Reference: Washing the hands and feet
Smith
Washing the hands and feet.
As knives and forks were not used in the East, in Scripture times, in eating, it was necessary that the hand, which was thrust into the common dish, should be scrupulously clean; and again, as sandals were ineffectual against the dust and heat of the climate, washing the feet on entering a house was an act both of respect to the company and of refreshment to the traveller. The former of these usages was transformed by the Pharisees of the New Testament age into a matter of ritual observance,
and special rules were laid down as to the time and manner of its performance. Washing the feet did not rise to the dignity of a ritual observance except in connection with the services of the sanctuary.
It held a high place, however, among the rites of hospitality. Immediately that a guest presented himself at the tent door it was usual to offer the necessary materials for washing the feet.
Ge 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; Jg 19:21
It was a yet more complimentary act, betokening equally humility and affection, if the host himself performed the office for his guest.
1Sa 25:41; Lu 7:38,44; Joh 13:5-14; 1Ti 5:10
Such a token of hospitality is still occasionally exhibited in the East.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Let there be fetched, I pray thee a little water, and bathe ye your feet, - and rest yourselves under the tree.
And he said Behold, I pray you my lords turn aside, I pray you, into the house of your servant, - and tarry the night and bathe your feet, so shall ye rise early, and go on your way. And they said, Nay, but, in the broad way, will we tarry the night.
So the man came in towards the house, and ungirded the camels, - and there was given him straw and fodder for the camels, and water for bathing his own feet and the feet of the men who were with him;
So the man brought the men into Joseph's house, - and gave them water and they bathed their feet, and he gave them provender for their asses.
So shall Aaron and his sons bathe thereat, - their hands, and their feet.
so then they shall bathe their hands and their feet and shall not die, - and it shall be to them an age-abiding statute, to him and to his seed to their generations.
So he brought him into his house, and gave provender to the asses, - and they bathed their feet, and did eat and drink.
And she arose, and bowed herself down with her face to the earth, - and said - Lo! thy handmaid, as serving-woman to bathe the feet of the servants of my lord.
For, the Pharisees, and all the Jews, unless with care they wash their hands, eat not, holding fast the tradition of the elders;
and standing behind, near his feet, weeping, with the tears, began she to be wetting his feet, and, with the hair of her head, was wiping off the tears , and was tenderly kissing his feet, and anointing them with the perfume.
And, turning towards the woman, unto Simon, he said - Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house: water to me, on my feet, thou didst not give, - but, she, with her tears, hath wetted my feet, and, with her hair, wiped off the tears .
Next, he poureth water into the wash-basin, and began to be washing the feet of the disciples, and to be wiping them with the linen cloth wherewith he was girded. So he cometh unto Simon Peter. He saith unto him - Lord, dost, thou, wash my feet? read more. Jesus answered, and said unto him - What, I, am doing, thou, knowest not, as yet; howbeit, thou shalt got to know, hereafter. Peter saith unto him - In nowise shalt thou, ever, wash my feet. Jesus answered him - If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him - Lord! not my feet only, but my hands also, and my head. Jesus saith unto him - He that hath bathed himself, hath no need save as to the feetto get washed; but is pure, as a whole. And, ye, are, pure, but not ye, all. For he know the man that was delivering him up; therefore, said he - Not ye all, are pure. When, therefore, he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and reclined, again said he unto them - Are ye taking note, what I have done unto you? Ye, call me, The Teacher, and, The Lord, - and, well, say, for I am. If then, I, have washed your feet, - I The Lord, and, The Teacher, ye also, ought to wash, one another's, feet;