New International VersionSimon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”
New Living TranslationSimon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?” And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”
English Standard VersionSimon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.”
Berean Standard Bible“Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.”
Berean Literal BibleSimon Peter says to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I go, you are not able to follow Me now, but you will follow afterward."
King James BibleSimon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
New King James VersionSimon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”
New American Standard BibleSimon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.”
NASB 1995Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.”
NASB 1977Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you shall follow later.”
Legacy Standard BibleSimon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.”
Amplified BibleSimon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now; but you will be able to follow later.”
Christian Standard Bible“Lord,” Simon Peter said to him, “where are you going? ” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleLord,” Simon Peter said to Him, “where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later."”
American Standard VersionSimon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow afterwards.
Contemporary English VersionSimon Peter asked, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "You can't go with me now, but later on you will."
English Revised VersionSimon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow afterwards.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSimon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered him, "You can't follow me now to the place where I'm going. However, you will follow me later."
Good News Translation"Where are you going, Lord?" Simon Peter asked him. "You cannot follow me now where I am going," answered Jesus; "but later you will follow me."
International Standard VersionSimon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered him, "I'm going where you cannot follow me now, though you will follow me later on."
NET BibleSimon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later."
New Heart English BibleSimon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow afterwards."
Webster's Bible TranslationSimon Peter said to him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterward.
Weymouth New Testament"Master," inquired Simon Peter, "where are you going?" "Where I am going," replied Jesus, "you cannot be my follower now, but you shall be later." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow Me later.”
World English BibleSimon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you can’t follow now, but you will follow afterwards.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSimon Peter says to Him, “Lord, to where do You go away?” Jesus answered him, “To where I go away, you are not able now to follow Me, but afterward you will follow Me.”
Berean Literal BibleSimon Peter says to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I go, you are not able to follow Me now, but you will follow afterward."
Young's Literal Translation Simon Peter saith to him, 'Sir, whither dost thou go away?' Jesus answered him, 'Whither I go away, thou art not able now to follow me, but afterward thou shalt follow me.'
Smith's Literal TranslationSimon Peter says to him, Lord, where retirest thou? Jesus answered him, Where I retire, thou shalt not be able to follow me now; and afterwards thou shalt follow me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSimon Peter saith to him: Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered: Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow hereafter.
Catholic Public Domain VersionSimon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus responded: “Where I am going, you are not able to follow me now. But you shall follow afterward.”
New American BibleSimon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered [him], “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.”
New Revised Standard VersionSimon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterward.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSimon Peter said to him, Our Lord, where are you going? Jesus answered and said to him, Where I go, you cannot follow me now, but you will follow later.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishShimeon Kaypha said to him, “Our Lord, where are you going?” Yeshua answered and said to him, “Where I go, you cannot now come after me, but at the end you shall come.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentSimon Peter said to him: Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him: Whither I go, you can not follow me now; but you shall follow me hereafter.
Godbey New TestamentSimon Peter says to Him; Lord, whither do you go? Jesus responded, Whither I go you are not able to follow me now; but shall follow me hereafter.
Haweis New Testament
Simon Peter saith to him, Lord, Whither art thou going? Jesus answered him, Whither I am going, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me hereafter.
Mace New Testament
Simon Peter said to him, Lord, where are you going? Jesus answered him, you cannot at present follow me, where I am going; but hereafter you shall.
Weymouth New Testament
"Master," inquired Simon Peter, "where are you going?" "Where I am going," replied Jesus, "you cannot be my follower now, but you shall be later."
Worrell New Testament
Simon Peter says to Him, "Lord, where art Thou going?" Jesus answered,"Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow Me later."
Worsley New Testament
Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, whither art thou going? Jesus answered him,Whither I am going thou canst not follow me now, but thou shalt follow me hereafter.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial35By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” 36“Lord,whereare You going?”SimonPeterasked.Jesusanswered,“WhereI am going,you cannotfollowMenow,butyou will followlater.”37“Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.”…
Cross References John 21:18-19Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” / Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.”
John 14:2-4In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. / You know the way to the place where I am going.”
John 12:26If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
Matthew 16:24-25Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. / For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Luke 22:31-34Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat. / But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” / “Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.” ...
Mark 8:34-35Then Jesus called the crowd to Him along with His disciples, and He told them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. / For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it.
Matthew 26:33-35Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.” / “Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” / Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing.
Luke 9:23-24Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. / For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
1 Peter 2:21For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps:
2 Peter 1:14because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
Acts 12:1-3About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. / He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. / And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Matthew 10:38-39and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. / Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Mark 10:38-39“You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I will drink, or be baptized with the baptism I will undergo?” / “We can,” the brothers answered. “You will drink the cup that I drink,” Jesus said, “and you will be baptized with the baptism that I undergo.
