Bible Commentaries

Now before the feast of the pass over; that is, at the commencement of it.

His garments; his outer garments.--Girded himself; after the manner of a servant.

To wash, &c. This was a customary office to be performed for guests, at an entertainment, by servants. The only thing remarkable in the case was, that the service should have been performed, for this company, by one who was their Lord and Master, and possessed, too, of such a consciousness of personal dignity as is expressed in John 13:3.

Knowest not now; understandest not.--Hereafter; meaning very soon; for Jesus explained his design and meaning, as soon as he resumed his seat. (John 13:13-15.)

Every whit; entirely. The meaning of the remark seems to be, simply, that, for his purpose at that time, the washing of the feet was all that was necessary.

Know ye; understand ye.

Ye also ought to wash one another's feet. He meant, by this symbolical act, to teach them that they ought not to be ambitious and aspiring, each endeavoring to rise above the rest, but humble, lowly-minded, in honor preferring one another. There was a tendency, at this time, to the former spirit, in the minds of the disciples. (Luke 22:24.)

The passage here referred to is found Psalms 41:9.

Testified; openly declared what he had only intimated before, in John 13:18,19.

Leaning, &c.; according to the customary position at table.--One--whom Jesus loved. John often speaks of himself in these terms. It is noticeable that the other evangelists do not allude to his enjoying, in any special manner, the Savior's regard.

Beckoned; made a signal.

Saith unto him; privately.

Jesus answered; that is, to John, in such a manner that the others did not hear.

That thou doest, do, do quickly. During the John 13:1-20, Judas must have been in a state of great anxiety and fear,--being, however, still uncertain how far his designs were really known. This last remark left him no longer any hope of concealment; but the detection produced irritation and anger, not repentance. Dreading probably an open exposure before all the disciples, he seems to have hastened away, in a fit of desperation, to enter at once upon the execution of his design.

As I said unto the Jews; John 7:33,34,8:21.

Whither, &c.; referring to what Jesus had said, (John 13:33.)

The cock shall not crow. Mark 14:30; Luke 22:34 say before the cock crow twice. The meaning of both expressions is simply as if he had said, "Thou shalt deny me thrice before the morning."