The Meaning of John 13:36 Explained

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.

YLT: Simon Peter saith to him, 'Sir, whither dost thou go away?' Jesus answered him, 'Whither I go away, thou art not able now to follow me, but afterward thou shalt follow me.'

Darby: Simon Peter says to him, Lord, where goest thou? Jesus answered him, Where I go thou canst not follow me now, but thou shalt follow me after.

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

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does John 13:36 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Peter returned to the subject of Jesus" departure ( John 13:33; John 8:21). He was unclear about where Jesus meant He would go. Jesus did not answer him unambiguously, probably because such an answer would have created even more serious problems for him. It was not God"s will for Peter to follow Jesus through death into heaven then, but it would be later ( John 21:18-19). Jesus" answer implied that Peter had asked his question so he could accompany Jesus wherever He was going. Peter"s statement was an indirect expression of affection for and commitment to Jesus.

Context Summary

John 13:31-38 - The Sign And Seal Of Discipleship
It was a relief when the traitor was gone. The Lord could now speak freely of His love and of His approaching glory, expatiating on the shining tablelands, but not as yet revealing even to Peter the dark ravine which separated Him from them, and the shadows which He was already entering. Peter was most anxious to be with Jesus wherever He was. Life without Jesus seemed impossible.
Peter relied upon his strong resolution to keep him faithful to his Master, but found it unavailing, as we have ourselves experienced many a time. Do not vaunt in self-confidence what you will or will not do, but seek strength from the living Lord. How little we know ourselves! Yet the time would come when this ardent spirit would be able to fulfill its vow through the Spirit of Pentecost, John 21:18; 2 Peter 1:14. [source]

Chapter Summary: John 13

1  Jesus washes the disciples' feet, and exhorts them to humility and charity
18  He foretells and discovers to John by a token, that Judas should betray him;
31  commands them to love one another;
36  and forewarns Peter of his denials

Greek Commentary for John 13:36

Whither goest thou? [που υπαγεισ]
Peter is puzzled just as the Pharisees were twice (John 7:35; John 8:21.). [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 13:36

