Joh 13:4-5 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 4. He riseth from supper . Evidently while they were eating. See . Laid aside his garments . His outer garment. . 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.

John 13:4-5

Verse 4. He riseth from supper. Evidently while they were eating. See Jn 13:2.

Laid aside his garments. His outer garment. Mt 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. Lk 17:8 Verse 5. Began to wash, &c. It was uniformly the office of a servant to wash the feet of guests, 1Sam 25:41. It became a matter of necessity where they travelled without shoes, and where they reclined on couches at meals. It should be remembered here that the disciples were not sitting at the table, as we do, but were lying with their feet extended from the table, so that Jesus could easily have access to them. Mt 23:6.