John 13:6
What does John 13:6 mean?
A plain-English look at John 13:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 13:6 means
When Jesus reaches Simon Peter, Peter voices what many likely felt: “Lord, dost thou wash my feet?” His question carries both reverence and resistance. He recognizes a mismatch between Jesus’ status and the task. Peter is uncomfortable receiving such condescending kindness. His objection shows a common human impulse—to prefer serving Jesus over being served by Him. Yet the gospel begins with letting the Lord stoop to us. Peter’s address, “Lord,” is right, but he struggles to let the Lord be Lord in the way Jesus chooses: by humble, cleansing grace. The question opens the door for Jesus to explain the act’s meaning.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So he cometh to Simon Peter. He saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So he cometh to Simon Peter. He saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So he came to Simon Peter. Peter said, Lord, are my feet to be washed by you?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He cometh, therefore, unto Simon Peter, and that one saith to him, `Sir, thou--dost thou wash my feet?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He cometh therefore to Simon Peter. And Peter saith to him: Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He comes therefore to Simon Peter; and he says to him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
Context
Peter’s interruption follows the general washing described in verse 5 and becomes the hinge of the story. In verse 7 Jesus will acknowledge that Peter does not yet understand, promising later insight. In verse 8 Peter will sharpen his refusal, prompting Jesus to speak of having a “part” with Him. The back-and-forth reveals both Peter’s zeal and his need to receive grace on Jesus’ terms.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 5:8
But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
- John 1:27
even he that cometh after me, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose.
- Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
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