John 13:8
What does John 13:8 mean?
A plain-English look at John 13:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 13:8 means
Peter intensifies his objection: “Thou shalt never wash my feet.” It sounds humble but hides pride—Peter wants to set the terms. Jesus answers with a solemn necessity: “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.” Fellowship with Jesus requires receiving His cleansing. This act represents more than hospitality; it points to the cleansing He provides, without which no one can share in Him. Peter must learn to be ministered to by Jesus before he can minister for Jesus. The statement also draws a line at the table: outward nearness is not enough; only those washed by Him truly belong to Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Peter said, I will never let my feet be washed by you, never. Jesus said in answer, If I do not make you clean you have no part with me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Peter saith to him, `Thou mayest not wash my feet--to the age.' Jesus answered him, `If I may not wash thee, thou hast no part with me;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Peter saith to him: Thou shalt never wash my feet, Jesus answered him: If I wash thee not, thou shalt have no part with me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Peter says to him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, Unless I wash thee, thou hast not part with me.
Context
This strong exchange pivots the scene. In verse 9 Peter will swing to the opposite extreme, asking for more washing than is needed. Jesus will use that request to explain the once-for-all cleansing and the ongoing need for daily purification (verse 10). The idea of not having a “part” with Jesus echoes covenant belonging and prepares for the later emphasis on mutual love and unity among those who are His (verses 34–35).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 2:23
Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
- Revelation 1:5
and from Jesus Christ, who isthe faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood;
- Hebrews 10:4
For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.
- Revelation 7:14
And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
- Ezekiel 36:25
And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
- Zechariah 13:1
In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.
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