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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 13:37 "Lord," said Peter, "why can't I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/13-37.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/43_Jhn_13_37.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 13:37 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Lord, said Peter, why can't I follow You now? 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I will lay down my life for you.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/13.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Peter says to Him, "Lord, why am I not able to follow You presently? I will lay down my life for You."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Peter said to Him, &#8220Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Peter said to Him, “Lord, why cannot I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Lord,” Peter asked, “why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Lord,&#8221 Peter asked, &#8220why can&#8217t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You!&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I go with you now? I would die for you!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I'll give my life for you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Lord, why can't I follow you now?" asked Peter. "I am ready to die for you!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Lord, why can't I follow you now?" Peter asked him. "I would lay down my life for you!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Lord,? said Peter, ?why can?t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Peter said to him, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Peter said to him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Master," asked Peter again, "why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life on your behalf.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Peter said to him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Peter says to Him, “Lord, why am I not able to follow You now? I will lay down my life for You”;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Peter says to Him, "Lord, why am I not able to follow You presently? I will lay down my life for You."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Peter saith to him, 'Sir, wherefore am I not able to follow thee now? my life for thee I will lay down;'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Peter says to him, Lord, why can I not follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Peter saith to him: Why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Peter said to him: “Why am I unable to follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Peter said to him, “Master, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Simon Peter said to him, My Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will even lay down my life for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Shimeon Kaypha said to him, “My Lord, why cannot I come after you now? I will lay down my life for you.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Peter said to him: Lord, why can I not follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Peter says to Him; Lord, why am I not able to follow thee now? I will lay down my soul for thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Peter saith to him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Peter said to him, Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for your sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Master," asked Peter again, "why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life on your behalf.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Peter says to Him, "Why can I not follow Thee even now? I will lay down my soul for Thee."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Peter saith unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/13-37.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=5091" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/13.htm">Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36</span>“Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.” <span class="reftext">37</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrie (N-VMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">“Lord,”</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: Legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">said</a> <a href="/greek/4074.htm" title="4074: Petros (N-NMS) -- Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.">Peter,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">“why</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what."></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynamai (V-PIM/P-1S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">can’t I</a> <a href="/greek/190.htm" title="190: akolouthēsai (V-ANA) -- To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.">follow</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You</a> <a href="/greek/737.htm" title="737: arti (Adv) -- Now, just now, at this moment. Adverb from a derivative of airo through the idea of suspension; just now.">now?</a> <a href="/greek/5087.htm" title="5087: thēsō (V-FIA-1S) -- To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.">I will lay down</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psychēn (N-AFS) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.">life</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">for</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">38</span>“Will you lay down your life for Me?” Jesus replied. “Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-33.htm">Matthew 26:33-35</a></span><br />Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.” / “Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” / Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-29.htm">Mark 14:29-31</a></span><br />Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I never will.” / “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” / But Peter kept insisting, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the others said the same thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-33.htm">Luke 22:33-34</a></span><br />“Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.” / But Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-19</a></span><br />When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-22.htm">Matthew 16:22-23</a></span><br />Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!” / But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/8-32.htm">Mark 8:32-33</a></span><br />He spoke this message quite frankly, and Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. / But Jesus, turning and looking at His disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-23.htm">Luke 9:23-24</a></span><br />Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. / For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-10.htm">John 18:10-11</a></span><br />Then Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. / “Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-15.htm">John 18:15-18</a></span><br />Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he also went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. / But Peter stood outside at the door. Then the disciple who was known to the high priest went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in. / At this, the servant girl watching the door said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of this man’s disciples?” “I am not,” he answered. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-25.htm">John 18:25-27</a></span><br />Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they asked him, “Aren’t you also one of His disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” / One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you with Him in the garden?” / Peter denied it once more, and immediately a rooster crowed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-37.htm">Matthew 10:37-39</a></span><br />Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; / and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. / Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-38.htm">Mark 10:38-39</a></span><br />“You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I will drink, or be baptized with the baptism I will undergo?” / “We can,” the brothers answered. “You will drink the cup that I drink,” Jesus said, “and you will be baptized with the baptism that I undergo.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-26.htm">Luke 14:26-27</a></span><br />“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. / And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-21.htm">1 Peter 2:21-23</a></span><br />For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: / “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” / When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-11.htm">2 Timothy 2:11-12</a></span><br />This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; / if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Peter said to him, Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for your sake.</p><p class="hdg">why.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15</a></b></br> So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, <i>son</i> of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/26-31.htm">Matthew 26:31-35</a></b></br> Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/14-27.htm">Mark 14:27-31</a></b></br> And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/13-36.htm">Able</a> <a href="/john/5-34.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/john/13-36.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/john/13-4.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/john/13-36.htm">Master</a> <a href="/john/13-36.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/john/13-14.htm">Right</a> <a href="/john/12-30.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/john/13-36.htm">Sir</a> <a href="/john/12-5.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/14-5.htm">Able</a> <a href="/john/13-38.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/john/21-19.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/john/13-38.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/john/14-5.htm">Master</a> <a href="/john/18-10.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/john/18-10.htm">Right</a> <a href="/john/13-38.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/john/14-5.htm">Sir</a> <a href="/acts/1-21.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">John 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/13-1.htm">Jesus washes the disciples' feet, and exhorts them to humility and charity.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/13-18.htm">He foretells and discovers to John by a token, that Judas should betray him;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/13-31.htm">commands them to love one another;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/13-36.htm">and forewarns Peter of his denials.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Lord,” said Peter,</b><br>Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, often acted as a spokesperson for the group. His use of "Lord" signifies respect and recognition of Jesus' authority. This title reflects Peter's acknowledgment of Jesus' divine role, aligning with the Jewish understanding of a teacher or master. Peter's impulsive nature is evident throughout the Gospels, often leading to bold declarations and actions.<p><b>“why can’t I follow You now?</b><br>Peter's question arises from Jesus' earlier statement that His disciples could not follow Him where He was going (<a href="/john/13-33.htm">John 13:33</a>). This reflects Peter's misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the necessity of His impending crucifixion. The question also highlights Peter's eagerness and devotion, yet it underscores his lack of comprehension regarding the spiritual journey and sacrifice required.<p><b>I will lay down my life for You.”</b><br>Peter's declaration of loyalty is sincere but ultimately reveals his overconfidence. This statement foreshadows his later denial of Jesus (<a href="/john/18-15.htm">John 18:15-27</a>), illustrating human frailty and the need for divine strength. The phrase echoes themes of sacrifice and martyrdom found throughout the New Testament, particularly in the context of Jesus' own sacrificial death. Peter's willingness to die for Jesus is reminiscent of the call to discipleship, where followers are urged to take up their cross (<a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24-25</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter (Simon Peter)</a></b><br>One of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his impulsive nature and strong declarations of loyalty. In this passage, Peter expresses his willingness to follow Jesus even unto death.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is preparing His disciples for His impending crucifixion and departure from this world.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_last_supper.htm">The Last Supper</a></b><br>The setting of this passage, where Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples and imparts crucial teachings and prophecies about His death and resurrection.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_human_frailty.htm">Understanding Human Frailty</a></b><br>Peter's bold declaration highlights human overconfidence and the need for humility. Despite our best intentions, we are prone to weakness without God's strength.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a></b><br>Following Jesus requires a willingness to sacrifice, but it also demands an understanding of our limitations and reliance on God's grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_repentance_and_restoration.htm">The Role of Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>Peter's account is a powerful reminder that failure is not the end. Through repentance, we can be restored and used mightily by God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_readiness.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Readiness</a></b><br>Peter's eagerness to follow Jesus "now" reflects a lack of understanding of the spiritual preparation needed for the trials ahead.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_the_face_of_trials.htm">Faithfulness in the Face of Trials</a></b><br>True faithfulness is tested in adversity. We must prepare our hearts to remain steadfast when challenges arise.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_not_rejoicing_in_an_enemy's_fall.htm">What does 'righteous man falls seven times' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_true_love_for_one_another.htm">What does loving one another truly mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jesus_ask_peter_3_times.htm">John 21:15–17 – Why does Jesus repeat his question to Peter three times, and does this contradict or overlap inconsistently with Peter’s declarations in earlier chapters? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_events_in_apostle_john's_life.htm">What key events defined the Apostle John's life?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(37) <span class= "bld">Lord, why cannot I follow thee now?</span>--True to his impulsive, self-confident character, St. Peter is impatient of the delay imposed upon him. He is ready, in the fulness of his love, now, and does not dream that in the moment of trial he will be found wanting.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 37.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Peter saith unto him, Why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.</span> Compare the language of Thomas (<a href="/john/11-16.htm">John 11:16</a>), "Let us go, that we may die with him." Peter thought himself ready to die for his Lord, before his Lord had died for him. He who had seen; the glory of the Transfiguration, and the majesty of Christ's power, and the depth of an uttermost love, was ready, as he thought, for any sacrifice, for the most complete self abandonment; but he miscalculated his strength of will and the tenacity of his purpose. "Quid in animo ejus esset cupiditatis videbat, quid virium non videbat" (Augustine). St. Paul, long before St. John made this conversation known, must have gathered from the known teaching of Jesus the same sublime subtle truth, that it is possible to dare a martyr's death, and yet to be without true love (<a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1, 2, 3</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/13-37.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">“Lord,”</span><br /><span class="grk">Κύριε</span> <span class="translit">(Kyrie)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="grk">Λέγει</span> <span class="translit">(Legei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">Peter,</span><br /><span class="grk">Πέτρος</span> <span class="translit">(Petros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4074.htm">Strong's 4074: </a> </span><span class="str2">Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“why</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can’t I</span><br /><span class="grk">δύναμαί</span> <span class="translit">(dynamai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">follow</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκολουθῆσαι</span> <span class="translit">(akolouthēsai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_190.htm">Strong's 190: </a> </span><span class="str2">To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You</span><br /><span class="grk">σοι</span> <span class="translit">(soi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">now?</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄρτι</span> <span class="translit">(arti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_737.htm">Strong's 737: </a> </span><span class="str2">Now, just now, at this moment. Adverb from a derivative of airo through the idea of suspension; just now.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will lay down</span><br /><span class="grk">θήσω</span> <span class="translit">(thēsō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5087.htm">Strong's 5087: </a> </span><span class="str2">To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my</span><br /><span class="grk">μου</span> <span class="translit">(mou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">life</span><br /><span class="grk">ψυχήν</span> <span class="translit">(psychēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> </span><span class="str2">From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπὲρ</span> <span class="translit">(hyper)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">You.”</span><br /><span class="grk">σοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(sou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/13-37.htm">John 13:37 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/13-37.htm">John 13:37 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/13-37.htm">John 13:37 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/13-37.htm">John 13:37 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/13-37.htm">John 13:37 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/13-37.htm">John 13:37 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/13-37.htm">John 13:37 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/13-37.htm">John 13:37 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/13-37.htm">John 13:37 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/13-37.htm">John 13:37 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/13-37.htm">NT Gospels: John 13:37 Peter said to him Lord why can't (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/13-36.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 13:36"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 13:36" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/13-38.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 13:38"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 13:38" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>