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 a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.
and said, "My lords, turn aside to your servant's house, wash your feet, and spend the night. Then you can get up early and go on your way." "No," they said. "We would rather spend the night in the square."
So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were given to the camels, and water was brought to wash his feet and the feet of the men with him.
The man brought the men into Joseph's house, gave them water to wash their feet, and got feed for their donkeys.
Aaron and his sons must wash their hands and feet from the basin.
They must wash their hands and feet so that they will not die; this is to be a permanent statute for them, for Aaron and his descendants throughout their generations."
So he brought him to his house and fed the donkeys. Then they washed their feet and ate and drank.
She bowed her face to the ground and said, "Here I am, your servant, to wash the feet of my lord's servants."
(For the Pharisees, in fact all the Jews, will not eat unless they wash their hands ritually, keeping the tradition of the elders.
and stood behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears. She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil.
Turning to the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she, with her tears, has washed My feet and wiped them with her hair.
Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him. He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, "Lord, are You going to wash my feet?" read more. Jesus answered him, "What I'm doing you don't understand now, but afterwards you will know." "You will never wash my feet-ever!" Peter said. Jesus replied, "If I don't wash you, you have no part with Me." Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head." "One who has bathed," Jesus told him, "doesn't need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you." For He knew who would betray Him. This is why He said, "You are not all clean." When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, "Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.