John 13:5

“After that be poureth water into a bason, etc.] This also was a servile work, and what properly belonged to servants to do; (see <430205>John 2:5-7). The bason to wash the feet in, called by the Jews µylgr tbyr[, was fixed by their doctors to hold, “from two logs to nine kabs” f574; not “from two logs to ten”, as Dr. Lightfoot has rendered the passage referred to. A “kab” held about a quart of our measure, and a “log” was the fourth part of a “kab”. And began to wash the disciples feet. This custom of washing the feet was not used by the Jews at their passover, nor at their private entertainments, or common meals, but at the reception of strangers or travellers, which were just come off of a…”

“began to wash--proceeded to wash. Beyond all doubt the feet of Judas were washed, as of all the rest.”

“Began to wash ... - It was uniformly the office of a servant to wash the feet of guests, 1 Samuel 25:41. It became a matter of necessity where they traveled without shoes, and where they reclined on couches at meals. It should be remembered here that the disciples were not sitting at the table, as we do, but were lying with their feet extended from the table, so that Jesus could easily have access to them. See the notes at Matthew 23:6. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Into the basin - A large vessel was usually placed for this very purpose, wherever the Jews supped. John 13:7”

“poureth: Joh 19:34; Kg2 3:11; Eze 36:25; Zac 13:1; Eph 5:26; Jo1 5:6 to wash: Joh 13:8; Exo 29:4; Lev 14:8; Kg2 5:10-13; Psa 51:2; Isa 1:16; Act 22:16; Co1 6:11; Tit 3:3-5; Heb 10:22; Jo1 1:7; Rev 1:5, Rev 7:14 feet: Joh 13:10, Joh 13:12-14; Gen 18:4, Gen 19:2; Sa1 25:41; Luk 7:38, Luk 7:44; Ti1 5:10 John 13:6”