Topical Bible: The Feet of Strangers and Travellers Washed

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near Eastern culture, the washing of feet held significant importance, particularly in the context of hospitality. This practice is frequently mentioned in the Bible and serves as a symbol of humility, service, and welcome. The act of washing the feet of strangers and travelers was a customary gesture of respect and care, reflecting the values and social norms of the time.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, the roads were dusty, and travelers often wore sandals, leaving their feet dirty and weary from long journeys. Upon entering a home, it was customary for a host to offer water for the washing of feet, either performed by the host themselves or by a servant. This act was not only practical but also a sign of hospitality and honor towards the guest.

Biblical Instances

1. Abraham's Hospitality: One of the earliest references to foot washing is found in Genesis 18:4, where Abraham offers water to wash the feet of three visitors, who are later revealed to be divine messengers. Abraham says, "Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree" . This gesture underscores Abraham's reverence and hospitality.

2. Lot in Sodom: Similarly, in Genesis 19:2, Lot extends hospitality to two angels visiting Sodom, saying, "Please, my lords, turn aside into your servant’s house. Wash your feet and spend the night; then you can rise early and go on your way" . Lot's offer of foot washing is an expression of his duty to protect and care for his guests.

3. The Levite and His Concubine: In Judges 19:21, a Levite and his concubine are offered hospitality by an old man in Gibeah. The text states, "So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank" . This narrative highlights the cultural expectation of providing for the needs of travelers.

4. Jesus and His Disciples: In the New Testament, Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet during the Last Supper is a profound demonstration of servanthood and love. John 13:5 records, "After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel that was wrapped around Him" . Jesus uses this act to teach His disciples about humility and service, saying, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14).

Theological Significance

The washing of feet in the Bible is rich with theological meaning. It symbolizes purification, humility, and the willingness to serve others selflessly. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it also prefigures the cleansing from sin that He offers through His sacrifice. The act of foot washing serves as a reminder of the call to love and serve one another, following the example set by Christ.

Practical Application

For believers, the practice of foot washing can be a tangible expression of humility and service. It challenges individuals to consider how they can serve others in their daily lives, embodying the love and hospitality that is central to the Christian faith. The biblical accounts of foot washing encourage a spirit of generosity and kindness towards strangers and travelers, reflecting the heart of God towards all people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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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1 Timothy 5:10
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
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Library

The Scourging of Jesus.
... arms to such a height that his feet, which were ... At this moment, some strangers mounted
on camels passed ... Some of these travellers had been baptised by John, and ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxii the scourging of.htm

Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius.
... their long privations you propose to satisfy travellers with sudden ... With his own
hands he washed the feet of his ... While the strangers dined he stood by to serve ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxvi to pammachius.htm

"But the End of all Things is at Hand, be Ye Therefore Sober and ...
... Your minds are highways for the travellers of this world to ... Are ye not then under
the feet of this present ... this world, that ye might be as strangers at home ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xx but the end.htm

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... in pure and sonorous Castilian, 'Cavaliers, at your feet! ... The strangers, who had
looked somewhat blank at the ... we have frequently heard travellers speak in ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

Brother Hugh
... to make, retrieved saintly instances, washed his feet, walked with ... Among the travellers
must have been many noble ... given in these parts to strangers was warmer ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter ii brother hugh.htm

The Adventures of Saint George of England.
... surface, and gazed with curious eyes at the strangers. ... wriggled about and hissed
as the travellers passed, and ... Then, springing to his feet after a hurried meal ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter three the adventures of.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... as now, Jerusalem was crowded with strangers from all ... into the Temple area, of 105
feet, so as ... to 250,000, [553] was enormously swelled by travellers, and by ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

In Him: Like Him
... into a banquet-hall, as returning travellers into their ... them.Will we not joyfully
fix our feet upon this ... are without God, and without Christ, strangers to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/in him like him.htm

The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha)
... bought and poured upon the head and feet of our ... prince, who kept a house for the
entertainment of strangers. ... We are travellers, said the girl, and are seeking ...
/.../the arabic gospel of the infancy of the saviour/the arabic gospel of the.htm

On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ...
... whole city, but the deed of certain strangers and adventurers ... waves of extravagant
desires; and as travellers let us ... Take hold of his feet; embrace him; be not ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii on the departure.htm