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    John 13 (KJV)

    Read John chapter 13 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    John 13

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    John 13:34-35

    "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;…"

    John 13:34

    "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;…"

    John 13:33

    "Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall …"

    John 13:35

    "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye h…"

    Popular Verses in John 13

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    John 13:34 KJV

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    John 13:35 KJV

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    John 13 Summary

    John 13 records two pivotal events on the night before the crucifixion: Jesus washing His disciples' feet and His identification of Judas as the betrayer. Knowing 'that his hour was come' and 'that the Father had given all things into his hands,' Jesus wraps a towel around His waist and kneels to wash the feet of twelve men — including the one about to betray Him.

    After washing their feet, Jesus gives a 'new commandment': 'That ye love one another; as I have loved you.' The qualifier 'as I have loved you' transforms the command — the standard isn't general kindness but sacrificial, foot-washing love. Judas departs into the night, and Jesus begins His farewell discourse.

    Key Themes

    Foot washingServant leadership embodiedNew commandment of loveJudas identifiedLove as distinguishing mark

    Key Verses in John 13

    "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

    — John 13:34

    The 'new' element is the standard: not 'as you love yourself' but 'as I have loved you' — sacrificial, unlimited love.

    "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example."

    — John 13:14-15

    The King of the universe with a towel and basin — redefining authority as service.

    "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

    — John 13:35

    The distinguishing mark of Christianity is not doctrine or ritual but visible, mutual love.

    Life Application

    Jesus washed feet knowing He had 'all things' in His hands. His authority didn't prevent Him from serving — it enabled Him. True security produces generosity, not entitlement. This chapter asks: what menial service are you too important to perform? If the Lord of the universe washed feet, no act of service is beneath you.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did Jesus wash the disciples' feet?

    Foot washing was the job of the lowest household servant. By doing it Himself, Jesus demonstrated that in His kingdom, authority is expressed through service. He also gave His disciples an 'example' (v.15) — not just a one-time object lesson but a pattern for life.

    What makes the commandment 'new'?

    Love of neighbor was already commanded (Leviticus 19:18). What's new is the standard: 'as I have loved you.' Jesus sets His own sacrificial, unconditional love — demonstrated in foot washing and consummated on the cross — as the measure. This is a higher standard than any previous command.

    Read the full summary of John

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