The Verse in Focus (John 13:7)
ἀπεκρίθη Ἰησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Ὃ ἐγὼ ποιῶ, σὺ οὐκ οἶδας ἄρτι, γνώσῃ δὲ μετὰ ταῦτα
ἀπεκρίθη… εἶπεν: A Formal Response
The verbs ἀπεκρίθη and εἶπεν are both used here, forming a typical Johannine speech introduction.
– ἀπεκρίθη is the aorist passive (deponent) indicative of ἀποκρίνομαι, meaning “he answered.”
– εἶπεν is the aorist active indicative of λέγω, meaning “he said.”
The pairing emphasizes a deliberate and thoughtful reply. Jesus’ words here follow Peter’s confused objection to the footwashing, and the double verb construction adds weight to Jesus’ explanation.
Ὃ ἐγὼ ποιῶ: The Present Mystery
This relative clause — “What I am doing” — uses:
– Ὃ: neuter singular relative pronoun, meaning “what” or “that which.”
– ἐγὼ: the emphatic first person pronoun.
– ποιῶ: present active indicative of ποιέω, “to do” or “to make.”
The present tense shows Jesus is referring to his current action — the act of washing the disciples’ feet — which is puzzling in the moment but purposeful in meaning.
σὺ οὐκ οἶδας ἄρτι: Present Ignorance
Here we find a second clause introduced by direct address:
– σὺ: emphatic second person singular pronoun — “you.”
– οὐκ οἶδας: “you do not know.” οἶδας is the perfect of οἶδα functioning as a present indicative — “to know.”
– ἄρτι: an adverb meaning “now,” “at this moment.”
The clause means: “You do not understand now.” The contrast between what Jesus is doing and what Peter understands sets up the tension between divine intention and human perception.
γνώσῃ δὲ μετὰ ταῦτα: Future Revelation
The final clause brings resolution:
– γνώσῃ: future middle indicative, 2nd person singular of γινώσκω, “you will know.”
– δὲ: mild contrastive particle — “but.”
– μετὰ ταῦτα: “after these things,” “afterward.”
This is a promise of delayed understanding. Jesus acknowledges Peter’s current confusion but assures him that insight will come after the events unfold — likely referring both to the crucifixion and resurrection, when the servant-nature of Christ and the meaning of humility will be fully revealed.
The Greek of Patience and Revelation
In John 13:7, Jesus speaks with grammatical clarity and theological depth. The contrast between the present (ποιῶ, οἶδας) and the future (γνώσῃ) illustrates the gap between divine action and human understanding. Greek tenses here mark the flow of time; pronouns highlight personal relationship (ἐγὼ… σὺ); and adverbs (ἄρτι, μετὰ ταῦτα) frame the emotional tension between now and later. In this brief reply, Greek grammar becomes the structure that holds a mystery — and a promise.
