applies the lesson: “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” He binds duty to example. Their relationships must be marked by humble, practical service, not jockeying for status. He does not necessarily institute a mere ritual, but a pattern—meeting lowly needs, even at personal cost, because the Master has done so. The reciprocity (“one another’s”) matters. This is how a community of equals under one Lord behaves. By serving in this way, they reflect His character to each other and to the watching world.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If then I, the Lord and the Master, have made your feet clean, it is right for you to make one another's feet clean.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

if then I did wash your feet--the Lord and the Teacher--ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If then I being your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

If I therefore, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet;

Context

This verse follows the confirmation of Jesus’ titles (verse 13) and sets up verse 15, where He calls His action an “example.” Verses 16–17 will generalize the principle and promise blessing for obeying it. Soon, the scene will darken with talk of betrayal (verses 18–21), making this command to mutual service all the more urgent and necessary in the face of coming trials.

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

v.14This passage

v.15For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 2:2

    make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;

  • 1 Corinthians 9:19

    For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.

  • Mark 10:43

    But it is not so among you: but whosoever would become great among you, shall be your minister;

  • Galatians 6:1

    Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:13

    Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble.

  • 1 Peter 4:1

    Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

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