Notwithstanding His great humility, Jesus expects to be regarded as Master and Lord; do we so call and treat Him? We must be as willing to obey Him as a soldier to obey his commanding officers, even when the order conflicts with his comfort, convenience, or safety. We must also do for each other, in our poor measure, what He has done for us, taking on us the form and work of a slave, that we may remove from each other any stain that may have been contracted. It is only when we have stooped to the simplest and lowest humility that we are able to lift our brethren to a purer and nobler life. Let us watch over each other's souls, as those who must give an account.
What sorrow must have constantly weighed on our Savior's heart in knowing that all His love and care would be resisted by Judas, as the rock in a flower garden refuses to respond to the genial influences of spring! To lift up the heel, that is to kick is emblematic of brutal malice. This treachery, foreseen by Christ, was transformed into a support of the disciples' faith. When the incident took place, as predicted, they knew that Jesus was all that He had declared Himself to be. [source]
Chapter Summary: John 13
1Jesus washes the disciples' feet, and exhorts them to humility and charity 18He foretells and discovers to John by a token, that Judas should betray him; 31commands them to love one another; 36and forewarns Peter of his denials
Greek Commentary for John 13:15
An example [υποδειγμα] For the old παραδειγμα paradeigma (not in N.T.), from υποδεικνυμι hupodeiknumi to show under the eyes as an illustration or warning (Matthew 3:7), common in the papyri for illustration, example, warning, here only in John, but in James 5:10; 2 Peter 2:6; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:26. Peter uses τυποι tupoi (1 Peter 5:3) with this incident in mind. In Judges 1:7 δειγμα deigma (without υπο hupo) occurs in the sense of example. That ye also should do Purpose clause with ινα hina and the present active subjunctive of ποιεω poieō (keep on doing). Doing what? Does Jesus here institute a new church ordinance as some good people today hold? If so, it is curious that there is no record of it in the N.T. Jesus has given the disciples an object lesson in humility to rebuke their jealousy, pride, and strife exhibited at this very meal. The lesson of the “example” applies to all the relations of believers with each other. It is one that is continually needed. [source]
Example [ὑπόδειγμα] On the three words used in the New Testament for example, ὑπόδειγμα , τύπος , and δεῖγμα , see on 2 Peter 2:6; see on 1 Peter 5:3; see on Judges 1:7. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 13:15
John 14:18Comfortless [ὀρφανούς] Literally, bereft or orphans. Only here and James 1:27, where it is rendered fatherless. Compare my little children (John 13:33). “He hath not left us without a rule (John 13:34); nor without an example (John 13:15); nor without a motive (John 14:15); nor without a strength (John 15:5); nor without a warning (John 15:2,John 15:6); nor without a Comforter (John 14:18); nor without a reward (John 14:2) (James Ford, “The Gospel of St. John Illustrated”). [source]
Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things [πάντα ὑπέδειξα ὑμῖν] The verb means to shew by example. Thus, Luke 6:47, “I will shew you to whom he is like,” is followed by the illustration of the man who built upon the rock. So Acts 9:16. God will shew Paul by practical experience how great things he must suffer. The kindred noun ὑπόδειγμα is always rendered example or pattern. See John 13:15; James 5:10, etc.; and note on 2 Peter 2:6. Rev., correctly, In all things I gave you an example. [source]
