Albert Barnes Commentary John 13:10

"Jesus saith to him, He that is bathed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all." — John 13:10 (ASV)

He that is washed. This is a difficult passage, and interpreters have been divided about its meaning. Some have supposed that it was customary to bathe before eating the paschal supper, and that the apostles did so; Jesus having said that "he who has bathed his body is clean except for his feet—for the dirt contracted in returning from the bath—and that it was only necessary for the feet to be washed to prepare them properly to receive the supper." They suppose, also, that the lesson Jesus meant to teach was that they were really pure (John 15:3); that they were qualified to partake of the ordinances of religion, and needed only to be purified from occasional blemishes and impurities (Grotius).

Others say that there is no evidence that the Jews bathed before partaking of the paschal supper, but that reference is made to the custom of washing their hands and their face. It is known that this was practiced.

Peter had requested him to wash his hands and his head. Jesus told him that, as that had been done, it was unnecessary to repeat it. But washing the feet was an act of hospitality, the office of a servant, and all that was needed then was for him to show this condescension and humility.

This probably refers to internal purity, as Jesus was fond of drawing illustrations from every quarter to teach them spiritual doctrine; as if he had said, "You are clean by my word and ministry (John 15:3); you are my followers and are prepared for the scene before you. But one thing remains. And as, when we come to this rite, having washed, there is no further need of washing except to wash the feet, so nothing now remains but for me to show you an example that you will always remember, and that will complete my public instructions to you."

Is clean. This word may apply to the body or the soul.

Every whit. Altogether, wholly.

You are clean. Here the word doubtless refers to the mind and heart.

But not all. You are not all my true followers, and fitted for the ordinance before us.