Lexical Summary lention: Towel, linen cloth Original Word: λέντιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance towel. Of Latin origin; a "linen" cloth, i.e. Apron -- towel. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a linen cloth, a towel NASB Translation towel (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3012: λέντιονλέντιον, λεντιου, τό (a Latin word,linteum), a linen cloth, towel (Arrian peripl. mar. rubr. 4): of the towel or apron, which servants put on when about to work (Suetonius, Calig. 26), John 13:4f; with which it was supposed the nakedness of persons undergoing crucifixion was covered, Ev. Nicod. c. 10; cf. Thilo, Cod. Apocrypha, p. 582f. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Strong’s Greek 3012 occurs twice, both in the narrative of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:4; John 13:5). It designates the linen towel Jesus used to gird Himself and to dry the disciples’ feet. Cultural and Historical Background In first-century Palestine, guests customarily had their feet washed upon entering a home, a task assigned to servants because it involved removing dust and grime gathered on unpaved roads (Genesis 18:4; Luke 7:44). A linen towel signified readiness for menial service; slaves often wrapped such cloths around the waist to keep their hands free while attending to household duties. By assuming this attire, Jesus deliberately placed Himself in the role of the lowest servant in the room. Theological Significance John presents the foot-washing as an enacted parable of the Incarnation and the Cross. The sequence—laying aside garments, girding with a towel, washing, then taking His garments again (John 13:4, 12)—mirrors Philippians 2:6-11: the Son leaves heavenly glory, humbles Himself, cleanses His people, and is reinstated in glory. Thus the towel becomes a symbol of self-emptying love that ultimately carries Christ to the cross for a deeper cleansing “by the washing with water through the word” (Ephesians 5:26). Implications for Christian Ministry and Discipleship Immediately after the act, Jesus declares, “I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). The towel therefore epitomizes servant leadership. Christian authority is exercised through humble service, not dominance (Mark 10:42-45). The early church adopted literal foot-washing in certain contexts (1 Timothy 5:10) and, more importantly, embraced its ethic of self-sacrificial care (Galatians 5:13). Symbolism of Cleansing and Humility Water removes external soil; the towel completes the cleansing by drying. Together they portray the totality of salvation—the forgiveness of sin and the ongoing sanctification wrought by Christ (1 John 1:7-9). When Peter objects, Jesus responds, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8), underscoring that only Christ can confer true spiritual cleanliness. Yet He invites believers to share in ministering that cleansing to one another (John 13:14; James 5:16). Early Church Reflection Patristic writers saw in the towel both Christ’s humanity (cloth woven of earthly fibers) and His righteousness (spotless linen). Augustine links the act to baptismal grace; Chrysostom stresses its call to humility among church leaders. Medieval monastic communities institutionalized foot-washing on Maundy Thursday, preserving the memory of Christ’s example. Practical Application for the Church Today 1. Worship: Remember the towel whenever the Lord’s Supper is observed, for both rites spring from the same Upper Room discourse and summon believers to examine their hearts. Related Biblical Themes and Scriptures • Humble service: Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:3-8. Summary The “towel” of John 13 epitomizes incarnate humility, sacrificial cleansing, and servant leadership. Though mentioned only twice in the New Testament, its ministry significance reverberates through the Church’s call to wash one another’s feet—literally in some traditions and figuratively in every act of self-denying love that points to the cleansing work of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations ελέπισε ελέπισεν λεντιον λέντιον λεντιω λεντίω λεντίῳ λέξεως λέξιν λέξις lentio lentiō lentíoi lentíōi lention léntionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 13:4 N-ANSGRK: καὶ λαβὼν λέντιον διέζωσεν ἑαυτόν NAS: and taking a towel, He girded KJV: and took a towel, and girded himself. INT: and having taken a towel he girded himself John 13:5 N-DNS Strong's Greek 3012 |
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