Acts 20:35I gave you an example [υπεδειχα] First aorist active indicative of υποδεικνυμι hupodeiknumi old verb to show under one‘s eyes, to give object lesson, by deed as well as by word (Luke 6:47). υποδειγμα Hupodeigma means example (John 13:15; James 5:10). So Paul appeals to his example in 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philemon 3:17. Παντα Panta is accusative plural of general reference (in all things). [source]
Hebrews 4:11Lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief [ἵνα μὴ ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ τις ὑποδείγματι πέσῃ τῆς ἀπειθείας] Πέσῃ fallis to be taken absolutely; not, fall into the same example. Υ̓πόδειγμα examplemostly in Hebrews. Rejected as unclassical by the Attic rhetoricians. Originally a sign which suggests something: a partial suggestion as distinct from a complete expression. See Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:23. Thus Christ's washing of the disciples' feet (John 13:15) was a typical suggestion of the whole field and duty of ministry. See on 1 Peter 2:6. It is not easy to give the exact force of ἐν inStrictly speaking, the “example of disobedience” is conceived as that in which the falling takes place. The fall is viewed in the sphere of example. Comp. 1Corinthians href="/desk/?q=1co+2:7&sr=1">1 Corinthians 2:7. Rend. that no man fall in the same example of disobedience: the same as that in which they fell. [source]
Hebrews 4:11Let us therefore give diligence [σπουδασωμεν ουν] Volitive subjunctive aorist of σπουδαζω spoudazō old verb to hasten (2 Timothy 4:9), to be eager and alert (1 Thessalonians 2:17). The exhortation has a warning like that in Hebrews 4:1. That no man fall Negative purpose with ινα μη hina mē and the second aorist active subjunctive of πιπτω piptō to fall. After the same example of disobedience The unbelief is like that seen in the Israelites (Hebrews 3:12,Hebrews 3:18; Hebrews 4:2). υποδειγμα Hupodeigma is a late word from υποδεικνυμι hupodeiknumi (Matthew 3:7) and means a copy (John 13:15; James 5:10). The Israelites set a terrible example and it is so easy to copy the bad examples. [source]
Hebrews 8:5Serve [λατρευουσιν] Present active indicative of λατρευω latreuō for which verb see note on Matthew 4:10. A copy Dative case after λατρευουσιν latreuousin See note on John 13:15 and note on Hebrews 4:11 for this interesting word. Shadow Dative case. Old word for which see note on Matthew 4:16; note on Mark 4:32; and note on Colossians 2:17. See same idea in Hebrews 9:23. For difference between σκια skia and εικων eikōn see Hebrews 10:1. Here “copy and shadow” form a practical hendiadys for “a shadowy outline” (Moffatt). Is warned of God Perfect passive indicative of χρηματιζω chrēmatizō old verb (from χρημα chrēma business) for which see note on Matthew 2:12, note on Matthew 2:22, and note on Luke 2:26. The word “God” is not used, but it is implied as in Acts 10:22; Hebrews 12:25. So in lxx, Josephus, and the papyri. For saith he Argument from God‘s command (Exodus 25:40). See that thou make Common Greek idiom with present active imperative of οραω horaō and the volitive future of ποιεω poieō without ινα hina (asyndeton, Robertson, Grammar, p. 949). The pattern The very word used in Exodus 25:40 and quoted also by Stephen in Acts 7:44. For τυπος tupos see note on John 20:25; note on Romans 6:17, and etc. The tabernacle was to be patterned after the heavenly model. [source]
