New Testament

John 13:10

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of washing to explain spiritual cleanliness.

Author
John the apostle
Written
Around AD 85-95
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
All believers
CBTClear Bible Translation

Jesus said to him, "Someone who has been bathed needs only to wash his feet, and is completely clean. And you are clean, but not all of you."

KJVKing James Version

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of washing to explain spiritual cleanliness. He tells Peter that someone who has had a full bath is clean but still needs to wash their feet after walking in the dirt. This illustrates that while believers are made clean through faith in Him, they still need to confess and seek forgiveness for daily sins. Jesus acknowledges that His disciples are mostly clean, but one among them is not, referring to Judas Iscariot. This highlights the importance of spiritual hygiene, where believers must regularly address their shortcomings and maintain their relationship with God. The act of washing feet symbolizes humility and service, which Jesus exemplifies in the surrounding context of the Last Supper. Overall, this verse emphasizes the need for ongoing spiritual renewal and the understanding that while we are justified in Christ, we must continually seek to live in alignment with His teachings.

Key themes

Related topics

humility, service, forgiveness

How to apply John 13:10 to your life

This verse encourages us to regularly reflect on our spiritual state and seek forgiveness for our daily shortcomings. Just as we wash our feet after a long day, we should confess our sins and maintain our relationship with God, ensuring we remain spiritually clean and humble in our service to others.

Curated for this public verse page. John Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jesus mean by being 'completely clean' in John 13:10?

In John 13:10, Jesus explains that being 'completely clean' refers to the spiritual state of a believer who has accepted Him. This signifies that they are justified and made right with God through faith. However, just as one may need to wash their feet after walking in dirt, believers still need to address their daily sins through confession and repentance to maintain their relationship with God.

Why does Jesus say not all of His disciples are clean?

When Jesus mentions that 'not all of you are clean,' He is referring to Judas Iscariot, who would betray Him. This highlights that while most of the disciples are spiritually clean through their faith in Him, Judas's heart is not aligned with Jesus. It serves as a reminder that outward appearances can be deceiving, and true spiritual cleanliness comes from a genuine relationship with Christ.

How can we apply the message of John 13:10 in our daily lives?

The message of John 13:10 encourages us to regularly examine our spiritual lives and seek forgiveness for our daily shortcomings. Just as we wash our feet to remove dirt, we should confess our sins to God and strive to live in accordance with His teachings. This practice helps us maintain a humble attitude and fosters a spirit of service towards others, reflecting the love and grace we receive from Christ.

What does foot washing symbolize in the context of John 13?

In John 13, foot washing symbolizes humility and service. Jesus, by washing His disciples' feet, demonstrates the importance of serving others selflessly. This act teaches that true leadership in the Kingdom of God involves putting others first and caring for their needs. It also emphasizes the need for believers to practice humility in their relationships and to serve one another in love.

The Book of John
Book Summary

The Book of John

John 1: The Word Made Flesh and the First Disciples

In the beginning is the Word, and the Word is with God, and the Word is God. All things are made by him, and in him is life, and the life is the light of men. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it. John the Baptist is sent from God to bear witness of the Light. He says he is not the Christ but comes to testify of him. The Word is made flesh and dwells among them, full of grace and truth. John bears witness and says that the one coming after him is preferred before him because he is before him.

Premium

Unlock the full John summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of John — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 21 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of John summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.