John - 13:12



12 So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of John 13:12.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
So after He had washed their feet, put on His garments again, and returned to the table, He said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you?
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?
And so, after he washed their feet and received his vestments, when he had sat down at table again, he said to them: "Do you know what I have done for you?
When he had washed their feet, and had put on his upper garments and taken his place, he spoke to them again. "Do you understand what I have been doing to you?" he asked.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

When then he had washed their feet. Christ at length explains what was his intention in washing the feet of his disciples; for what he had said about the spiritual washing was a sort of digression from his main design. Had it not been for the opposition made by Peter, Christ would not have spoken on that subject. Now, therefore, he discloses the reason of what he had done; namely, that he who is the Master and Lord of all gave an example to be followed by all the godly, that none might grudge to descend to do a service to his brethren and equals, however mean and low that service might be. For the reason why the love of the brethren is despised is, that every man thinks more highly of himself than he ought, and despises almost every other person. Nor did he intend merely to inculcate modesty, but likewise to lay down this rule of brotherly love, that they should serve one another; for there is no brotherly love where there is not a voluntary subjection in assisting a neighbor. Know you what I have done? We see that Christ, for a short time, concealed his intention from his disciples, but that, after having tried their obedience, he seasonably revealed to them that which it was not expedient for them previously to know. Nor does he now wait till they ask, but of his own accord anticipates them. The same thing will be experienced by us also, provided that we suffer ourselves to be guided by his hand, even through unknown ways.

Know ye what - Do you know the meaning or design of what I have done unto you?

Know ye what I have done - Our Lord had told Peter, in the presence of the rest, John 13:7, that he should afterwards know what was the intent and meaning of this washing; and now he begins to fulfill his promise; therefore I think it more likely that he gives a command, here, than asks a question, as he knew himself that they did not comprehend his design. On this account γινωσκετε might be translated in the imperative mood, Consider what I have done.

So after he had washed their feet,.... Not Peter's only, but the rest of the disciples also: some have thought, that he washed only the feet of some of them, and not all; but it seems, by this expression, that he performed this service to each of them: and when he had gone through it with everyone of them:
and had taken his garments, and put them on,
and was sat down again; at the table with his disciples, supper not being yet ended; when having done his work as a servant, he reassumes the air and authority of Lord and master, and begins to teach and instruct, into the design and use of what he had been doing, which he introduces by putting this question;
he said unto them, know ye what I have done to you? They knew the outward action he had done to them, that he had washed their feet; but, as yet, they did not know the mystery of it, Christ's design in it, and what he would have them learn from it.

Know ye what I have done?--that is, its intent. The question, however, was put merely to summon their attention to His own answer.

Know ye what I have done to you? They knew the act, but did they comprehend its meaning?

*More commentary available at chapter level.


Discussion on John 13:12

User discussion of the verse.






*By clicking Submit, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use.