Mark 14:29
But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
3 of 12
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 12
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
Although
G2532
καὶ
Although
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σκανδαλισθήσονται
shall be offended
G4624
σκανδαλισθήσονται
shall be offended
Strong's:
G4624
Word #:
9 of 12
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
ἀλλ'
yet
G235
ἀλλ'
yet
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, public denial of one's teacher (rabbi) constituted ultimate betrayal and brought severe dishonor. Peter's later restoration (John 21:15-17) required threefold confession to counteract threefold denial. Early church tradition holds that Peter's humiliation produced the humble servant-leadership exemplified in his epistles (1 Peter 5:5-6).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Peter's self-confidence despite Jesus' direct warning teach about the danger of trusting our own strength?
- How does comparing yourself favorably to other Christians reveal the same pride Peter displayed?
- In what areas of your Christian walk might you be trusting your intentions rather than God's sustaining grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. Peter's boast contains tragic irony. The intensive conjunction ἀλλά (alla, "but") signals strong contradiction—Peter pits his assessment against Jesus' prophetic word. The phrase yet will not I (ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐγώ, all' ouk egō) emphasizes the pronoun, suggesting Peter considers himself superior to other disciples in loyalty.
This exemplifies the danger of self-confidence. Peter trusted his intention rather than recognizing human weakness. The contrast between πάντες (pantes, "all") and ἐγώ (egō, "I") reveals Peter's pride—he exempts himself from Jesus' prophetic word. Yet Jesus' response (v. 30) doesn't reject Peter but specifies the precise nature of his coming failure, demonstrating both omniscience and redemptive purpose in allowing the fall.