James 5:10For an example [υποδειγμα] Late word for the old παραδειγμα paradeigma from υποδεικνυμι hupodeiknumi to copy under, to teach (Luke 6:47), here for copy to be imitated as in John 13:15, as a warning (Hebrews 4:11). Here predicate accusative with τους προπητας tous prophētas (the prophets) as the direct object of λαβετε labete (second aorist active imperative of λαμβανω lambanō). [source]
1 Peter 5:5All [παντες] All ages, sexes, classes.Gird yourselves with humility (την ταπεινοπροσυνην εγκομβωσαστε tēn tapeinophrosunēn egkombōsasthe). First aorist middle imperative of εγκομβοομαι egkomboomai late and rare verb (in Apollodorus, fourth cent. b.c.), here only in N.T., from εν en and κομβος kombos (knot, like the knot of a girdle). Εγκομβωμα Egkombōma was the white scarf or apron of slaves. It is quite probable that Peter here is thinking of what Jesus did (John 13:4.) when he girded himself with a towel and taught the disciples, Peter in particular (John 13:9.), the lesson of humility (John 13:15). Peter had at last learned the lesson (John 21:15-19).The proud Dative plural of υπερηπανος huperēphanos (James 4:6; Romans 1:30) after αντιτασσεται antitassetai (present middle indicative of αντιτασσω antitassō as in James 4:6 (quoted there as here from Proverbs 3:34). [source]
1 Peter 5:5Gird yourselves with humility [την ταπεινοπροσυνην εγκομβωσαστε] First aorist middle imperative of εγκομβοομαι egkomboomai late and rare verb (in Apollodorus, fourth cent. b.c.), here only in N.T., from εν en and κομβος kombos (knot, like the knot of a girdle). Εγκομβωμα Egkombōma was the white scarf or apron of slaves. It is quite probable that Peter here is thinking of what Jesus did (John 13:4.) when he girded himself with a towel and taught the disciples, Peter in particular (John 13:9.), the lesson of humility (John 13:15). Peter had at last learned the lesson (John 21:15-19). [source]
2 Peter 2:6The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah [πολεις Σοδομων και Γομορρας] Genitive of apposition after πολεις poleis (cities), though it makes sense as possessive genitive, for Judges 1:7 speaks of the cities around these two. The third example, the cities of the plain. See Genesis 19:24.Condemned them (κατεκρινεν katekrinen). First aorist active indicative of κατακρινω katakrinō still part of the protasis with ει ei an overthrow (καταστροπηι katastrophēi). Instrumental case or even dative like τανατωι thanatōi with κατακρινω katakrinō in Matthew 20:18. But Westcott and Hort reject the word here because not in B C Coptic.Having made them Perfect active participle of τιτημι tithēmi example For which see James 5:10; John 13:15. Cf. 1 Peter 2:21.Unto those that should live ungodly (μελλοντων ασεβεσιν mellontōn asebesin). Rather, “unto ungodly men of things about to be” (see Hebrews 11:20 for this use of μελλοντων mellontōn). But Aleph A C K L read ασεβειν asebein (present active infinitive) with μελλοντων mellontōn = ασεβησοντων asebēsontōn (future active participle of ασεβεω asebeō), from which we have our translation. [source]
2 Peter 2:6Having made them [τετεικως] Perfect active participle of τιτημι tithēmi example For which see James 5:10; John 13:15. Cf. 1 Peter 2:21.Unto those that should live ungodly (μελλοντων ασεβεσιν mellontōn asebesin). Rather, “unto ungodly men of things about to be” (see Hebrews 11:20 for this use of μελλοντων mellontōn). But Aleph A C K L read ασεβειν asebein (present active infinitive) with μελλοντων mellontōn = ασεβησοντων asebēsontōn (future active participle of ασεβεω asebeō), from which we have our translation. [source]
What do the individual words in John 13:15 mean?
