Definition and Significance:
Ablution of the feet, also known as foot washing, is a ritual act of washing one's feet, often symbolizing purification, humility, and service. In biblical contexts, it holds both practical and spiritual significance, serving as a gesture of hospitality, a symbol of cleansing, and an example of servitude.

Old Testament Context:
In the ancient Near East, foot washing was a common practice due to the dusty and arid environment. It was customary for hosts to offer water for guests to wash their feet upon arrival, as seen in Genesis 18:4, where Abraham offers water to the three visitors: "Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree." Similarly, in Genesis 24:32, when Abraham's servant arrives at Laban's house, water is provided for him and his men to wash their feet.

Foot washing also appears in the context of ritual purification. In Exodus 30:19-21, God commands Moses to make a bronze basin for Aaron and his sons to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness in worship.

New Testament Context:
The most notable instance of foot washing in the New Testament is found in John 13:1-17, where Jesus washes the feet of His disciples during the Last Supper. This act is rich in symbolism and teaching. Jesus, taking on the role of a servant, demonstrates humility and love, instructing His disciples to follow His example: "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14).

Foot washing in this context is not merely an act of physical cleansing but a profound lesson in servitude and humility. Jesus emphasizes that true leadership and greatness in His kingdom are marked by serving others.

Theological Implications:
The ablution of the feet in the Bible carries deep theological implications. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual cleansing and renewal. In John 13:10, Jesus tells Peter, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean." This suggests that while believers are cleansed through faith, they require continual purification from daily sins and impurities.

Furthermore, foot washing exemplifies the Christian call to humility and service. It challenges believers to adopt a posture of servitude, reflecting Christ's love and humility in their interactions with others.

Cultural and Liturgical Practices:
Throughout history, foot washing has been practiced in various Christian traditions, particularly on Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper. Some denominations incorporate foot washing into their liturgical practices as a symbol of humility and community.

In summary, the ablution of the feet in biblical texts serves as a multifaceted symbol of hospitality, purification, humility, and service, with enduring significance in both personal spirituality and communal worship.Genesis 18:4
Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
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Genesis 19:2
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 ways. And they said, No; but we will abide in the street all night.
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Genesis 24:32
And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him.
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Genesis 43:24
And the man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.
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Exodus 30:19,21
For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:
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Exodus 40:31
And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:
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Judges 19:21
So he brought him into his house, and gave provender to the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.
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2 Samuel 11:8
And David said to Uriah, Go down to your house, and wash your feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king.
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Songs 5:3
I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?
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Luke 7:38,44
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.
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John 13:5
After that he pours water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.
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3538. nipto -- to wash
... wash. To cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially,
to perform ablution -- wash. Compare louo. see GREEK louo. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3538.htm - 7k

Epistle xxv. To Gregoria.
... the city, those hands which had been polluted with iniquity, touched the feet of
Him ... that day the house of David shall be an open fountain for ablution of the ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxv to gregoria.htm

Pagans.
... with grease: this was done alternately, till the pile was five feet in height ... The
woman was also led to the Ganges for ablution, where she divested herself of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/pagans.htm

Whether the Actions Performed in Celebrating this Sacrament are ...
... in the same way as it was then: because the washing of the feet is omitted ... has to
celebrate another mass on the same day, lest from taking the ablution-wine he ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the actions performed in.htm

The City of Benares.
... bank, on which the city stands, is in many parts more than a hundred feet high ... It
is evident they are not engaged in mere ablution, so important for health and ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

Christ's Connection with the Creator Shown from Several Incidents ...
... But when He charges them to shake off the dust of their feet against such ... the child
from her who bears him; [4303] never received the copious ablution, nor the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxi christs connection with the.htm

Ranee Khet Mission.
... the stream, many of them, I suppose, getting well-nigh the only ablution they have ...
linked hand in hand, who move about in circles, shuffle their feet, and sing ...
/.../chapter xxii ranee khet mission.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... be bought, you would spare no money; but if mercy is freely at your feet, you despise
it for its cheapness. Every time is suitable for your ablution, since any ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... uncoffined, were thrust under the sand, at a depth of barely three feet from the ...
side, from the first moment when water is brought to him for ablution, to that ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... The feet were shod with sandals, a tight-fitting cap covered the head, and ... woman
rendered both impure, and they had to perform an ablution before recommencing ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

How Christ Performed the Office of Redeemer in Procuring Our ...
... their seat in our inmost hearts, we must never lose sight of sacrifice and ablution. ...
in that which is to come; and has put all things under his feet, and given ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 how christ performed.htm

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