Luke 22:62
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
5 of 7
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
Historical Context
Peter's bitter weeping likely occurred in the early morning hours, perhaps in the same garden where Jesus prayed. Luke's Gospel, based partly on Peter's testimony to Mark (according to church tradition), includes this detail as Peter's own testimony to his failure and Christ's forgiveness. Within weeks, Peter transformed from denier to bold proclaimer—a change only Spirit-empowerment explains (Acts 2:14-41). His failure became credential: he knew grace personally, deeply, completely. His epistles emphasize humility, watchfulness against Satan (1 Peter 5:8), and hope despite failure.
Questions for Reflection
- What distinguishes Peter's 'bitter weeping' from Judas' remorse—both failed, but with different outcomes?
- How does true repentance differ from worldly regret or shame?
- What does Peter's restoration from denial to bold apostle teach about God's redemptive power?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Peter's response to Jesus' look is immediate and total: exelthōn exō eklasen pikrōs (ἐξελθὼν ἔξω ἔκλαυσεν πικρῶς, 'having gone out outside, he wept bitterly'). The double emphasis exelthōn exō (going out, outside) suggests urgency—Peter fled the courtyard, seeking solitude. The verb klaiō (κλαίω) means to wail, lament audibly, not silent tears. The adverb pikrōs (πικρῶς, 'bitterly') intensifies the grief—not mere emotion but anguished contrition. This is metanoia (μετάνοια, repentance), godly sorrow producing transformation (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Peter's tears contrast with Judas' remorse (Matthew 27:3-5). Both betrayed Christ; both felt guilt. But Peter's sorrow led to restoration, Judas' to suicide. The difference? Peter remembered Jesus' words and believed Jesus' grace. Judas saw only his sin and lost hope. Peter wept over breaking Christ's heart; Judas despaired over breaking his own life. Peter's tears watered seeds of future faithfulness—the same mouth that denied Christ would preach Pentecost (Acts 2), confront Sanhedrin (Acts 4), and write epistles urging steadfastness (1-2 Peter).