King James Bible
"Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter."
Jesus responds directly to Peter's objection about having his feet washed. This introduces Christ's teaching moment about divine actions that surpass human understanding in the present. Jesus acknowledges Peter's inability to comprehend the full significance of the foot washing. The act symbolizes both humble service and spiritual cleansing, pointing ultimately to Christ's death—meanings hidden from the disciples at this moment. This promise assures Peter that understanding will come in time, likely after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit. It establishes a principle of patient faith when God's purposes remain unclear.