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
Please. Let a little water be brought. Wash your feet and rest under the tree.
My lords, he said, come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the night. You may get up in the morning as early as you like and be on your way again. Oh no, they said, We will spend the night out here in the city square.
The man went into the house. Laban unloaded the camels and gave them straw and fodder. Then he brought water for Abraham's servant and his men to wash their feet.
The servant took them into Joseph's house. He gave them water to wash their feet. He also tended their donkeys.
Aaron and his sons will use it for washing their hands and feet.
They must wash their hands and feet, so that they will not die. This is a long lasting rule that they and their descendants are to observe.
He took them home and fed their donkeys. They washed their feet and ate and drank.
She bowed down with her face touching the ground. I am ready to serve, she said. I am willing to wash the feet of my master's servants.
(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat until they wash their hands. They practice the tradition of the elders.)
Standing by his feet weeping, she wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with the hair of her head. Then she kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.
Turning to the woman, he said to Simon: See this woman? I entered into your house and you gave me no water for my feet. She watered my feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair.
Then he poured water into the basin and washed the disciples' feet. He wiped them with the towel he was wearing. When he approached, Simon Peter said: Lord do you wash my feet? read more. You do not know what I do now, Jesus said: but you will understand later. Peter said: You will never wash my feet. Jesus answered him: If I do not wash you; you have no part with me. Simon Peter replied: Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus responded: He that is bathed must wash his feet. He is clean everywhere and you are clean, but not all. He knew who would betray him. That is why he said you are not all clean. After he washed their feet he put his outer garments on and sat down. He asked: Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord and you are right for I am. If the Teacher and Lord washed your feet you should wash one another's feet.