John 13:37
New International Version
Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

New Living Translation
“But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”

English Standard Version
Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.”

Berean Literal Bible
Peter says to Him, "Lord, why am I not able to follow You presently? I will lay down my life for You."

King James Bible
Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

New King James Version
Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.”

New American Standard Bible
Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.”

NASB 1995
Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.”

NASB 1977
Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.”

Amplified Bible
Peter said to Him, “Lord, why cannot I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You!”

Christian Standard Bible
“Lord,” Peter asked, “why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Lord,” Peter asked, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You!”

American Standard Version
Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.

Contemporary English Version
Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I go with you now? I would die for you!"

English Revised Version
Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I'll give my life for you."

Good News Translation
"Lord, why can't I follow you now?" asked Peter. "I am ready to die for you!"

International Standard Version
"Lord, why can't I follow you now?" Peter asked him. "I would lay down my life for you!"

Majority Standard Bible
“Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.”

NET Bible
Peter said to him, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!"

New Heart English Bible
Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."

Webster's Bible Translation
Peter said to him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

Weymouth New Testament
"Master," asked Peter again, "why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life on your behalf.

World English Bible
Peter said to him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Peter says to Him, “Lord, why am I not able to follow You now? I will lay down my life for You”;

Berean Literal Bible
Peter says to Him, "Lord, why am I not able to follow You presently? I will lay down my life for You."

Young's Literal Translation
Peter saith to him, 'Sir, wherefore am I not able to follow thee now? my life for thee I will lay down;'

Smith's Literal Translation
Peter says to him, Lord, why can I not follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Peter saith to him: Why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Peter said to him: “Why am I unable to follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!”

New American Bible
Peter said to him, “Master, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

New Revised Standard Version
Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Simon Peter said to him, My Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will even lay down my life for you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Shimeon Kaypha said to him, “My Lord, why cannot I come after you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Peter said to him: Lord, why can I not follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee.

Godbey New Testament
Peter says to Him; Lord, why am I not able to follow thee now? I will lay down my soul for thee.

Haweis New Testament
Peter saith to him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee.

Mace New Testament
Peter said to him, Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for your sake.

Weymouth New Testament
"Master," asked Peter again, "why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life on your behalf.

Worrell New Testament
Peter says to Him, "Why can I not follow Thee even now? I will lay down my soul for Thee."

Worsley New Testament
Peter saith unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
36“Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.” 37“Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.” 38“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.…

Cross References
Matthew 26:33-35
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.

Mark 14:29-31
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.

Luke 22:33-34
“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.”

John 21:15-19
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. ...

Matthew 16:22-23
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.”

Mark 8:32-33
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.”

Luke 9:23-24
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.

John 18:10-11
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?”

John 18:15-18
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. ...

John 18:25-27
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.

Matthew 10:37-39
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.

Mark 10:38-39
“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.

Luke 14:26-27
“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.

1 Peter 2:21-23
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.

2 Timothy 2:11-12
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;


Treasury of Scripture

Peter said to him, Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for your sake.

why.

John 21:15
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son 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.

Matthew 26:31-35
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…

Mark 14:27-31
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…

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Able Behalf Follow Lay Master Peter Right Sake Sir Wherefore
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Able Behalf Follow Lay Master Peter Right Sake Sir Wherefore
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.














Lord
The term "Lord" in Greek is "Κύριε" (Kyrie), a title of respect and authority. In the context of the New Testament, it signifies not only a master or teacher but also acknowledges Jesus' divine authority. Peter's use of "Lord" here reflects his recognition of Jesus' supreme position and his own submission to Him. This title is consistent with the early Christian confession of Jesus as Lord, which was central to their faith and worship.

why can’t I follow You now?
This question reveals Peter's impatience and misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. The Greek word for "follow" is "ἀκολουθέω" (akoloutheō), which means to accompany or to be a disciple. Peter's desire to follow Jesus immediately shows his eagerness and devotion, yet it also highlights his lack of understanding of the necessity of Jesus' impending suffering and death. Historically, this reflects the common Jewish expectation of a triumphant Messiah, which contrasted with Jesus' path of suffering.

he asked
The act of asking here is significant. It shows Peter's boldness and his close relationship with Jesus. In the Greek, the verb "λέγει" (legei) is used, which means to say or speak. This indicates a direct and personal communication with Jesus, reflecting the intimate teacher-disciple relationship that Peter had with Him.

I will lay down my life for You
This declaration is a profound expression of Peter's loyalty and love for Jesus. The phrase "lay down my life" in Greek is "ψυχήν μου θήσω" (psychēn mou thēsō), which literally means to place or set down one's life. It is a sacrificial term, indicating a willingness to die. Peter's statement foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Himself would make. However, it also prefigures Peter's own future martyrdom, despite his imminent denial of Jesus. This highlights the theme of human weakness and divine grace, as Peter's intentions are noble, but his understanding and strength are limited without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

(37) Lord, why cannot I follow thee now?--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.

Verse 37. - Peter saith unto him, Why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Compare the language of Thomas (John 11:16), "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 (1 Corinthians 13:1, 2, 3).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Lord,”
Κύριε (Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

said
Λέγει (Legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

Peter,
Πέτρος (Petros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

“why
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

can’t I
δύναμαί (dynamai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

follow
ἀκολουθῆσαι (akolouthēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 190: To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.

You
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

now?
ἄρτι (arti)
Adverb
Strong's 737: Now, just now, at this moment. Adverb from a derivative of airo through the idea of suspension; just now.

I will lay down
θήσω (thēsō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5087: To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

life
ψυχήν (psychēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590: From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.

for
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

You.”
σοῦ (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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