King James Bible
"Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me."
Peter's emphatic refusal reveals his discomfort with the reversal of social hierarchy—masters don't wash servants' feet. His protest stems from both cultural propriety and genuine reverence for Jesus, yet ironically demonstrates the very pride that foot-washing addresses. Christ shifts the conversation from physical washing to spiritual necessity, using the conditional 'if' to establish that accepting his humble service is non-negotiable. The act symbolizes the cleansing only Jesus can provide through his coming sacrifice. This stark ultimatum transforms foot-washing from optional courtesy to essential participation in Christ's kingdom. The phrase 'no part' (Greek: meros) implies complete exclusion from fellowship and inheritance, compelling Peter to surrender his self-reliance.