Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 13:14

εἰ οὖν ἐγὼ ἔν. ὑμῶν τ. π. The pronouns are emphatic and opposed. The aorist indicates the act now accomplished: comp. John 15:20; John 18:23. But in English the perfect is more usual in such cases: if I, therefore, the Lord and the Master, (have) washed (see on John 8:29). Here ὁ κύριος stands first as the title of deeper meaning: the disciples would use it with increased meaning as their knowledge increased.

καὶ ὑμεῖς ὀφ. The custom of the ‘feet-washing’ on Maundy Thursday in literal fulfilment of this typical commandment is not older than the fourth century. The Lord High Almoner washed the feet of the recipients of the royal ‘maundy’ as late as 1731. James II. was the last English sovereign who went through the ceremony. In 1 Timothy 5:10 ‘washing the saints’ feet’ is perhaps given rather as a type of devoted charity than as a definite act to be required.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 13:14

Old Testament

New Testament