John 13:13

13 "You call me Teacher and Lord, and it is right that you do so, because that is what I am.

John 13:13 Meaning and Commentary

John 13:13

Ye call me Master and Lord
(ybr) , and (rm) , "Master" and "Lord", were dignified titles among the Jews, which they frequently ^F25 gave to their doctors and men of learning, and are often to be met with in their writings: hence the disciples called Christ by these names, not out of flattery, but reverence of him, and esteem for him; nor are they blamed, but commended for it:

and ye say well, for so I am;
though he had acted the part of a servant in such a surprising manner, by washing their feet; yet he had not dropped and lost, but still maintains his place and authority as a "Master" to teach and instruct them, and as a "Lord" to rule and govern them.

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FOOTNOTES:

F25 Vid. T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 3. 1. Derech Erets, c. 6. fol. 18. 2.

John 13:13 In-Context

11 (Jesus already knew who was going to betray him; that is why he said, "All of you, except one, are clean.")

12 After Jesus had washed their feet, he put his outer garment back on and returned to his place at the table. "Do you understand what I have just done to you?" he asked.

13 "You call me Teacher and Lord, and it is right that you do so, because that is what I am.

14 I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet. You, then, should wash one another's feet.

15 I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you.