A patternforI gaveyouthatasIdidto youalsoyoushould do
Greek Commentary for John 13:15
For the old παραδειγμα paradeigma (not in N.T.), from υποδεικνυμι hupodeiknumi to show under the eyes as an illustration or warning (Matthew 3:7), common in the papyri for illustration, example, warning, here only in John, but in James 5:10; 2 Peter 2:6; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:26. Peter uses τυποι tupoi (1 Peter 5:3) with this incident in mind. In Judges 1:7 δειγμα deigma (without υπο hupo) occurs in the sense of example. That ye also should do Purpose clause with ινα hina and the present active subjunctive of ποιεω poieō (keep on doing). Doing what? Does Jesus here institute a new church ordinance as some good people today hold? If so, it is curious that there is no record of it in the N.T. Jesus has given the disciples an object lesson in humility to rebuke their jealousy, pride, and strife exhibited at this very meal. The lesson of the “example” applies to all the relations of believers with each other. It is one that is continually needed. [source]
On the three words used in the New Testament for example, ὑπόδειγμα , τύπος , and δεῖγμα , see on 2 Peter 2:6; see on 1 Peter 5:3; see on Judges 1:7. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 13:15
Literally, bereft or orphans. Only here and James 1:27, where it is rendered fatherless. Compare my little children (John 13:33). “He hath not left us without a rule (John 13:34); nor without an example (John 13:15); nor without a motive (John 14:15); nor without a strength (John 15:5); nor without a warning (John 15:2, John 15:6); nor without a Comforter (John 14:18); nor without a reward (John 14:2) (James Ford, “The Gospel of St. John Illustrated”). [source]
Repetition of John 13:34; John 15:12. This very night the disciples had been guilty of jealousy and wrangling (Luke 22:24; John 13:5, John 13:15). [source]
The verb means to shew by example. Thus, Luke 6:47, “I will shew you to whom he is like,” is followed by the illustration of the man who built upon the rock. So Acts 9:16. God will shew Paul by practical experience how great things he must suffer. The kindred noun ὑπόδειγμα is always rendered example or pattern. See John 13:15; James 5:10, etc.; and note on 2 Peter 2:6. Rev., correctly, In all things I gave you an example. [source]
First aorist active indicative of υποδεικνυμι hupodeiknumi old verb to show under one‘s eyes, to give object lesson, by deed as well as by word (Luke 6:47). υποδειγμα Hupodeigma means example (John 13:15; James 5:10). So Paul appeals to his example in 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philemon 3:17. Παντα Panta is accusative plural of general reference (in all things). [source]
Πέσῃ fallis to be taken absolutely; not, fall into the same example. Υ̓πόδειγμα examplemostly in Hebrews. Rejected as unclassical by the Attic rhetoricians. Originally a sign which suggests something: a partial suggestion as distinct from a complete expression. See Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:23. Thus Christ's washing of the disciples' feet (John 13:15) was a typical suggestion of the whole field and duty of ministry. See on 1 Peter 2:6. It is not easy to give the exact force of ἐν inStrictly speaking, the “example of disobedience” is conceived as that in which the falling takes place. The fall is viewed in the sphere of example. Comp. 1Corinthians href="/desk/?q=1co+2:7&sr=1">1 Corinthians 2:7. Rend. that no man fall in the same example of disobedience: the same as that in which they fell. [source]
Volitive subjunctive aorist of σπουδαζω spoudazō old verb to hasten (2 Timothy 4:9), to be eager and alert (1 Thessalonians 2:17). The exhortation has a warning like that in Hebrews 4:1. That no man fall Negative purpose with ινα μη hina mē and the second aorist active subjunctive of πιπτω piptō to fall. After the same example of disobedience The unbelief is like that seen in the Israelites (Hebrews 3:12, Hebrews 3:18; Hebrews 4:2). υποδειγμα Hupodeigma is a late word from υποδεικνυμι hupodeiknumi (Matthew 3:7) and means a copy (John 13:15; James 5:10). The Israelites set a terrible example and it is so easy to copy the bad examples. [source]
