Bible Strands
John 13:37
“Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter addresses Jesus during the Last Supper, responding to Jesus’ prior statement that Peter cannot follow Him to the place Jesus is going at that moment.
The words — The Greek λέγει (legei) and κύριε (kurie) record Peter’s immediate declaration, translating literally to “Says” and “Lord” as he poses his urgent question.
The thread — This claim to lay down his life for Jesus anticipates the self-sacrificial posture found in Acts 20:24 and Acts 21:13, while directly contrasting with the prediction of failure in Mark 14:27.
Why it lands — The text records Peter’s assertion that he will lay down his life before Jesus immediately predicts his threefold denial, requiring a reader to confront the gap between human resolve and actual obedience.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
Cross-references
- Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
- Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
- Mark 14:27 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
- John 21:15 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.”
- Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
- Luke 22:31 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat.