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Washing of the Hands and Feet

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People's Bible Dictionary
• Washing of the Hands and Feet
Smith Bible Dictionary
• Washing The Hands and Feet
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McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia
• Washing the Hands and Feet
The Catholic Encyclopedia
• Washing of Feet and Hands

Washing of the Hands and Feet. This was rendered necessary by oriental customs and climate. The hands should be clean, for all persons at table put their fingers into the same dish. The feet should be washed because the sandals afforded little protection against soil; and besides, the feet would be hot. The words of Christ against the handwashings of the Pharisees was directed against it as a religious observance. Mark 7:3; Matthew 15:2; Luke 11:38. The washing by the host of the feet of the guest was a mark of respect, 1 Samuel 25:41; Luke 7:38; Luke 7:44; John 13:5-14; but usually water was provided and the guests washed their own feet, or had them washed by servants. Genesis 18:4; Judges 19:21.