Bible Dictionary
Washing The Hands And Feet
Washing the hands and feet was a customary act of cleanliness, refreshment, and hospitality. Washing hands before eating became a detailed religious tradition among the Pharisees, while washing feet remained a common courtesy toward guests.
Definition
Washing the hands and feet was an act of cleanliness, refreshment, and hospitality. Hands were washed before eating, while feet were washed after travel and on entering a house. The host’s washing of a guest’s feet could express humility and affection.
Biblical Usage
Handwashing became a ritual observance among the Pharisees. Footwashing appears in sanctuary service and, more commonly, in hospitality; it could be performed by the host for a guest as an especially complimentary act.
Historical Background
Because meals were eaten with the hands and sandals offered little protection from dust and heat, clean hands and washed feet were practically important in the ancient East. Materials for washing feet were ordinarily offered when a guest arrived.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
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, (Mark 7:3) 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. (Exodus 30:19,21) 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. (Genesis 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; Judges 19:21) It was a yet more complimentary act, betokening equally humility and affection, if the host himself performed the office for his guest. (1 Samuel 25:41; Luke 7:38,44; John 13:5-14; 1 Timothy 5:10) Such a token of hospitality is still occasionally exhibited in the East.