John 13:36

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Simon {G4613} Peter {G4074} said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Lord {G2962}, whither {G4226} goest {G5217} thou? Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} him {G846}, Whither {G3699} I go {G5217}, thou canst {G1410} not {G3756} follow {G190} me {G3427} now {G3568}; but {G1161} thou shalt follow {G190} me {G3427} afterwards {G5305}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shim‘on Kefa said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Yeshua answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow later.”

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.”

American Standard Version

Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow afterwards.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 13:36, Simon Peter, ever impetuous, questions Jesus about His destination following Jesus's announcement of His imminent departure. Jesus's response clarifies that Peter cannot follow Him immediately into the path of suffering and glorification He is about to undertake, but assures Peter of a future, deeper discipleship that will indeed involve following Him, even unto death. This exchange highlights the disciples' initial misunderstanding of Jesus's mission and the divine timing of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus's intimate "Farewell Discourse" (John 13-17), delivered to His disciples in the Upper Room just hours before His arrest and crucifixion. It immediately follows Jesus's declaration that He is going where the disciples cannot come ([John 13:33](/john/13-33 "John 13:33 - Jesus Announces His Departure")), a statement that deeply troubled them. The preceding events, including the humble act of foot-washing ([John 13:1-11](/john/13-1-11 "John 13:1-11 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")) and the revelation of Judas's betrayal ([John 13:21-30](/john/13-21-30 "John 13:21-30 - Jesus Foretells His Betrayal")), set a somber and weighty tone. Peter's question, "Lord, whither goest thou?", is a direct response to Jesus's mysterious words, reflecting both his loyalty and his confusion. This verse also directly precedes Jesus's prediction of Peter's denial ([John 13:37-38](/john/13-37-38 "John 13:37-38 - Peter's Denial Foretold")), creating a poignant contrast between Peter's present inability and his future destiny.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Passover meal, a pivotal moment in Jewish history commemorating liberation from slavery. For the disciples, who likely harbored expectations of an earthly Messiah establishing a political kingdom, Jesus's talk of "going away" and their inability to follow would have been deeply unsettling. They were accustomed to following a rabbi physically, learning from his presence. The concept of a spiritual departure, a suffering Messiah, and a future, non-physical "following" was alien to their immediate understanding. Their cultural framework for a king did not include crucifixion, making Jesus's path incomprehensible without divine revelation. Peter's question is rooted in this earthly perspective, seeking a geographical destination rather than a theological one.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Divine Timing and Purpose** is paramount, as Jesus's journey to the cross and resurrection is presented as a necessary, divinely orchestrated event that Peter cannot yet participate in. This underscores God's sovereign plan for redemption, which unfolds according to His perfect schedule, not human desire. Another crucial theme is **Future Discipleship and Destiny**, particularly for Peter. Jesus's promise, "but thou shalt follow me afterwards," foreshadows Peter's spiritual growth, eventual leadership in the early church, and ultimately, his martyrdom, as later revealed in [John 21:18-19](/john/21-18-19 "John 21:18-19 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Death"). Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Misunderstanding and Spiritual Growth** among the disciples. Peter's question reveals his limited comprehension of Jesus's mission and the spiritual nature of His kingdom, a common thread throughout the Gospels. His journey from impulsive denial to steadfast martyrdom exemplifies the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which would enable him to truly "follow" Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **goest (Greek, _hypágō'_):** From G5217, meaning "to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively." This term often implies a departure with a specific, often solemn or purposeful, destination. Here, Jesus uses it to refer to His impending journey to the cross, resurrection, and ascension—a path unique to Him as the Son of God.
* **follow (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** From G190, meaning "to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)." Peter's use of this word implies a physical accompaniment, but Jesus's response expands its meaning to a deeper, spiritual discipleship that involves sharing in His suffering and purpose, even if not His immediate path to the cross.
* **afterwards (Greek, _hýsteron'_):** From G5305, meaning "more lately, i.e., eventually." This adverb marks a significant temporal distinction. It emphasizes that Peter's full "following" of Jesus, including sharing in His suffering and glory, is not for the present moment but is a certain future reality, contingent on Jesus first completing His unique redemptive work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou?":** Peter, characterized throughout the Gospels by his impulsiveness and outspokenness, directly challenges Jesus's cryptic statement from [John 13:33](/john/13-33 "John 13:33 - Jesus's Departure"). His question, "Lord, whither goest thou?", reveals his immediate concern and his desire to remain physically with Jesus, demonstrating his limited understanding of the spiritual nature of Jesus's departure and mission. He seeks a geographical destination, not comprehending the theological implications.
* **"Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now;":** Jesus's reply is direct and clarifies the immediate impossibility of Peter's desire. The "whither I go" refers to the unique path of suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension that Jesus, as the Son of God, must undertake for the salvation of humanity. Peter, in his current state of spiritual immaturity and human weakness (which would soon be evident in his denial), is utterly incapable of accompanying Jesus on this redemptive journey. This "now" signifies the exclusivity and necessity of Christ's singular atoning work.
* **"but thou shalt follow me afterwards.":** This clause contains a profound promise and prophecy. While Peter cannot follow "now" into Jesus's unique suffering and glorification, he is assured that he *will* follow "afterwards." This refers to Peter's future spiritual maturity, his faithful discipleship, and ultimately, his martyrdom for Christ, which is explicitly foretold by Jesus in [John 21:18-19](/john/21-18-19 "John 21:18-19 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Death"). It signifies a deeper, more costly form of discipleship that involves sharing in Christ's sufferings and, eventually, His glory.

