Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent, [1886], at sacred-texts.com
John Chapter 13
Before the Feast of the Passover
This clause is to be construed with ἠγάπησεν, loved, at the close of this verse. Notice that John, in mentioning the Passover, here drops the explanatory phrase of the Jews (Joh 11:55). It is not the Passover of the Jews which Jesus is about to celebrate, which had degenerated into an empty form, but the national ordinance, according to its true spirit, and with a development of its higher meaning.
Knowing (εἰδὼς)
Or, since he knew.
His hour
See on Joh 12:23, and compare Joh 2:4.
That (ἵνα)
In order that; marking the departure as a divine decree.
Depart (μεταβῇ)
The compounded preposition μετά, signifies passing over from one sphere into another.
His own (τοὺς ἰδίους)
See on Act 1:7. Compare Joh 17:6 sqq.; Act 4:23; Act 24:23; Ti1 5:8; Joh 1:11.
He loved (ἠγάπησεν)
Notice that John uses the word indicating the discriminating affection: the love of choice and selection. See on Joh 5:20.
Unto the end (εἰς τέλος)
Interpretations differ. The rendering of the A.V. and Rev. is of doubtful authority. The passages cited in support of this, Mat 10:22; Mat 24:13; Mar 13:13, may all be rendered to the uttermost. Morever, other formulas are used where the meaning to the end is unquestionable. In Rev 2:26, the only other instance in John's writings where τέλος is used in an adverbial phrase the expression is ἄχρι τέλους, unto the end. Similarly Heb 6:11. In Heb 3:6, Heb 3:14, μέχρι τὲλους, unto the end. The phrase may mean at last, and so is rendered by many here, as Meyer, Lange, Thayer (Lex.). "At last He loved them;" that is, showed them the last proof of His love. This is the most probable rendering in Luk 18:5, on which see note. It may also mean to the uttermost, completely. So Westcott and Godet. But I am inclined, with Meyer, to shrink from the "inappropriate gradation" which is thus implied, as though Jesus' love now reached a higher degree than before (ἀγαπήσας). Hence I prefer the rendering at last, or finally He loved them, taking ἠγάπησεν, loved, in the sense of the manifestation of His love. This sense frequently attaches to the verb. See, for instance, Jo1 4:10 ("love viewed in its historic manifestation" Westcott), and compare Joh 3:16; Eph 2:4; Eph 5:2, Eph 5:25; Th2 2:16; Rev 3:9.
Supper being ended (δείπνου γενομένου)
The most approved reading is γινομένου, the present participle, denoting while a supper was in progress. Hence Rev., rightly, during supper. The A.V. is wrong, even if the reading of the Received Text be retained; for in Joh 13:12 Jesus reclined again, and in Joh 13:26, the supper is still in progress. It should be, supper having begun, or having been served. It is important to note the absence of the definite article: a supper, as distinguished from the feast, which also is designated by a different word.
Having now put (ἤδη βεβληκότος)
Rev., better, already. Put, is literally, thrown or cast.
Into the heart of Judas
Meyer, strangely, refers the heart, not to Judas, but to the Devil himself; rendering, the Devil having already formed the design that Judas should deliver Him up. Godet does not speak too strongly when he says that "this meaning is insufferable."
Had given (δέδωκεν)
The best texts read ἔδωκεν, gave, the aorist marking Jesus' commission as given once for all.
Was come (ἐξῆλθε)
This rendering would require the perfect tense. The aorist points to His coming as a historic fact, not as related to its result. See on Joh 12:47. Rev., rightly, came forth.
Went (ὑπάγει)
Present tense: goeth; withdrawing from the scenes of earth. Note the original order: that it was from God He came forth, and unto God He is going.
From the supper (ἐκ τοῦ δείπνου)
Out of the group gathered at the table.
Laid aside (τίθησι)
Present tense: layeth aside.
Garments (ἱμάτια)
See on Mat 5:40. Upper garments.
Towel (λέντιον)
A Latin word, linteum. A linen cloth. Only here and Joh 13:5.
Girded (διέζωσεν)
Only in this chapter and Joh 21:7. The compound verb means to bind or gird all round.
A bason (νιπτῆρα)
Only here in the New Testament. From νίπτω, to wash.
Dost thou wash (σύ μου νίπτεις)? The two pronouns Thou, my, stand together at the beginning of the sentence in emphatic contrast. Dost thou of me wash the feet?
Knowest - shalt know (οἷδας - γνώσῃ)
The A.V. ignores the distinction between the two words. "Thou knowest not" (οὐκ οἶδας), of absolute and complete knowledge. Thou shalt learn or perceive (γνώσῃ), of knowledge gained by experience. See on Joh 2:24.
Hereafter (μετὰ ταῦτα)
Literally, after these things.
Never (οὐ μὴ - εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα)
A very strong expression. Literally, thou shalt by no means wash my feet as long as the world stands.
He that is washed - wash his feet (ὁ λελουμένος - νίψασθαι).
The A.V. obliterates the distinction between λούω, to bathe, to apply water to the whole body, and νίπτω, to wash a part of the body. Thus, when Dorcas died (Act 9:37) they bathed her body (λούσαντες). The proverb in Pe2 2:22, is about the sow that has been bathed all over (λουσαμένη). On the other hand, he who fasts must wash (νὶψαι) his face (Mat 6:17). Both verbs are always used of living beings in the New Testament. The word for washing things, as nets, garments, etc., is πλύνω. See Luk 5:2. All three verbs occur in Lev 15:11 (Sept.).
Who should betray (τὸν παραδιδόντα)
Literally, him that is betraying. So in Mat 26:2, the present tense is used, is being betrayed
(παραδίδοται)
See on Mat 4:12, and compare προδότης, betrayer, Luk 6:16; Act 7:52; Ti2 3:4.
Was set down (ἀναπεσὼν)
Literally, having reclined. The guests reclined on couches, lying on the left side and leaning on the left hand. The table was in the hollow square or oblong formed on three sides by the couches, the fourth side being open, and the table extending beyond the ends of the couches.
Know ye (γινώσκετε)?
Perceive or understand ye?
Master (ὁ διδάσκαλος)
Literally, the Teacher. Teacher and Lord were used, according to the Jewish titles Rabbi and Mar, corresponding to which the followers were disciples or servants.
Your
Inserted in A.V. Better, the Lord and the Master as Rev. Both have the article.
Ought (ὀφείλετε)
The verb means to owe. It occurs several times in John's Epistles (Jo1 2:6; Jo1 3:16; Jo1 4:11; Jo3 1:8). In the Gospel only here and Joh 19:7. Compare Luk 17:10. In Matthew's version of the Lord's prayer occur the two kindred words ὀφείλνμα, debt, and ὀφειλέτης, debtor. Jesus here puts the obligation to ministry as a debt under which His disciples are laid by His ministry to them. The word ought is the past tense of owe. Δεῖ, ought or must (see Joh 3:7, Joh 3:14, Joh 3:30, etc.) expresses an obligation in the nature of things; ὀφείλειν, a special, personal obligation.
Example (ὑπόδειγμα)
On the three words used in the New Testament for example, ὑπόδειγμα, τύπος, and δεῖγμα, see on Pe2 2:6; see on Pe1 5:3; see on Jde 1:7.
Verily, verily
See on Joh 1:51; see on Joh 10:1.
The servant
No article. Better a servant, as Rev., a bond-servant.
He that is sent (ἀπόστολος)
Literally, an apostle. See on Mat 10:2.
Happy (μακάριοι)
Better, as Rev., blessed. See on Mat 5:3.
I have chosen (ἐξελεξάμην)
Aorist tense, I chose. Not elected to salvation, but chose as an apostle.
That the scripture, etc. (ἵνα)
Elliptical. We must supply this choice was made in order that, etc.
Eateth (τρώγων)
With the exception of Mat 24:38, the word occurs only in John. See on Joh 6:54. Originally it means to gnaw or crunch; to chew raw vegetables or fruits, and hence often used of animals feeding, as Homer ("Odyssey," vi., 90), of mules feeding. Of course it has lost its original sense in the New Testament, as it did to some extent in classical Greek, though, as applied to men, it more commonly referred to eating vegetables or fruit, as Aristophanes ("Peace," 1325) τρώγειν, to eat figs. The entire divorce in the New Testament from its primitive sense is shown in its application to the flesh of Christ (Joh 6:54). It is used by John only in connection with Christ.
Bread with me (μετ' ἐμοῦ τὸν ἄρτον)
Some editors read, μοῦ τὸν ἄρτον, my bread.
Heel (πτέρναν)
Only here in the New Testament. The metaphor is of one administering a kick. Thus Plutarch, describing the robber Sciron, who was accustomed "out of insolence and wantonness to stretch forth his feet to strangers, commanding them to wash them, and then, when they did it, with a kick to send them down the rock into the sea" ("Theseus"). Some have explained the metaphor by the tripping up of one's feet in wrestling; but, as Meyer justly says, "Jesus was not overreached." The quotation is from the Hebrew, not the Septuagint of Psa 41:9 (Sept. 40). The Septuagint reads, "For the man of my peace in whom I hoped, who eateth my bread, magnified his cunning (πτερνισμόν, literally, tripping up) against me."
Now (ἀπ' ἄρτι)
Rev., correctly, from henceforth. Compare Joh 1:51; Joh 14:7; Mat 23:39.
I am he (ἐγώ εἰμι)
Or, I am. See on Joh 8:24.
Was troubled in Spirit
See on Joh 11:33; see on Joh 12:27. The agitation was in the highest region of the spiritual life (πνεῦμα).
One of you shall betray me
So Matthew and Mark, with the addition of, who eateth with me. Luke, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
Looked (ἔβλεπον)
The imperfect tense, kept looking as they doubted.
Doubting (ἀπορούμενοι)
See on Mar 6:20.
He spake (λέγει)
The present tense, speaketh, introduced with lively effect.
Was leaning on Jesus' bosom (ἦν ἀνακείμενος ἐν τῷ κόλπῳ τοῦ Ἱησοῦ)
The Rev. renders, "there was at the table reclining," etc. At the table is added because the verb is the general term equivalent to sitting at table. "In Jesus' bosom," defines John's position relatively to the other guests. As the guests reclined upon the left arm, the feet being stretched out behind, the head of each would be near the breast of his companion on the left. Supposing that Jesus, Peter, and John were together, Jesus would occupy the central place, the place of honor, and John, being in front of Him, could readily lean back and speak to Him. Peter would be behind him.
Bosom
See on Luk 6:38. The Synoptists do not give this incident.
Beckoneth (νεύει)
Literally, noddeth.
That he should ask who it should be (πυθέσθαι τίς ἄν εἴη)
The best texts read, καὶ λέγει αὐτῳ εἰπὲ τίς ἐστιν, and saith unto him, Tell us who it is.
Lying (ἐπιπεσὼν)
This word is, literally, to fall upon, and is so rendered in almost every instance in the New Testament. In Mar 3:10, it is applied to the multitudes pressing upon Christ. It occurs, however, nowhere else in John, and therefore some of the best authorities read ἀναπεσὼν, leaning back, a verb which John uses several times in the Gospel, as in Joh 13:12. So Rev. Whichever of the two is read, it points out the distinction, which the A.V. misses by the translation lying, between ἦν ἀνακείμενος (Joh 13:23), which describes the reclining position of John throughout the meal, and the sudden change of posture pictured by ἀναπεσὼν, leaning back. The distinction is enforced by the different preposition in each case: reclining in (ἐν) Jesus' bosom, and leaning back (ἀνά). Again, the words bosom and breast represent different words in the Greek; κόλπος representing more generally the bend formed by the front part of the reclining person, the lap, and στῆθος the breast proper. The verb ἀναπίπτω, to lean back, always in the New Testament describes a change of position. It is used of a rower bending back for a fresh stroke. Plato, in the well-known passage of the "Phaedrus," in which the soul is described under the figure of two horses and a charioteer, says that when the charioteer beholds the vision of love he is afraid, and falls backward (ἀνέπεσεν), so that he brings the steeds upon their haunches.
