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John 13:4

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 13:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself.
John 13:4 — American Standard Version

Context — John 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto his Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon`s [son], to betray him,
3[Jesus], knowing that the Father had given all the things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and goeth unto God,
4riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself.
5Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples` feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6So he cometh to Simon Peter. He saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt understand hereafter.
← John 13:3John 13:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He riseth from supper, etc.] In the midst of the entertainment, and which no doubt was considerable, his mind being intent on something else; and it being his meat and drink to do his Father’s will, he rises and leaves his disciples sitting to finish their meal; and whilst they were murmuring at the waste of the ointment poured on his head, and were filled with indignation at it, as they all of them were, (see <402608>Matthew 26:8); he rises up to wash their feet; amazing patience and humility! And laid aside his garments; not all his garments, only his upper ones, that he might better dispatch the business he was going about; and which was an emblem of his laying aside, as it were for a…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments--outer garments which would have impeded the operation of washing. and took a towel and girded himself--assuming a servant's dress.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He riseth from supper - Evidently while they were eating. See John 13:2. Laid aside his garments - His outer garment. See the notes at Matthew 5:40. This was his mantle or robe, which is said to have been without seam. It was customary to lay this aside when they worked or ran, or in the heat of summer. Took a towel and girded himself - This was the manner of a servant or slave. See the notes at Luke 17:8. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Layeth aside his garments - That part of them which would have hindered him. John 13:5”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“13:4-5 Foot washing, common in the Hellenistic and Jewish cultures as a daily routine and as a gesture of hospitality (see Luke 7:36-50), was a lowly, menial task reserved for servants. When Jesus began to wash the disciples’ feet, he took the posture of a slave.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“laid aside: That is, his gown, or upper coat, ιματια, with the girdle by which it was girdled close to his tunic, or inner coat; and instead of his girdle, he tied a towel about him, that he might have it in readiness to dry their feet,and that he might appear as a servant. Indeed the whole action was a servile one; and never performed by a superior to an inferior. Luk 12:37, Luk 17:7, Luk 22:27; Co2 8:9; Phi 2:6-8 John 13:5”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification