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.

JOHN 13:36KJV
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John 13:36 (KJV)

What does John 13:36 mean?

John 13:36 shows Simon Peter asking Jesus where He is going, and Jesus replying that Peter cannot follow Him now, but will be able to follow later. Jesus is hinting that Peter cannot join Him in what is about to happen, but there will be a time when Peter will follow in a similar way.

In this scene, Simon Peter is speaking directly to Jesus during the Last Supper, confused and concerned about Jesus’ earlier words about leaving. Jesus’ answer gently tells Peter that the path Jesus is about to take—His suffering and death—is not something Peter can share at this moment, but Peter will eventually face his own journey of faith and sacrifice.

The Greek behind John 13:36

  • The Greek word "ποῦ" (pou, transliterated as "whither" G4226) is a direct question about location or destination, showing Peter’s confusion and desire to understand where Jesus is going.
  • The verb "ἀκολουθέω" (akoloutheō, "follow" G190) is used twice, emphasizing both the impossibility of immediate following and the promise that following will be possible "afterwards" (ὕστερον, hysteron G5305). This highlights a future hope beyond the present separation.

Why John 13:36 matters

  • John 13:36 clarifies that Jesus’ path to the cross is unique and cannot be shared by His disciples at that moment, correcting any idea that they could simply go with Him.
  • The verse introduces the theme of following Jesus not just physically, but in a deeper, spiritual sense, which becomes clearer in the later story of Peter’s own faith journey.
  • This exchange sets up Peter’s later denial and eventual restoration, showing both his loyalty and his misunderstanding, which are important for understanding his character and growth in the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“afterwards” Greek G5305 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
  • Matthew 21:37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
  • Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

“whither” Greek G4226 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
  • John 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

“Simon” Greek G4613 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
  • John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

“goest” Greek G5217 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
  • John 9:11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.