As he was (οὕτως)
Inserted by the best texts, and not found in the A.V. Reclining as he was, he leaned back. The general attitude of reclining was maintained. Compare Joh 4:6 : "sat thus (οὕτως) on the well." According to the original institution, the Passover was to be eaten standing (Exo 12:11). After the Captivity the custom was changed, and the guests reclined. The Rabbis insisted that at least a part of the Paschal meal should be eaten in that position, because it was the manner of slaves to eat standing, and the recumbent position showed that they had been delivered from bondage into freedom.
Breast (στῆθος)
From ἵστημι, to cause to stand. Hence, that which stands out. In later writings John was known as ὁ ἐπιστήθιος, the one on the breast, or the bosom friend.
To whom I shall give a sop when I have dipped it (ᾦ ἐγὼ βάψας τὸ ψωμίον ἐπιδώσω)
The best texts read ᾦ ἐγὼ βάψω τὸ ψωμίον καὶ δώσω αὐτῷ, for whom I shall dip the sop and give it him.
Sop (ψωμίον)
Only in this chapter. Diminutive from ψωμός, a morsel, which, in turn, is from ψάω, to rub, or to crumble. Homer, of the Cyclops:
"Then from his mouth came bits (ψωμοί) of human flesh
Mingled with wine."
"Odyssey," ix., 374.
And Xenophon: "And on one occasion having seen one of his companions at table tasting many dishes with one bit (ψωμῷ) of bread" ("Memorabilia," iii., 14, 15). The kindred verb ψωμίζω, rendered feed, occurs Rom 12:20; Co1 13:3. See also Septuagint, Psa 79:5; Psa 80:16. According to its etymology, the verb means to feed with morsels; and it was used by the Greeks of a nurse chewing the food and administering it to an infant. So Aristophanes: "And one laid the child to rest, and another bathed it, and another fed (ἐψώμισεν) it" ("Lysistrate," 19, 20). This sense may possibly color the word as used in Rom 12:20 : "If thine enemy hunger, feed (ψώμιζε) him;" with tender care. In Co1 13:3, the original sense appears to be emphasized: "Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor (ψωμίσω)." This idea is that of doling away in morsels. Dean Stanley says: "Who that has witnessed the almsgiving in a Catholic monastery, or the court of a Spanish or Sicilian bishop's or archbishop's palace, where immense revenues are syringed away in farthings to herds of beggars, but must feel the force of the Apostle's half satirical ψωμίσω?"
Dipped the sop
Compare Mat 26:23; Mar 14:20. The regular sop of the Paschal supper consisted of the following things wrapped together: flesh of the Paschal lamb, a piece of unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. The sauce into which it was dipped does not belong to the original institution, but had been introduced before the days of Christ. According to one authority it consisted of only vinegar and water (compare Rut 2:14); others describe it as a mixture of vinegar, figs, dates, almonds, and spice. The flour which was used to thicken the sauce on ordinary occasions was forbidden at the Passover by the Rabbins, lest it might occasion a slight fermentation. According to some, the sauce was beaten up to the consistence of mortar, in order to commemorate the toils of the Israelites in laying bricks in Egypt.
To Judas Iscariot the son of Simon (Ἱούδᾳ Σίμωνος Ἱσκαριώτῃ).
The best texts read Ἱσκαριώτου. "Judas the son of Simon Iscariot." So Joh 6:71. The act was a mark of forbearance and goodwill toward the traitor, and a tacit appeal to his conscience against the contemplated treachery.
Then (τότε)
With a peculiar emphasis, marking the decisive point at which Judas was finally committed to his dark deed. The token of goodwill which Jesus had offered, if it did not soften his heart would harden it; and Judas appears to have so interpreted it as to confirm him in his purpose.
Satan
The only occurrence of the word in this Gospel.
Into him (εἰς ἐκεῖνον)
The pronoun of remote reference sets Judas apart from the company of the disciples.
Quickly (τάχιον)
Literally, more quickly. The comparative implies a command to hasten his work, which was already begun.
The bag
See on Joh 12:6.
