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, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and you shall rise up early, and go on your way. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
And the man came into the house: and he unloaded his camels, and gave straw and fodder for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him.
And the man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys provender.
For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet there:
So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his descendants throughout their generations.
So he brought him into his house, and gave fodder unto the donkeys: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.
And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let your handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands often, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, See this woman? I entered into your house, you gave me no water for my feet: but she has washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
After that he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. Then came he to Simon Peter: and Peter said unto him, Lord, do you wash my feet? read more. Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do you know not now; but you shall know hereafter. Peter said unto him, You shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash you not, you have no part with me. Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus said to him, He that is washed needs not except to wash his feet, but is clean completely: and you are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, You are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was seated again, he said unto them, Know you what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord: and you say rightly; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet.