John 13 - NIV LifeConnect Study Bible

13:5 The people of Jesus’ time walked the dusty roads shod only in sandals, and their feet became dirt-encrusted. Etiquette demanded that, when a traveler entered a home as a guest, the host provide for the washing of the person’s feet. This distasteful chore was generally delegated to the lowliest servant in the household (see the note on 1:27).

13:10 A person would bathe before going to a feast. When they arrived, they needed only to wash their feet to be considered entirely clean again.

13:18 To eat bread together was a mark of close fellowship.

13:23 At a dinner, guests reclined on couches, leaning on the left elbow with the head toward the table.