Buy (ἀγόρασον)
An incidental argument in favor of this gathering of the disciples having taken place on the evening of the Paschal feast. Had it been on the previous evening, no one would have thought of Judas going out at night to buy provisions for the feast, when there was the whole of the next day for it, nor would they have thought of his going out to seek the poor at that hour. The 15th Nisan, the time of the Passover celebration, was indeed invested with the sanctity of a Sabbath; but provision and preparation of the needful food was expressly allowed on that day. The Rabbinical rules even provided for the procuring of the Paschal lamb on the Passover eve when that happened to fall on the Sabbath.
Against the feast (εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν)
Rev., better, for the feast. The Passover feast. The meal of which they had been partaking was the preliminary meal, at the close of which the Passover was celebrated; just as, subsequently, the Eucharist was celebrated at the close of the Agape, or love-feast. Notice the different word, ἑορτή, feast, instead of δεῖπνον, supper, and the article with feast.
To the poor
Perhaps to help them procure their Paschal lamb.
He (ἐκεῖνος)
See on Joh 13:27.
Now
Marking a crisis, at which Jesus is relieved of the presence of the traitor, and accepts the consequences of his treachery.
Is - glorified (ἐδοξάσθη)
Literally, was glorified. The aorist points to the withdrawal of Judas. Jesus was glorified through death, and His fate was sealed (humanly speaking) by Judas' going out. He speaks of the death and consequent glorification as already accomplished.
If God be glorified in Him
The most ancient authorities omit.
In Himself (ἐν ἑαυτῷ)
His glory will be contained in and identified with the divine glory. Compare "the glory which I had with thee," παρὰ σοί (Joh 17:5). Ἑν in, indicates unity of being; παρά with, unity of position.
Little children (τεκνία)
Diminutive, occurring only here in the Gospel, but repeatedly in the First Epistle. Nowhere else in the New Testament.
Now (ἄρτι)
In Joh 13:31, now is νῦν, which marks the point of time absolutely. Ἄρτι marks the point of time as related to the past or to the future. Thus, "from the days of John the Baptist until now" (ἄρτι, Mat 11:12). "Thinkest thou that I cannot now (ἄρτι) pray to my Father?" though succor has been delayed all along till now (Mat 26:53). Here the word implies that the sorrowful announcement of Jesus' departure from His disciples had been withheld until the present. The time was now come.
New (καινὴν)
See on Mat 26:29.
Commandment (ἐντολὴν)
The word for a single commandment or injunction, but used also for the whole body of the moral precepts of Christianity. See Ti1 6:14; Pe2 2:21; Pe2 3:2. See also on Jam 2:8. This new commandment embodies the essential principle of the whole law. Compare also Jo1 3:23. Some interpreters instead of taking that ye love one another, etc., as the definition of the commandment, explain the commandment as referring to the ordinance of the Holy Communion, and render, "a new commandment (to observe this ordinance) I give unto you, in order that ye love one another." It is, however, more than improbable, and contrary to usage, that the Holy Supper should be spoken of as ἐντολὴ a commandment.
That (ἵνα)
With its usual telic force; indicating the scope and not merely the form or nature of the commandment.
As (καθὼς)
Rev., better, even as. Not a simple comparison (ὥσπερ), but a conformity; the love is to be of the same nature. There are, however, two ways of rendering the passage. 1. "I give you a new commandment, that ye love one another with the same devotion with which I loved you." 2. "I give you a new commandment, that ye love one another, even as up to this moment I loved you, in order that you may imitate my love one toward another." By the first rendering the character of the mutual love of Christians is described; by the second, its ground. The Rev. gives the latter in margin.
Shall - know (γνώσονται)
Perceive, or come to know.
My disciples (ἐμοὶ μαθηταί)
See on Mat 12:49. Literally, disciples unto me. Compare Joh 15:8.
Now (ἄρτι)
Without waiting for a future time. See on Joh 13:33, and compare νῦν now, in Joh 13:36.
I will lay down my life
See on Joh 10:11.
Wilt thou lay down thy life?
For a similar repetition of Peter's own words, see on Joh 21:17.