New Testament
John 13:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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."
Compare translations
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.
What John 13:10 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Washing the Disciples' Feet (John 13:1–30)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 13:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 13:10
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.