John 7:33-34So Jesus said, “I am with you only a little while longer, and then I am going to the One who sent Me. / You will look for Me, but you will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come.”
John 8:21Again He said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for Me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.”
Treasury of Scripture Simon Peter said to him, Lord, where go you? Jesus answered him, Where I go, you can not follow me now; but you shall follow me afterwards. whither. John 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. John 14:4,5 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know… John 16:17 Then saidsome of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? thou. John 21:18,19,22 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carrythee whither thou wouldest not… 2 Peter 1:14 Knowing that shortly I must put offthis my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Jump to Previous AbleAfterwardAfterwardsFollowFollowerGoestInquiredJesusLaterMasterPeterSimonSirWhitherJump to Next AbleAfterwardAfterwardsFollowFollowerGoestInquiredJesusLaterMasterPeterSimonSirWhitherJohn 13 1.Jesus washes the disciples' feet, and exhorts them to humility and charity.18.He foretells and discovers to John by a token, that Judas should betray him;31.commands them to love one another;36.and forewarns Peter of his denials.“Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked.Simon Peter, often seen as the spokesperson for the disciples, frequently voiced questions and concerns that others might have had. His inquiry reflects a deep concern and confusion about Jesus' earlier statements regarding His departure. This question arises during the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, where Jesus is preparing His disciples for His impending crucifixion and departure from the world. Peter's question shows his desire to remain close to Jesus, highlighting the close relationship between them. This moment is set in Jerusalem, a city with profound religious significance, especially during Passover, when Jews from all over would gather, adding to the tension and anticipation of the events to come. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.”
Jesus' response indicates a journey that Peter is not yet ready to undertake, pointing to His upcoming death, resurrection, and ascension. The phrase "you cannot follow Me now" suggests that there are spiritual and redemptive purposes that must be fulfilled by Jesus alone. This statement foreshadows Peter's eventual martyrdom, as tradition holds that Peter was crucified in Rome, following in the footsteps of his Master. The promise "you will follow later" reassures Peter of his future role in the early Church and his eventual reunion with Christ. This echoes themes found in other scriptures, such asJohn 14:2-3, where Jesus speaks of preparing a place for His followers, and1 Peter 2:21, where Peter himself later writes about following Christ's example. Persons / Places / Events 1. Simon PeterOne of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his impulsive nature and deep devotion to Jesus. He often acts as a spokesperson for the disciples. 2. JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is preparing His disciples for His impending crucifixion and departure from this world. 3. The Upper RoomThe setting for this conversation, where Jesus shares the Last Supper with His disciples and delivers His farewell discourse. 4. The CrucifixionThe event Jesus is alluding to, where He will be crucified, die, and later resurrect, marking the path that Peter and the other disciples will eventually follow in their own ministries. 5. The Future Path of DiscipleshipJesus hints at the future journey of Peter and the other disciples, who will follow in His footsteps through their own trials and eventual martyrdom. Teaching Points Understanding Jesus' MissionJesus' response to Peter highlights the necessity of His unique mission of salvation through the cross, which was not yet fully understood by the disciples. The Timing of God's PlanJesus indicates that there is a divine timing for everything. Peter's time to follow Jesus' path of suffering and glory would come later, teaching us patience and trust in God's timing. The Cost of DiscipleshipFollowing Jesus involves sacrifice and sometimes suffering. Peter's eventual path shows the cost of true discipleship, encouraging believers to be prepared for trials in their faith journey. Hope in Future GloryJesus' words offer hope that while the path may be difficult, it ultimately leads to eternal life and glory with Him. Faithfulness in UncertaintyEven when the future is unclear, believers are called to remain faithful, trusting that Jesus has prepared the way and will guide them through. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 13:36?
2.How does John 13:36 demonstrate Peter's commitment to following Jesus?
3.What does Jesus' response in John 13:36 reveal about His divine plan?
4.How can John 13:36 encourage us to trust God's timing in our lives?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of following Jesus despite uncertainty?
6.How can we apply Peter's willingness to follow Jesus in our daily lives?
7.What does Jesus mean by "Where I am going, you cannot follow now" in John 13:36?
8.How does John 13:36 relate to the concept of predestination?
9.Why does Jesus tell Peter he cannot follow Him now in John 13:36?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 13?
11.Did Jesus know His return date?
12.Did Peter deny Jesus before the rooster crowed?
13.In John 13:24-26, why did the other disciples not intervene when Jesus revealed Judas as His betrayer?
14.John 21:15-17 - Why does Jesus repeat his question to Peter three times, and does this contradict or overlap inconsistently with Peter's declarations in earlier chapters?What Does John 13:36 Mean Lord• Peter addresses Jesus with the title that confesses His absolute authority and divinity. • Calling Jesus “Lord” is an act of wholehearted submission, echoing later proclamations such asActs 2:36,Romans 10:9, andPhilippians 2:11. • By beginning his question this way, Peter affirms what the entire passage assumes: Jesus is fully trustworthy, and whatever He says next is unerring truth.
where are You going?• Peter feels the impending separation Jesus has just mentioned (John 13:33) and longs for clarity. • His question mirrors the disciples’ collective bewilderment (John 16:5-6) and shows the human desire to stay close to the One who has the words of eternal life. • In asking, Peter models the openness Scripture encourages: “Ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7).
Simon Peter asked.• True to character, Peter speaks first and loudest (cf.Matthew 14:28;Mark 8:29). • His boldness is not presumption but love; he cannot imagine life apart from Jesus. • The Gospel records this detail to remind believers that honest questions are welcomed by the Lord.
Jesus answered,• Jesus meets Peter’s concern with a gracious, direct reply—showing that He never ignores sincere inquiry (James 1:5). • The response will stretch Peter’s faith, yet it is saturated with hope.
Where I am going,• Jesus points to His imminent return to the Father, accomplished through His death, resurrection, and ascension (John 14:2-3;John 16:10). • The destination is the heavenly realm where He will prepare eternal dwellings for His followers.
you cannot follow Me now,• Only the sinless Son can bear the cross; no human companion may share that redemptive path (Hebrews 7:27). • Jesus also protects the disciples from premature danger, as seen when He surrenders Himself and shields them in Gethsemane (John 18:8). • The “now” underscores a temporary restriction, not a permanent exclusion.
but you will follow later.• A promise: Peter and every true disciple will enter Christ’s presence in God’s timing. • For Peter specifically, “later” includes a foretold martyrdom that glorifies God (John 21:18-19;2 Peter 1:14). • For all believers, it assures ultimate reunion—whether by death (Philippians 1:23) or at the Lord’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:17). • Jesus thus blends sobering reality with steadfast hope, anchoring faith beyond the moment.
summaryJohn 13:36 records Peter’s heartfelt plea and Jesus’ two-fold reply. Peter’s address, “Lord,” acknowledges Christ’s supreme authority. His question reveals genuine concern and devotion. Jesus answers by declaring His unique, redemptive journey back to the Father—a path no disciple can tread in that moment—while at the same time promising future fellowship. The verse therefore teaches both the exclusivity of Christ’s saving work and the certainty that those who trust Him will ultimately join Him. (36) Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou?--Comp. John 13:33. The earnest, loving nature of the Apostle dwells upon the words which tell of the Master's departure. He is prepared to follow Him to danger, or even to death, and, that he may do so, asks whither it is that He is going. Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now.--Our Lord does not give the answer which St. Peter had sought, but repeats the statement ofJohn 13:33. For St. Peter, as for the others, the place must be prepared and the way opened before they could follow (John 14:2). For him, as for his Master, the day's work was to be done before the night would come, and it was not done yet. But that night would come, and he would hereafter follow his Master in a more literal sense than any of which he thought. (See Notes onJohn 21:18-19.) Verse 36- John 14:4. - (3) Thequestion of Simon Peter, with the terrible response and bitter grief of the entire group, followed by the consoling promise.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek “Lord,Κύριε(Kyrie)Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.whereποῦ(pou)Adverb
Strong's 4226:Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality.are You going?”ὑπάγεις(hypageis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5217:To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively.SimonΣίμων(Simōn)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4613:Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.PeterΠέτρος(Petros)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074:Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.asked.Λέγει(Legei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.answered,Ἀπεκρίθη(Apekrithē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.“WhereὍπου(Hopou)Adverb
Strong's 3699:Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.I am going,ὑπάγω(hypagō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5217:To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively.you cannotδύνασαί(dynasai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1410:(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.followἀκολουθῆσαι(akolouthēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 190:To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.Meμοι(moi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.now,νῦν(nyn)Adverb
Strong's 3568:A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.you will followἀκολουθήσεις(akolouthēseis)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 190:To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.later.”ὕστερον(hysteron)Adverb
Strong's 5305:Lastly, afterward, later. Neuter of husteros as adverb; more lately, i.e. Eventually.
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NT Gospels: John 13:36 Simon Peter said to him Lord where (Jhn Jo Jn) |