Present active indicative of λατρευω latreuō for which verb see note on Matthew 4:10. A copy Dative case after λατρευουσιν latreuousin See note on John 13:15 and note on Hebrews 4:11 for this interesting word. Shadow Dative case. Old word for which see note on Matthew 4:16; note on Mark 4:32; and note on Colossians 2:17. See same idea in Hebrews 9:23. For difference between σκια skia and εικων eikōn see Hebrews 10:1. Here “copy and shadow” form a practical hendiadys for “a shadowy outline” (Moffatt). Is warned of God Perfect passive indicative of χρηματιζω chrēmatizō old verb (from χρημα chrēma business) for which see note on Matthew 2:12, note on Matthew 2:22, and note on Luke 2:26. The word “God” is not used, but it is implied as in Acts 10:22; Hebrews 12:25. So in lxx, Josephus, and the papyri. For saith he Argument from God‘s command (Exodus 25:40). See that thou make Common Greek idiom with present active imperative of οραω horaō and the volitive future of ποιεω poieō without ινα hina (asyndeton, Robertson, Grammar, p. 949). The pattern The very word used in Exodus 25:40 and quoted also by Stephen in Acts 7:44. For τυπος tupos see note on John 20:25; note on Romans 6:17, and etc. The tabernacle was to be patterned after the heavenly model. [source]
Late word for the old παραδειγμα paradeigma from υποδεικνυμι hupodeiknumi to copy under, to teach (Luke 6:47), here for copy to be imitated as in John 13:15, as a warning (Hebrews 4:11). Here predicate accusative with τους προπητας tous prophētas (the prophets) as the direct object of λαβετε labete (second aorist active imperative of λαμβανω lambanō). [source]
All ages, sexes, classes.Gird yourselves with humility (την ταπεινοπροσυνην εγκομβωσαστε tēn tapeinophrosunēn egkombōsasthe). First aorist middle imperative of εγκομβοομαι egkomboomai late and rare verb (in Apollodorus, fourth cent. b.c.), here only in N.T., from εν en and κομβος kombos (knot, like the knot of a girdle). Εγκομβωμα Egkombōma was the white scarf or apron of slaves. It is quite probable that Peter here is thinking of what Jesus did (John 13:4.) when he girded himself with a towel and taught the disciples, Peter in particular (John 13:9.), the lesson of humility (John 13:15). Peter had at last learned the lesson (John 21:15-19).The proud Dative plural of υπερηπανος huperēphanos (James 4:6; Romans 1:30) after αντιτασσεται antitassetai (present middle indicative of αντιτασσω antitassō as in James 4:6 (quoted there as here from Proverbs 3:34). [source]
First aorist middle imperative of εγκομβοομαι egkomboomai late and rare verb (in Apollodorus, fourth cent. b.c.), here only in N.T., from εν en and κομβος kombos (knot, like the knot of a girdle). Εγκομβωμα Egkombōma was the white scarf or apron of slaves. It is quite probable that Peter here is thinking of what Jesus did (John 13:4.) when he girded himself with a towel and taught the disciples, Peter in particular (John 13:9.), the lesson of humility (John 13:15). Peter had at last learned the lesson (John 21:15-19). [source]
Genitive of apposition after πολεις poleis (cities), though it makes sense as possessive genitive, for Judges 1:7 speaks of the cities around these two. The third example, the cities of the plain. See Genesis 19:24.Condemned them (κατεκρινεν katekrinen). First aorist active indicative of κατακρινω katakrinō still part of the protasis with ει ei an overthrow (καταστροπηι katastrophēi). Instrumental case or even dative like τανατωι thanatōi with κατακρινω katakrinō in Matthew 20:18. But Westcott and Hort reject the word here because not in B C Coptic.Having made them Perfect active participle of τιτημι tithēmi example For which see James 5:10; John 13:15. Cf. 1 Peter 2:21.Unto those that should live ungodly (μελλοντων ασεβεσιν mellontōn asebesin). Rather, “unto ungodly men of things about to be” (see Hebrews 11:20 for this use of μελλοντων mellontōn). But Aleph A C K L read ασεβειν asebein (present active infinitive) with μελλοντων mellontōn = ασεβησοντων asebēsontōn (future active participle of ασεβεω asebeō), from which we have our translation. [source]
Perfect active participle of τιτημι tithēmi example For which see James 5:10; John 13:15. Cf. 1 Peter 2:21.Unto those that should live ungodly (μελλοντων ασεβεσιν mellontōn asebesin). Rather, “unto ungodly men of things about to be” (see Hebrews 11:20 for this use of μελλοντων mellontōn). But Aleph A C K L read ασεβειν asebein (present active infinitive) with μελλοντων mellontōn = ασεβησοντων asebēsontōn (future active participle of ασεβεω asebeō), from which we have our translation. [source]