King James Version

What Does John 13:36 Mean?

John 13:36 in the King James Version says “Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but...” — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Simon 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.”

John 13:36 · KJV

Context

34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another .

36

Simon 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.

37

Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

38

Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Lord, whither goest thou? (Κύριε, ποῦ ὑπάγεις; Kyrie, pou hypageis)—Peter's question interrupts Jesus's teaching, characteristically impulsive. The present tense hypageis (you are going) shows Peter fixated on physical departure, missing the spiritual reality. He wants destination details, not understanding Jesus goes to the cross and then glory.

Thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards (οὐ δύνασαί μοι νῦν ἀκολουθῆσαι, ἀκολουθήσεις δὲ ὕστερον)—the verb akoloutheō (to follow) means both literal accompaniment and discipleship. Peter cannot yet follow to the cross (he will deny Christ thrice within hours, v.38) or to heaven. Afterwards (ὕστερον) prophesies Peter's eventual martyrdom (John 21:18-19). Peter would indeed follow Jesus in crucifixion—tradition says upside down, feeling unworthy to die like his Lord.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's question reflects his consistent pattern: bold declarations without understanding (Matthew 16:22, Mark 9:5). Within hours he would attempt to follow Jesus to the high priest's courtyard, resulting in his threefold denial. Yet Jesus's prophecy 'thou shalt follow me afterwards' was fulfilled: Peter died as a martyr in Rome circa AD 64-67, following his Lord in both life and death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Peter's impulsive question reveal his incomplete understanding of Jesus's mission?
  2. What does Jesus mean that Peter will 'follow me afterwards'—both in faithful ministry and eventual martyrdom?
  3. In what ways do you try to follow Jesus in your own strength rather than waiting for His timing and empowerment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Λέγει1 of 22

“said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ2 of 22

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Σίμων3 of 22

“Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Πέτρος4 of 22

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

Κύριε5 of 22

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ποῦ6 of 22

“whither”

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

ὑπάγω7 of 22

“I go”

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

ἀπεκρίθη8 of 22

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

αὐτῷ9 of 22

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ10 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς11 of 22

“thou Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Ὅπου12 of 22

“Whither”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ὑπάγω13 of 22

“I go”

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

οὐ14 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δύνασαί15 of 22

“thou canst”

G1410

to be able or possible

μοι16 of 22

“me”

G3427

to me

νῦν17 of 22

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἀκολουθήσεις18 of 22

“follow”

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

ὕστερον19 of 22

“afterwards”

G5305

more lately, i.e., eventually

δὲ20 of 22

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀκολουθήσεις21 of 22

“follow”

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

μοι22 of 22

“me”

G3427

to me

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 13:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 13:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 1:14John 21:21-22John 13:33John 14:2John 21:18-19John 16:17

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