13:7a
You do not realize now what I am doing: This clause means “You do not understand the meaning of what I am doing.” The Greek emphasizes the pronouns You and I. Jesus was teaching the disciples to be humble and to serve one other. But at this time the disciples did not understand why Jesus was washing their feet. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
You do not yet understand why I am washing your feet.
You: The pronoun You is singular and refers to Peter.
now: The word now in this context refers to the time that Jesus washed their feet. Use an expression that is natural in your language. For example:
At the moment (New Jerusalem Bible)
In some languages a literal translation of the word now may be unnatural. Or it may not be needed because the verb “know” is present tense. In those languages it may be natural to leave it implied. For example:
You don’t really know what I am doing. (Contemporary English Version)
13:7b
but later you will understand: Jesus promised that at some time in the future Peter would understand the meaning of Jesus washing his feet. He was probably referring to the near future, after his death. After Jesus died his disciples realized that he lived his whole life and died for the benefit of others.
you: This pronoun is singular and refers to Peter.
General Comment on 13:7
The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “realize” and “understand” are different words but in this context have about the same meaning. Therefore you may want to leave the second verb implied. For example:
You do not understand now what I am doing, but in the future you will.
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