Luke Chapter 22 · Verse 59
And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διαστάσης
the space
G1339
διαστάσης
the space
Strong's:
G1339
Word #:
2 of 20
to stand apart, i.e., (reflexively) to remove, intervene
διϊσχυρίζετο
confidently affirmed
G1340
διϊσχυρίζετο
confidently affirmed
Strong's:
G1340
Word #:
8 of 20
to stout it through, i.e., asservate
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐπ
Of
G1909
Ἐπ
Of
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὗτος
this
G3778
οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
13 of 20
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Historical Context
The hour's delay allowed Jesus' trial inside to progress, increasing tension outside. Galileans were viewed with suspicion in Jerusalem—Judas of Galilee led a revolt in 6 AD (Acts 5:37), making all Galileans potential insurrectionists. Jesus' movement was seen as another Galilean uprising. That all the apostles except Judas Iscariot were Galilean confirmed prejudices. Peter's accent would have been unmistakable—like a rural southerner in New York or a Scotsman in London. Linguistic identity couldn't be hidden.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Peter's inability to hide his Galilean identity teach about denying Christ?
- How does the hour's delay intensify pressure and test Peter's resolve?
- Why does God sometimes let our identity markers (accent, appearance) prevent us from blending with the world?
Analysis & Commentary
And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. Peter's third accusation comes diastaseēs hōsei hōras mias (διαστάσης ὡσεὶ ὥρας μιᾶς, 'about one hour having passed'), giving time for tension to build. The accuser diischurizeto (διϊσχυρίζετο, 'confidently affirmed, insisted strongly')—this is no passing comment but forceful assertion. The phrase ep' alētheias kai houtos met' autou ēn (ἐπ' ἀληθείας καὶ οὗτος μετ' αὐτοῦ ἦν, 'in truth this one also was with him') uses legal language—ep' alētheias (ἐπ' ἀληθείας) means 'speaking truth, certainly.' The evidence: kai gar Galilaios estin (καὶ γὰρ Γαλιλαῖός ἐστιν, 'for indeed he is a Galilean').
Peter's accent betrayed him. Galilean Hebrew had distinct pronunciation—they slurred gutturals and had dialectical variations. Matthew 26:73 notes 'thy speech bewrayeth thee.' Despite trying to blend in, Peter's northern origins were audible. The phrase houtos (οὗτος, 'this fellow') is contemptuous—the accuser groups Peter with despised Galileans, rustic provincials. Galileans were stereotyped as ignorant, revolutionary, and unorthodox (John 7:52). But Peter's Galilean identity was his glory—the Galilean Jesus called him, transformed him, and would restore him.