Mark 14:30
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 22
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
σήμερον
this day
G4594
σήμερον
this day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
10 of 22
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
14 of 22
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
φωνῆσαι
crow
G5455
φωνῆσαι
crow
Strong's:
G5455
Word #:
19 of 22
to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation
Historical Context
Roman timekeeping divided night into four watches; cock-crow marked approximately 3 AM. Roosters were common in Jerusalem despite rabbinic restrictions in some quarters. Mark's detail "twice" (unique among Gospels) suggests eyewitness precision, likely from Peter's own testimony to Mark. Ancient church tradition universally identified Mark's Gospel as containing Peter's reminiscences.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' specific prediction demonstrate both His divine omniscience and His grace in forewarning Peter?
- What does Peter's failure despite direct warning teach about human nature apart from God's sustaining grace?
- How might God be using your awareness of past failures to produce humble dependence rather than self-confident presumption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. Jesus responds to Peter's boast with devastating specificity. The double time marker—this day, even in this night (σήμερον ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτί, sēmeron tautē tē nykti)—emphasizes immediacy: not someday, but tonight. The cock-crow detail proves Jesus' foreknowledge and provides Peter an unmistakable confirmation marker.
The verb ἀπαρνέομαι (aparneomai, "deny") means to utterly disown, the same word used for denying Christ before persecutors (Matthew 10:33). The threefold denial (τρίς, tris) contrasts with Peter's threefold confession at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:16). Yet even this prophesied failure serves redemptive purposes: Peter's restoration required him first to know his own weakness, producing the humility necessary for apostolic ministry.