John 13:36
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.
Original Language Analysis
Λέγει
said
G3004
Λέγει
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 22
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
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 22
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 22
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ποῦ
whither
G4226
ποῦ
whither
Strong's:
G4226
Word #:
6 of 22
as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality
ὑπάγω
I go
G5217
ὑπάγω
I go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
7 of 22
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
8 of 22
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 22
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
thou Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
thou Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
11 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὑπάγω
I go
G5217
ὑπάγω
I go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
13 of 22
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
17 of 22
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ἀκολουθήσεις
follow
G190
ἀκολουθήσεις
follow
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
Cross References
2 Peter 1:14Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.John 13:33Little 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 16:17Then said some 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?John 14:2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Peter's impulsive question reveal his incomplete understanding of Jesus's mission?
- What does Jesus mean that Peter will 'follow me afterwards'—both in faithful ministry and eventual martyrdom?
- In what ways do you try to follow Jesus in your own strength rather than waiting for His timing and empowerment?
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Analysis & 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.