Luke Chapter 22 · Verse 60
And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 17
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
7 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὃ
what
G3739
ὃ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λέγεις
thou sayest
G3004
λέγεις
thou sayest
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
while he
G846
αὐτοῦ
while he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 17
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
ἐφώνησεν
crew
G5455
ἐφώνησεν
crew
Strong's:
G5455
Word #:
15 of 17
to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation
Historical Context
Jewish law prohibited keeping roosters in Jerusalem due to cleanliness regulations, but Roman soldiers and wealthy residents ignored this. The crowing likely came from the Roman garrison or nearby estates. Roosters typically crow around 3-4 AM, suggesting Jesus' trials lasted through the night. The 'cock-crow' (Greek alektōr, Hebrew tarnegol) marked the end of third watch, signaling approaching dawn. Jesus had warned Peter at midnight; by cock-crow Peter had denied Him thrice. The timing fulfilled prophecy precisely, showing God's sovereignty over even animal behavior.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Peter's denial of even understanding the accusation reveal about sin's progression?
- How does the rooster's crow function as both judgment and mercy?
- What 'alarms' does God use in your life to awaken you to spiritual danger?
Analysis & Commentary
And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. Peter's third denial is emphatic: anthrōpe, ouk oida ho legeis (ἄνθρωπε, οὐκ οἶδα ὃ λέγεις, 'man, I do not know what you say'). This transcends denying Jesus—Peter denies even understanding the accusation. He pretends total ignorance, as if the conversation itself is incomprehensible. The phrase parachrēma eti lalountos autou (παραχρῆμα ἔτι λαλοῦντος αὐτοῦ, 'immediately while he yet spoke') emphasizes divine timing—parachrēma (παραχρῆμα) means 'at that very moment.' Peter's mouth still forms denial when ephōnēsen alektōr (ἐφώνησεν ἀλέκτωρ, 'a rooster crowed').
The rooster's crow is God's alarm clock, awakening Peter to his sin. Jesus predicted this exact sequence: 'before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice' (v. 34). Every word fulfilled: three denials, before cock-crow. The rooster announces dawn—literally and spiritually. It ends Peter's night of darkness and begins his journey to restoration. The bird's cry is simultaneously condemnation (exposing sin) and grace (prompting repentance). Nature itself testifies against Peter, yet God uses creation to reclaim His fallen apostle.