#### Literary Devices
The passage effectively employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at future events for Peter. Jesus's statement "thou shalt follow me afterwards" clearly foreshadows Peter's eventual martyrdom, a theme explicitly revisited in [John 21:18-19](/john/21-18-19 "John 21:18-19 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Death"). There is also a subtle **Irony** in Peter's bold declaration of loyalty and desire to follow Jesus, immediately preceding Jesus's prediction of Peter's denial in [John 13:38](/john/13-38 "John 13:38 - Peter's Denial Predicted"). This highlights the gap between Peter's present human weakness and his future spiritual strength enabled by the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, a strong **Contrast** is drawn between "now" and "afterwards," emphasizing the distinct phases of Jesus's mission and Peter's discipleship. Jesus's unique path of suffering and glorification is for "now," while Peter's true, costly following is reserved for "afterwards," once the foundation of redemption has been laid.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:36 powerfully illustrates the unique nature of Jesus's mission and the call to discipleship. Jesus's path to the cross was singular and non-transferable; no one could "follow" Him into that specific atoning work. This highlights the exclusivity of Christ's sacrifice as the sole means of salvation. However, it also clarifies that while the *means* of salvation is unique to Christ, the *consequences* of discipleship involve a profound identification with Him. Peter's "afterwards" following points to the believer's call to take up their cross and follow Christ, sharing in His suffering and ultimately His glory. This passage underscores divine sovereignty and timing, reminding us that God's plans unfold perfectly, even when they challenge our immediate understanding or desires.

* [John 21:18-19](/john/21-18-19 "John 21:18-19 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Death")
* [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Cost of Discipleship")
* [1 Peter 4:13](/1_peter/4-13 "1 Peter 4:13 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:36 offers profound comfort and guidance for believers navigating the complexities of their spiritual journey. Just as Peter could not immediately grasp or participate in Jesus's unique path of suffering and glorification, we often encounter seasons in our lives where God's timing or direction seems unclear, or where we feel unable to "follow" Him in the way we desire. This verse reminds us that there are divine purposes and pathways that are exclusively God's, and our role is to trust in His perfect timing and sovereign plan. It encourages patience and perseverance, assuring us that even when we cannot fully comprehend or immediately achieve a spiritual goal, God has a future for us. Our ultimate destiny is to truly follow Christ, not merely in physical proximity, but in a deep, transformative identification with His life, mission, and even His suffering, knowing that His promise of "afterwards" is a guarantee of future union and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "now" in your life might God be asking you to trust Him with, even if the "afterwards" is not yet clear?**
* **How does Peter's initial misunderstanding of Jesus's path resonate with your own struggles to fully grasp God's will?**
* **In what ways are you being called to "follow" Jesus more deeply, perhaps even into areas of suffering or sacrifice, that you might currently be resisting?**

### FAQ
**What did Jesus mean by "whither I go"?**

Answer: When Jesus says, "Whither I go," He is referring to His imminent journey to the cross, His death, resurrection, and ultimately His ascension back to the Father. This was a unique, solitary path of redemptive suffering and glorification that only He, as the Son of God, could undertake to atone for the sins of humanity. It was a spiritual and divine journey, not merely a geographical one.

**Why couldn't Peter follow Jesus "now"?**

Answer: Peter could not follow Jesus "now" for several key reasons. Firstly, Jesus's path to the cross was a singular, atoning sacrifice that only the sinless Son of God could accomplish ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Sacrifice")). No human, including Peter, could share in that specific redemptive work. Secondly, Peter was not yet spiritually prepared or mature enough. His impending denial of Jesus ([John 13:38](/john/13-38 "John 13:38 - Peter's Denial Foretold")) highlights his current weakness and lack of full understanding, which would only be overcome through the empowering of the Holy Spirit after Jesus's resurrection and ascension.

**How did Peter "follow" Jesus afterwards?**

Answer: Peter "followed" Jesus afterwards in a profound and costly way. After Jesus's resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost ([Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost")), Peter was transformed. He became a bold preacher of the Gospel, a leader in the early church, and a faithful disciple who embraced suffering for Christ's sake. Ultimately, tradition and biblical hints (like [John 21:18-19](/john/21-18-19 "John 21:18-19 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Death")) suggest Peter followed Jesus even unto martyrdom, dying for his faith, thereby fulfilling Jesus's prophecy of a deeper, more complete following.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:36, though seemingly a simple exchange, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. Jesus's statement, "Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now," underscores the absolute uniqueness of His redemptive mission. He alone was the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one perfect sacrifice for humanity's sin ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). No one, not even His most devoted disciple, could accompany Him on that solitary path to the cross, into death, and through resurrection. This highlights the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ's finished work. However, the promise "but thou shalt follow me afterwards" reveals the glorious outcome of that work: because Christ first went the unique path, Peter (and all believers) can now truly follow Him. This "following" means sharing in Christ's life, purpose, and even His sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")), empowered by the Holy Spirit whom Christ sent ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")). Our ability to live a life of true discipleship, ultimately leading to glorification with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), is entirely predicated on Christ's unique journey and His victorious return to the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 1:14

Knowing that shortly I must put off [this] my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

John 21:21

Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what [shall] this man [do]?

John 21:22

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee? follow thou me.

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 21:18

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 carry [thee] whither thou wouldest not.

John 21:19

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

John 14:2

In 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.