The table is literally “the meal,” but a number of translators render it as Good News Translation does.

The expression he rose from the table involves what some would call a “hidden figure.” In this context the table is a figurative expression for the meal, and rose means standing up, not literally rising above a surface. A literal translation of this statement could be understood in some languages to mean that Jesus was floating in the air above the table. The most convenient equivalent may be “so Jesus stood up.”

Took off his outer garment is more literally “puts (aside) his outer garments.” The verb took off (Greek tithēmi) is not the normal word used for taking off one’s clothes, but it is used in 10.11,15,17, and 18 for the laying down of one’s life. By “laying down” his garments, Jesus foreshadows the “laying down” of his life. It may be noted in this context that the same words rendered put … back on in verse 12 is translated receive … back and take … back (of Jesus’ life) in 10.17,18. The word rendered outer garment may have this specific meaning, or it may simply mean “garment” in the general sense; but John clearly intends his readers to understand that Jesus did not completely disrobe, and so it is better to specify an outer garment. In most languages outer garment is equivalent to “coat,” but this term should not be understood in the sense of a heavy overcoat. It would be equivalent to “robe” in some languages.

The word rendered towel appears only here and in verse 5 in the New Testament.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .