John 13:36

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Λέγει
said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
αὐτῷ
him
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
#3
Σίμων
Simon
simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites
#4
Πέτρος
Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#5
Κύριε
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#6
ποῦ
whither
as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality
#7
ὑπάγω
I go
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
#8
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#9
αὐτῷ
him
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
#10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
Ἰησοῦς
thou Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#12
Ὅπου
Whither
what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot
#13
ὑπάγω
I go
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
#14
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
δύνασαί
thou canst
to be able or possible
#16
μοι
me
to me
#17
νῦν
now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#18
ἀκολουθήσεις
follow
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
#19
ὕστερον
afterwards
more lately, i.e., eventually
#20
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#21
ἀκολουθήσεις
follow
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
#22
μοι
me
to me

Analysis

This verse develops the faith and obedience theme central to John. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of faith and obedience within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of faith and obedience within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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