John 13:7

7 Jesus answered, and said to him, What I do, thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know afterward.

John 13:7 Meaning and Commentary

John 13:7

Jesus answered and said unto him
Christ replies,

what I do, thou knowest not now:
Peter knew that he was about to wash his feet, and the rest of his disciples, but he did not know the meaning and mystery of it, what Christ designed by it, and what instruction they were to receive from it,

but thou shalt know hereafter;
as he did, when he had performed this service, and explained it to him. This may teach us, under dark providences, the meaning of which is not yet known by us, to wait the Lord's own time, to make things clear and plain to us, and in the mean time patiently submit to the divine will.

John 13:7 In-Context

5 And afterward he put water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe with the linen cloth, with which he was girded.

6 And so he came to Simon Peter, and Peter saith to him, Lord, washest thou my feet?

7 Jesus answered, and said to him, What I do, thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know afterward.

8 Peter saith to him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered to him, If I shall not wash thee, thou shalt not have part with me.

9 Simon Peter saith to him, Lord, not only my feet, but both the hands and the head [but and mine hands and the head].