John 13:9
What does John 13:9 mean?
A plain-English look at John 13:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 13:9 means
True to form, Simon Peter moves from refusal to exuberant consent: “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.” His zeal is commendable, but his request misunderstands the sign. He thinks more washing means more devotion, but Jesus will correct him. Still, Peter’s quick reversal shows he wants fellowship with Jesus above all. He is teachable in the moment, willing to let go of his pride to be included. The Lord’s strong word has done its work in his heart. Yet what Peter needs is not an excess of ritual, but the right kind of cleansing at the Lord’s initiative.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Simon Peter said to him, Lord, not my feet only, but my hands and my head.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Simon Peter saith to him, `Sir, not my feet only, but also the hands and the head.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Simon Peter saith to him: Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Simon Peter says to him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
Context
Peter’s overcorrection paves the way for Jesus’ clarifying word in verse 10 about being “clean” already, except for the need to wash feet. Jesus will distinguish between the fundamental cleansing that marks His disciples and the ongoing daily washing. Then, in verse 11, John will reveal why Jesus says “not all” are clean—because He knows about the betrayer. The teaching moment widens beyond Peter to all present.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 51:7
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
- Jeremiah 4:14
O Jerusalem, wash thy heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thine evil thoughts lodge within thee?
- Psalms 26:6
I will wash my hands in innocency: So will I compass thine altar, O Jehovah;
- Matthew 27:24
So when Pilate saw that he prevailed nothing, but rather that a tumult was arising, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man; see ye to it.
- Hebrews 10:22
let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water,
- Psalms 51:2
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.
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