John 13:7

KJV

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, What {G3739} I {G1473} do {G4160} thou {G4771} knowest {G1492} not {G3756} now {G737}; but {G1161} thou shalt know {G1097} hereafter {G3326}{G5023}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered him, “You don’t understand yet what I am doing, but in time you will understand.”

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

American Standard Version

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt understand hereafter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 13:7 captures Jesus' profound response to Peter's objection during the foot-washing, a moment of deep spiritual instruction at the Last Supper. Jesus clarifies that Peter's immediate lack of understanding regarding the significance of His actions is temporary, promising a future revelation that will bring clarity and deeper insight into the divine purpose behind what He is doing. This verse underscores the progressive nature of spiritual comprehension and the necessity of trusting God's plan even when its full implications are not yet apparent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intimate setting of the Last Supper, specifically after Jesus has risen from the table, laid aside His outer garments, and begun to wash the disciples' feet, a task typically performed by the lowest servant in a household. The narrative in [John 13](/john/13 "John 13 - The Washing of Feet and Prediction of Betrayal") immediately precedes Jesus' final discourses and His passion. Peter's characteristic impulsiveness leads him to object vehemently to Jesus, his Lord and Teacher, performing such a menial task for him, exclaiming, "Thou shalt never wash my feet" ([John 13:8](/john/13-8 "John 13:8 - Peter's Objection to Foot-Washing")). Jesus' response in [John 13:7](/john/13-7 "John 13:7 - Jesus' Promise of Future Understanding") directly addresses Peter's present incomprehension, setting the stage for the deeper theological lessons about cleansing, servanthood, and the nature of discipleship that follow in the subsequent verses ([John 13:12-17](/john/13-12-17 "John 13:12-17 - Jesus Explains the Foot-Washing")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern culture, dusty roads made foot-washing a common practice upon entering a home, typically performed by a servant or slave. It was an act of hospitality and hygiene. For a master, let alone a revered teacher like Jesus, to perform this task for His disciples was an utterly shocking reversal of social hierarchy and status. The disciples, like Peter, were accustomed to a hierarchical understanding of authority, where the greater served the lesser only in a symbolic or commanding capacity, not through such a humble, physical act. Their expectations were rooted in the social norms of their day, which valued status and power, making Jesus' demonstration a radical counter-cultural statement that challenged their preconceived notions of leadership and greatness within the [Kingdom of God](/kingdom_of_god "The Kingdom of God").
* **Key Themes:** [John 13:7](/john/13-7 "John 13:7 - Jesus' Promise of Future Understanding") contributes significantly to several major themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Purpose and Sovereignty**, revealing that Jesus' actions are not arbitrary but are part of God's overarching, often veiled, plan of redemption. Peter's inability to grasp the full implications "now" points to a divine timetable for revelation. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Future Revelation and Progressive Understanding**. The promise "but thou shalt know hereafter" underscores that spiritual truths are often revealed incrementally, through experience, further teaching, or the illumination of the [Holy Spirit](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides into All Truth"), as Jesus later promises in [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides into All Truth"). This signifies the journey of discipleship, where understanding deepens over time. Thirdly, the act of foot-washing, and Jesus' explanation, profoundly illustrates **Humility and Servanthood**, which are central to Christ's ministry and the nature of the [Kingdom of God](/kingdom_of_god "The Kingdom of God"). Jesus models the servant-leadership He expects from His followers, as articulated in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). Peter's initial misunderstanding stems from his conventional view of status, failing to see the glory in humble service. Finally, the verse implicitly calls for **Trust in God's Plan**, urging believers to have faith in God's actions and wisdom even when immediate comprehension is limited, echoing the sentiment that God's ways are higher than our own, as found in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts Are Not Our Thoughts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb signifies to "make or do" in a very wide application, encompassing actions, performance, and accomplishment. In this context, Jesus refers to the specific act of foot-washing, but also implicitly to the broader, redemptive work He is about to accomplish through His suffering, death, and resurrection. It speaks to His active, purposeful engagement in God's plan.
* **knowest (Greek, _eídō'_):** This word, used in the perfect tense, implies a present state of knowing based on prior observation or perception. Here, it refers to Peter's immediate, intellectual comprehension. Jesus states that Peter does not currently "know" or perceive the full significance of the act, indicating a lack of present, experiential understanding of its deeper spiritual implications.
* **shalt know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb, a prolonged form, refers to a deeper, more experiential and intimate "knowing" that comes through personal experience, revelation, or progressive understanding. Unlike _eídō_, which can be superficial, _ginṓskō_ implies a comprehensive, relational, and often transforming knowledge. Jesus promises Peter that a future event or revelation will lead him to this profound, experiential understanding of what Jesus is doing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus answered and said unto him,"**: This opening phrase establishes Jesus' authority and intentionality in responding to Peter's objection. It highlights that Jesus is not merely reacting but is deliberately providing a profound teaching moment, addressing Peter's spiritual blindness with divine wisdom and patience.
* **"What I do thou knowest not now;"**: Jesus directly confronts Peter's immediate lack of comprehension. The "what I do" refers not only to the physical act of foot-washing but also, more significantly, to the symbolic meaning of cleansing, humility, and the greater redemptive work Jesus is about to undertake, culminating in His death and resurrection. Peter's present understanding is limited to the superficial, cultural implications of the act, failing to grasp its spiritual depth and prophetic significance.
* **"but thou shalt know hereafter."**: This crucial clause contains a promise of future revelation and understanding. The Greek word for "know" (_ginṓskō_) here implies a deeper, experiential, and complete understanding that will come later. This "hereafter" points to the events of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, which would illuminate the full meaning of Jesus' life, death, and the new covenant He was establishing, including the necessity of spiritual cleansing and humble service for all who follow Him.

