What Does John 13:15 Mean in the King James?
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
Jesus gives you a pattern already embodied in his own act: what he does for you becomes visible in what you do for others.
THE MEANING
Jesus’ way of serving is already shown in an act you can see. The verse makes that act the shape of what passes between you and others.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The false split is that Jesus’ teaching can be admired while his way of treating people remains unrelated to yours. Here, his own action becomes the model.
THE ROOT
ὑπόδειγμα
hypódeigma
GROWS FROM
δεικ- (deik-, from δείκνυμι / deiknymi)
show, point out, make visible
The verse’s “example” is a displayed model, something made visible so its shape can be recognized and repeated. Here the model is Jesus’ own act, with the preceding sentence naming the washing of feet.
ALSO GROWS
deíknymi: to show, point out
δείκνυμι
Jesus’ action makes the way of serving visible.
deigma: a sample, specimen, or example
δεῖγμα
A concrete act can serve as a sample of how the pattern takes shape.
apódeixis: a demonstration or proof
ἀπόδειξις
The model is demonstrated through action, not left as an abstraction.
πεποίηκα
pepoíēka
GROWS FROM
ποιε- (poie-, from ποιέω / poieō)
do, make, bring about
“I have done” is a Greek perfect form: the act is completed, and its result remains. The word family links doing with making; Jesus’ action takes shape as a pattern that can continue between people.
ALSO GROWS
poiētēs: a maker or doer
ποιητής
The same word family joins action with the person who carries it out.
poiēma: a thing made or workmanship
ποίημα
Doing produces something shaped; here, the enacted pattern shapes how people serve one another.
THE PATTERN
A way is transmitted when a visible act becomes a pattern others carry forward.
According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:THE THREAD
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.This verse names the concrete act behind “example”: the Lord and Master washes feet, then connects that act to how his followers treat one another. It keeps the model embodied rather than abstract.
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