Mark 14:31
But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
vehemently
G1537
ἐκ
vehemently
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
περισσοῦ
G4053
περισσοῦ
Strong's:
G4053
Word #:
4 of 20
superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence
ἔλεγον
he spake
G3004
ἔλεγον
he spake
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 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
μᾶλλον,
the more
G3123
μᾶλλον,
the more
Strong's:
G3123
Word #:
6 of 20
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
Ἐὰν
If
G1437
Ἐὰν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
7 of 20
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
δέῃ
should
G1163
δέῃ
should
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
9 of 20
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
συναποθανεῖν
die with
G4880
συναποθανεῖν
die with
Strong's:
G4880
Word #:
10 of 20
to decease (literally) in company with, or (figuratively), similarly to
οὐ
G3756
μή
G3361
μή
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Exodus 19:8And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.John 13:37Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.Proverbs 16:18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.Proverbs 29:23A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.Proverbs 18:24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.Jeremiah 17:9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?Jeremiah 10:23O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.2 Kings 8:13And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.
Historical Context
First-century honor-shame culture made Peter's declaration especially significant—one's word constituted one's honor. His vehement oath before witnesses would make his denial even more shameful. Yet this very shame, when met with Jesus' restorative grace (John 21), transformed Peter into the bold confessor of Acts who truly would die for Christ (John 21:18-19; tradition holds Peter was crucified upside-down under Nero).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the disciples' unanimous self-confidence followed by unanimous failure teach about group dynamics in spiritual self-assessment?
- How can you distinguish between Spirit-empowered boldness and self-confident presumption in your own commitments to Christ?
- What does Jesus' choice to use these failure-prone men as apostles teach about grace and calling?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But he spake the more vehemently (ὁ δὲ ἐκπερισσῶς ἐλάλει, ho de ekperissōs elalei)—the adverb indicates exceeding intensity, escalating contradiction. Peter's vehemence reveals the depth of his self-deception. If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise ironically predicts exactly what he will fail to do hours later. The absolute negation οὐ μή (ou mē, "not...in any wise") represents Greek's strongest negative, making Peter's coming failure even more striking.
Likewise also said they all—the disciples collectively share Peter's self-confidence and coming failure. This corporate delusion demonstrates that spiritual self-assessment requires more than sincere intention; it requires humble recognition of human weakness. Their unanimous confidence makes their unanimous desertion (v. 50) even more sobering. Yet Jesus chose these men knowing their weaknesses, and empowered them after resurrection despite their failures.