John 13:4

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

American King James Version (AKJV)

He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

American Standard Version (ASV)

riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

Got up from table, put off his robe and took a cloth and put it round him.

Webster's Revision

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

World English Bible

arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

English Revised Version (ERV)

riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself.

Clarke's John 13:4 Bible Commentary

He riseth from supper - Not from eating, as Bishop Pearce has well observed, but from his place at table; probably the dishes were not as yet laid down, though the guests were seated. According to the custom of the Jews and other Asiatics, this washing must have taken place before the supper. See on John 13:2 (note).

Laid aside his garments - That is, his gown or upper coat, with the girdle wherewith it was girded close to his tunic or under coat; and, instead of this girdle, he tied a towel about him:

1. that he might appear in the character of a servant; and

2. that he might have it in readiness to dry their feet after he had washed them.

Barnes's John 13:4 Bible Commentary

He riseth from supper - Evidently while they were eating. See John 13:2.

Laid aside his garments - His outer garment. See the notes at Matthew 5:40. This was his mantle or robe, which is said to have been without seam. It was customary to lay this aside when they worked or ran, or in the heat of summer.

Took a towel and girded himself - This was the manner of a servant or slave. See the notes at Luke 17:8.

Wesley's John 13:4 Bible Commentary

13:4 Layeth aside his garments - That part of them which would have hindered him.