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 fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
And he said, "See lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house; and tarry all night and wash your feet, and rise up early and go on your ways." And they said, "Nay, but we will bide in the streets all night."
And then the man came in to the house: and he unbridled the camels: and brought litter and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet and their feet that were with him,
and led them into Joseph's house, and gave them water to wash their feet, and gave their asses provender.
that Aaron and his sons may wash both their hands and their feet thereout,
And it shall be an ordinance forever unto him and his seed among your children after you."
And he brought him into his house, and gave fodder unto his asses. 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 thy handmaid, to 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; observing the traditions of the elders.
and she 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 ointment.
And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, "Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, and thou gavest me no water to my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
After that, poured he water into a basin, and began to wash his disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was gird. Then came he to Simon Peter. And Peter said to him, "Lord shalt thou wash my feet?" read more. Jesus answered and said unto him, "What I do, thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." Peter said unto him, "Thou shalt not wash my feet while the world standeth." Jesus answered him, "If I wash thee not, thou shalt 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 needeth not, save to wash his feet, and is clean every whit. And ye are clean: but not all." For he knew his betrayer. Therefore said he, "Ye are not all clean." After he had washed their feet, and received his clothes, and was set down again, he said unto them, "Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me 'Master' and 'Lord,' and ye say well, for so am I. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet: ye also ought to wash one another's feet.