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
Now he shall take a little water, and will wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.
And he will say, Behold now, lords, turn aside now to the house of your servant, and pass the night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise early. and go forth to your ways. And they will say, Nay; for in the street we will pass the night
And the man will come into the house and will loosen the camels, and give straw and fodder to the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the feet of the men which are with him.
And the man will bring the men into Joseph's house, and will give water, and they will wash their feet; and he will give fodder to their asses.
And Aaron and his son washed from it their hands and their feet.
And they shall wash their hands and their feet, and they shall not die: and it was to them a law forever, to him and to his seed and to their generations.
And he will bring him to his house, and will bring for the asses: and they will wash their feet, and eat and drink
And she will rise and worship with the face to the earth, and say, Behold, thy servant for a servant to wash the feet of my lord's servants.
(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they vigorously wash hands, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
And stood at his feet behind, weeping, been to wet his feet with tears, and wiped with the hairs of her head; and she kissed his feet, and anointed with the perfumed oil.
And having turned to the woman, he said to Simon, Thou seest this woman? I came into thy house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: and she wet my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
Then casts he water into a washing vessel, and began to wash the feet of the disciples, and to wipe with the linen cloth with which he was girded. And he comes to Simon Peter: and he says to him, Lord, washest thou my feet? read more. Jesus answered and said to him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know after these. Peter says to him, Thou shouldest never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, Except I wash thee, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter says to him, Lord, not my feet only, but the hands and head. Jesus says to him, He washed has no need but to have the feet washed, but is wholly clean: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew him delivering him up, therefore he said, Ye are not all clean. When therefore he washed their feet; and took his garments, going to recline again, he said to them, Knew ye what I have done to you? Ye call one Teacher and Lord: and ye say well; for I am. If therefore, I washed your feet, the Lord and Teacher; ye also ought to wash the feet of one another: