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John 13:37

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 13:37 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.
John 13:37 — American Standard Version

Context — John 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
34A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
36Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow now; but thou shalt follow afterwards.
37Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.
38Jesus answereth, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
← John 13:36John 13:38 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Peter said unto him, etc.] Not understanding Christ’s answer, and being dissatisfied with it, inquires: Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? is the place inaccessible? are the difficulties in the way to it insuperable? the roughness of the road, or the dangers of it, will not discourage me; I am ready to go through the greatest dangers and difficulties, to follow thee: yea, I will lay down my life for thy sake; whatever enemies I should meet with in, following thee, would not dismay me; I would readily hazard my life, and cheerfully lay it down in defence of thee.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“why not . . . now? I will lay down my life for thy sake--He seems now to see that it was death Christ referred to as what would sever Him from them, but is not staggered at following Him thither. Jesus answered,”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“13:37 Peter claimed to be ready to die for Jesus, yet his denials are well known (18:15-18, 25-27; see also Matt 26:32-34; Mark 14:27-30; Luke 22:31-34). Although Peter’s verve and devotion failed, he was restored (John 21:15-19).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“why: Joh 21:15; Mat 26:31-35; Mar 14:27-31; Luk 22:31-34; Act 20:24, Act 21:13 John 13:38”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification