Luke 22:34
And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Λέγω
I tell
G3004
Λέγω
I tell
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Πέτρε
Peter
G4074
Πέτρε
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
6 of 18
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
μή
that thou
G3361
μή
that thou
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φωνήσει
crow
G5455
φωνήσει
crow
Strong's:
G5455
Word #:
9 of 18
to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation
σήμερον
this day
G4594
σήμερον
this day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
10 of 18
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
μή
that thou
G3361
μή
that thou
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
John 13:38Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.Mark 14:30And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.Matthew 26:34Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.Matthew 26:74Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.John 18:27Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
Historical Context
Roosters typically crowed at predictable times during the night (Mark 13:35 mentions the "cockcrowing" as a watch period). Peter's denial occurred in the high priest's courtyard during Jesus's trial, with multiple accusers recognizing Peter's Galilean accent. The public nature of the denial before servants and guards made Peter's shame more acute, yet Jesus later restored him publicly at the lakeside breakfast.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's foreknowledge of Peter's failure yet continuing love demonstrate the security of salvation for genuine believers?
- What is the difference between Judas's remorse leading to suicide and Peter's repentance leading to restoration?
- How can remembering Christ's warnings and promises help you find your way back after spiritual failure?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me—Jesus's specific prediction (τρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ, tris aparnese—three times you will deny) demonstrates divine omniscience and sets up Peter's restoration. The threefold denial would require threefold confession (John 21:15-17) for full healing. Deny (ἀπαρνέομαι, aparneomai) means to disown, renounce completely—the same word used for disciples who must "deny themselves" to follow Christ (Luke 9:23).
Jesus's foreknowledge wasn't merely prediction but pastoral preparation. He warned Peter so that when the rooster crowed, the disciple would remember Christ's words and repent rather than despair like Judas. The failure was certain, but not final. This reveals God's sovereign use of even our sins to humble and refine us when we belong to Christ through genuine, though faltering, faith.