John 13:37 Now [ἄρτι]
Without waiting for a future time. See on John 13:33, and compare νῦν nowin John 13:36. [source]
John 13:37 “Why can I not follow thee even now?” [δια τι ου δυναμαι σοι ακολουτειν αρτι]
The use of αρτι — arti (right now, this minute) instead of νυν — nun (at this time, John 13:36) illustrates the impatience of Peter. I will lay down my life for thee Future active indicative of τιτημι — tithēmi Peter, like the rest, had not yet grasped the idea of the death of Christ, but, like Thomas (John 11:16), he is not afraid of danger. He had heard Christ‘s words about the good shepherd (John 10:11) and knew that such loyalty was the mark of a good disciple. [source]
John 14:2 Mansions [μοναι]
Old word from μενω — menō to abide, abiding places, in N.T. only here and John 14:23. There are many resting-places in the Father‘s house Christ‘s picture of heaven here is the most precious one that we possess. It is our heavenly home with the Father and with Jesus. If it were not so Ellipsis of the verb (Mark 2:21; Revelation 2:5, Revelation 2:16; John 14:11). Here a suppressed condition of the second class (determined as unfulfilled) as the conclusion shows. I would have told you Regular construction for this apodosis For I go Reason for the consolation given, futuristic present middle indicative, and explanation of his words in John 13:33 that puzzled Peter so (John 13:36.). To prepare a place for you First aorist active infinitive of purpose of ετοιμαζω — hetoimazō to make ready, old verb from ετοιμος — hetoimos Here only in John, but in Mark 10:40 (Matthew 20:23). It was customary to send one forward for such a purpose (Numbers 10:33). So Jesus had sent Peter and John to make ready (this very verb) for the passover meal (Mark 14:12; Matthew 26:17). Jesus is thus our Forerunner (προδρομος — prodromos) in heaven (Hebrews 6:20). [source]
John 14:4 Ye know the way [οιδατε την οδον]
Definite allusion to the puzzle of Peter in John 13:36. The path to the Father‘s house is now plain. [source]
John 14:5 Whither [που]
It is Thomas, not Peter (John 13:36.) who renews the doubt about the destination of Jesus including the path or way thither Thomas is the spokesman for the materialistic conception then and now. [source]
John 14:22 Not Iscariot [ουχ ο Ισκαριωτης]
Judas Iscariot had gone (John 13:30), but John is anxious to make it clear that this Judas (common name, two apostles also named James) was not the infamous traitor. He is also called Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus (Mark 3:17; Matthew 10:3) and the brother (or son) of James (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13). This is the fourth interruption of the talk of Jesus (by Peter, John 13:36; by Thomas, John 14:5; by Philip, John 14:8; by Judas, John 14:22). And not to the world Judas caught at the word εμπανιζω — emphanizō in John 14:21 as perhaps a Messianic theophany visible to all the world as at the judgment (John 5:27.). He seems to suspect a change of plan on the part of Jesus (τι γεγονεν οτι — ti gegonen hoti = how has it happened that). [source]
John 16:5 And none of you asketh me [και ουδεις εχ υμων ερωται με]
Adversative use of και — kai = “and yet” as in John 1:10. Now that they realize that Jesus is going, the thoughts of the disciples turn on themselves and they cease asking the query of Peter (John 13:36). [source]
John 17:24 I will [τελω]
Perfect identity of his will with that of the Father in “this moment of spiritual exaltation” (Bernard), though in Gethsemane Jesus distinguishes between his human will and that of the Father (Mark 14:36). Where I am That is heaven, to be with Jesus (John 12:26; John 13:36; John 14:3; Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:11.). That they may behold Another purpose clause with ινα — hina and the present active subjunctive of τεωρεω — theōreō “that they may keep on beholding,” the endless joy of seeing Jesus “as he is” (1 John 3:2) in heaven. Before the foundation of the world This same phrase in Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20 and six other times we have καταβολη κοσμου — katabolē kosmou (Matthew 25:34; Luke 11:50; Hebrews 4:3; Hebrews 9:26; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8). Here we find the same pre-incarnate consciousness of Christ seen in John 17:5. [source]
John 7:33 Yet a little while [ετι χρονον μικρον]
Accusative of extent of time. It was only six months to the last passover of Christ‘s ministry and he knew that the end was near. I go unto him that sent me See the same words in John 16:5. υπαγω — Hupagō old compound See John 16:7-10 for three words for going common in John (απερχομαι — poreuomai go for a purpose, υπαγω — aperchomai to go away, υπαγω — hupagō to withdraw personally). Hupagō often in John of going to the Father or God (John 8:14, John 8:21; John 13:3, John 13:33, John 13:36; John 14:4, John 14:5, John 14:28; John 15:16; John 16:4, John 16:7, John 16:10, John 16:17). See John 6:21. It was enigmatic language to the hearers. [source]
John 7:33 I go unto him that sent me [υπαγω προς τον πεμπσαντα με]
See the same words in John 16:5. υπαγω — Hupagō old compound See John 16:7-10 for three words for going common in John (απερχομαι — poreuomai go for a purpose, υπαγω — aperchomai to go away, υπαγω — hupagō to withdraw personally). Hupagō often in John of going to the Father or God (John 8:14, John 8:21; John 13:3, John 13:33, John 13:36; John 14:4, John 14:5, John 14:28; John 15:16; John 16:4, John 16:7, John 16:10, John 16:17). See John 6:21. It was enigmatic language to the hearers. [source]
John 7:34 And shall not find me [και ουχ ευρησετε με]
Future active indicative of ευρισκω — heuriskō Jesus had said: “Seek and ye shall find” (Matthew 7:7), but this will be too late. Now they were seeking (John 7:30) to kill Jesus, then they will seek deliverance, but too late. Where I am No conflict with John 7:33, but the essential eternal spiritual home of Christ “in absolute, eternal being and fellowship with the Father” (Vincent). Ye cannot come This fellowship was beyond the comprehension of these hostile Jews. See the same idea in John 7:36 by the Jews; John 8:21 to the Jews and then to the disciples with the addition of “now” (αρτι — arti John 13:33, νυν — nun in John 13:36). [source]
2 Peter 1:14 Shortly I must put off this my tabernacle [ταχινή ἐστιν ἡ ἀπόθεσις τοῦ σκηνώματός μου]
Lit., quick is the putting off of my tabernacle. Rev., the putting off of my tabernacle cometh swiftly. Possibly in allusion to his advanced age. Putting off is a metaphor, from putting off a garment. So Paul, 2 Corinthians 5:3, 2 Corinthians 5:4, being clothed, unclothed, clothed upon. The word occurs, also, 1 Peter 3:21, and is used by Peter only. Cometh swiftly, implying the speedy approach of death; though others understand it of the quick, violent death which Christ prophesied he should die. “Even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me.” See John 21:18, John 21:19. Compare, also John 13:36, and note the word follow in both passages. “Peter had now learnt the full force of Christ's sayings, and to what end the following of Jesus was to bring him” (Lumby). [source]

What do the individual words in John 13:36 mean?

Says to Him Simon Peter Lord where go You Answered him Jesus Where I go not you are able Me now to follow you will follow however afterward
Λέγει αὐτῷ Σίμων Πέτρος Κύριε ποῦ ὑπάγεις Ἀπεκρίθη [αὐτῷ] Ἰησοῦς Ὅπου ὑπάγω οὐ δύνασαί μοι νῦν ἀκολουθῆσαι ἀκολουθήσεις δὲ ὕστερον

Λέγει  Says 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
αὐτῷ  to  Him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
Σίμων  Simon 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Σίμων  
Sense: Peter was one of the apostles.
Πέτρος  Peter 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Πέτρος  
Sense: one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.
Κύριε  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
ποῦ  where 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ποῦ  
Sense: somewhere.
ὑπάγεις  go  You 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: ὑπάγω  
Sense: to lead under, bring under.
Ἀπεκρίθη  Answered 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἀποκρίνομαι  
Sense: to give an answer to a question proposed, to answer.
Ἰησοῦς  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
Ὅπου  Where 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὅπου  
Sense: where, whereas.
ὑπάγω  I  go 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ὑπάγω  
Sense: to lead under, bring under.
δύνασαί  you  are  able 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Singular
Root: δύναμαι  
Sense: to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom.
μοι  Me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
νῦν  now 
Parse: Adverb
Root: νῦν  
Sense: at this time, the present, now.
ἀκολουθῆσαι  to  follow 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: ἀκολουθέω  
Sense: to follow one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him.
ἀκολουθήσεις  you  will  follow 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: ἀκολουθέω  
Sense: to follow one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ὕστερον  afterward 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὕστερος  
Sense: latter, later, coming after, the second.