Lexical Summary niptér: Basin, washbasin Original Word: νιπτήρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a wash basinFrom nipto; a ewer -- bason. see GREEK nipto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom niptó Definition a basin NASB Translation basin (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3537: νιπτήρνιπτήρ, νιπτηρος, ὁ (νίπτω), a vessel for washing the hands and feet, a basin: John 13:5. (Ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 3537 refers to the basin used by Jesus when He washed the disciples’ feet during the supper preceding His arrest. Though the term appears only once in the Greek New Testament, it opens a window into the humility of the Incarnate Son, the cleansing He provides, and the servant posture He calls His followers to embody. Biblical Occurrence John 13:5 records, “After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was around Him”. The basin here serves as the humble instrument by which the Lord of glory performs a slave’s task, enacting a lived parable of redemptive cleansing and servant leadership. Cultural and Historical Background Foot-washing was common hospitality in first-century Judea. Dusty roads and open sandals left travelers’ feet filthy; the host would normally designate the lowest household slave to perform the cleansing (Genesis 18:4; Judges 19:21). In taking up the basin Himself, Jesus inverted social expectations and demonstrated that true greatness is measured in self-giving service (Luke 22:27). Theological Significance 1. Cleansing from Sin Jesus’ act points ahead to the fuller washing accomplished at the cross. When Peter hesitated, Christ replied, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8), showing that spiritual participation in Christ hinges on receiving His cleansing. 2. Sanctification and Ongoing Purity After the initial once-for-all bath of salvation, believers still require daily cleansing from defilement in a fallen world. The basin depicts this continuing grace: “The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, and he will be completely clean” (John 13:10). 3. Model of Servant Leadership The basin becomes an emblem of Christlike leadership. “I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Authority in the kingdom is exercised through humble service, not domination. Typological Considerations Old Testament worship featured a bronze laver positioned between the altar and the tent of meeting, where priests washed before ministering (Exodus 30:18-21). This prefigured the cleansing necessary for fellowship with God. The single New Testament basin of John 13 gathers that Old Testament imagery into Christ Himself, the true High Priest providing the final, effective washing. Patristic Reflection and Church Practice Early Christian writers such as Tertullian and Augustine saw the foot-washing as both symbolic and prescriptive. Some communities incorporated literal foot-washing into baptismal rites or Maundy Thursday observances, emphasizing humility and mutual service (1 Timothy 5:10). While practice varies across traditions, the sign remains a powerful reminder of the servant path. Ministry Application • Leaders voluntarily embrace menial tasks, exemplifying Christ before those they serve. Related Scriptures Genesis 18:4; Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:21; 2 Samuel 11:8; Luke 7:44; John 13:4-17; 1 Timothy 5:10; Hebrews 10:22; 1 John 1:7-9. Forms and Transliterations νιπτηρα νιπτήρα νιπτῆρα niptera niptêra niptēra niptē̂raLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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