#### Literary Devices
[John 13:7](/john/13-7 "John 13:7 - Jesus' Words to Peter") employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus' words "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" hint at future events and revelations that will clarify the present mystery. This foreshadows not only the full meaning of the foot-washing as an act of spiritual cleansing and humble service but also the profound significance of Jesus' impending death and resurrection, which the disciples would only fully grasp after these events and the coming of the Spirit. There is also clear **Contrast** between Peter's present ignorance ("knowest not now") and his promised future understanding ("shalt know hereafter"), emphasizing the progressive nature of spiritual insight. Furthermore, the entire act of foot-washing, to which Jesus refers, is rich in **Symbolism**. It symbolizes spiritual cleansing, the humility of Christ, and the call to servant-leadership for His followers, all of which Peter initially fails to comprehend but will later understand as foundational to the Christian life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 13:7](/john/13-7 "John 13:7 - Jesus' Words to Peter") serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine revelation and human understanding. It teaches that God's plans and actions, particularly those of Jesus, often operate on a timeline and with a depth that surpasses immediate human comprehension. This verse underscores the sovereignty of God, whose wisdom and purposes are often veiled in the present but are progressively unveiled over time, through subsequent events, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the believer's spiritual growth. It calls for a posture of trust and patient obedience, even when the "why" is not yet clear, affirming that full understanding often follows faithful living and divine timing. This dynamic relationship between present faith and future clarity is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reminding us that our knowledge of God is always partial in this life.

* [1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Knowing in Part")
* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - Secret Things Belong to the Lord")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts Are Not Our Thoughts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 13:7](/john/13-7 "John 13:7 - Jesus' Words to Peter") offers a deeply comforting and challenging message for believers today. In a world that often demands immediate answers and complete understanding, this verse reminds us that God's ways are not always immediately discernible. We frequently encounter situations in life—personal suffering, perplexing circumstances, or seemingly counter-intuitive commands in Scripture—where we, like Peter, "know not now" what God is doing or why. This verse calls us to cultivate a profound trust in the wisdom and goodness of God, believing that there is a divine purpose behind His actions, even when it is hidden from our present sight. Our present obedience, even without full comprehension, is an act of faith that paves the way for future revelation and deeper spiritual insight. It encourages us to embrace the journey of discipleship, knowing that understanding often unfolds progressively, through experience, prayer, and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, transforming our initial bewilderment into profound appreciation for God's sovereign plan and His call to humble service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What situations in your life currently leave you feeling like Peter, "knowing not now" what God is doing?**
* **How can you cultivate greater trust in God's timing and wisdom when understanding is elusive?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to humble service that feels counter-intuitive or beneath you, similar to the foot-washing?**
* **How has a past experience, initially confusing, later revealed God's profound purpose in your life, fulfilling the "thou shalt know hereafter" promise?**

### FAQ

**What exactly did Peter not know "now," and what would he know "hereafter"?**

Answer: Peter did not know the full spiritual significance of Jesus' act of foot-washing "now." He perceived it only as a menial task beneath his Lord, focusing on the social impropriety rather than the profound theological implications. "Hereafter," Peter would understand that Jesus' act symbolized spiritual cleansing and the necessity of humility and servanthood for all who would follow Him, particularly in light of Jesus' impending death, resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The "hereafter" refers to a deeper, experiential knowledge that would unfold as God's redemptive plan was fully revealed and as Peter himself matured in his understanding of Christ's mission and the nature of the [Kingdom of God](/kingdom_of_god "The Kingdom of God"). This would include understanding that true spiritual cleansing and fellowship with Christ required accepting His humble service and, by extension, embracing a life of humble service oneself, as explained in [John 13:14-15](/john/13-14-15 "John 13:14-15 - Jesus' Example of Service").

**Does this verse imply that God intentionally keeps things hidden from us?**

Answer: This verse does not imply that God intentionally hides truth to be elusive, but rather that divine truth is often revealed progressively, according to God's perfect timing and our capacity to receive it. Just as a child cannot grasp complex adult concepts, there are spiritual realities that we are not yet ready to fully comprehend. God reveals truth as we are able to bear it and as it aligns with His unfolding redemptive plan. The "hereafter" signifies a future state of greater spiritual maturity, the illumination of the [Holy Spirit](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides into All Truth"), and the completion of certain redemptive events (like the cross and resurrection) that provide the necessary context for true understanding. It's a promise of future clarity, not a statement of present divine obfuscation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 13:7](/john/13-7 "John 13:7 - Jesus' Words to Peter") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the disciples' later comprehension of the foot-washing, but in the profound mystery of Jesus' entire redemptive work, which was initially incomprehensible to His followers. The "What I do" (Greek, _poiéō_) extends far beyond the act of foot-washing to encompass His impending suffering, death on the cross, and resurrection—the very core of His mission to "take away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). At that moment, the disciples could not grasp the necessity or the glory of the cross; it was a scandal and a stumbling block ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block")). However, "hereafter," after Jesus' resurrection and ascension, and crucially, after the outpouring of the [Holy Spirit](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"), they would "know" (Greek, _ginṓskō_) with profound, experiential understanding. The Spirit would "guide them into all truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides into All Truth")), illuminating the divine purpose of Christ's sacrifice, His victory over sin and death, and the establishment of the New Covenant. What seemed like defeat was revealed as the ultimate triumph, and what was a perplexing act of humility was understood as the very essence of God's saving love, making possible true spiritual cleansing and fellowship with the Father through the Son ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the Light")). Thus, Jesus' words to Peter foreshadow the greater revelation of His saving work, which brings all believers into a deeper, life-transforming knowledge of Him.

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

Daniel 12:8

And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what [shall be] the end of these [things]?

John 12:16

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and [that] they had done these things unto him.

James 5:7

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

James 5:11

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

John 14:26

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 13:10

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

John 13:12

So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?