13:37a

Lord: There is a textual issue here.

(1) Most Greek manuscripts include the word Lord. For example:

Lord, why can’t I follow you now? (New International Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004), New International Version, Contemporary English Version, Good News Translation, New Century Version, King James Version, Revised English Bible)

(2) Some Greek manuscripts do not include the word Lord. For example:

Why can I not follow you now? (New Jerusalem Bible)

(New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with nearly all English translations. Here is another way to translate this sentence:

But why can’t I come now, Lord? (New Living Translation (2004))

said Peter: Here Simon Peter is referred to as just Peter. Peter asked for more information. Here is another way to introduce the question:

Peter asked (New International Version)

why can’t I follow You now?: This question shows that Peter did not understand that Jesus would die to pay for the world’s sins. The question indicates that Peter thought that he should be able to go with him.

13:37b

I will lay down my life for You: This clause means “I will die for you.” It indicates that Peter was willing to die for Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

I am ready to die for you! (Good News Translation)
-or-
I am willing to die for your benefit.

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