Mark 14:68
But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγεις
sayest
G3004
λέγεις
sayest
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 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
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ἐπίσταμαι
understand I
G1987
ἐπίσταμαι
understand I
Strong's:
G1987
Word #:
8 of 20
to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
9 of 20
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
λέγεις
sayest
G3004
λέγεις
sayest
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The Mishnah (Baba Kamma 7:7) mentions regulations about keeping roosters in Jerusalem, suggesting they were common despite some restrictions. Roman time divisions included the 'gallicinium' (cockcrow) watch from midnight to 3 AM. The 'porch' or vestibule (προαύλιον) was the covered gateway between the street and inner courtyard, offering Peter partial concealment while maintaining access to the trial's outcome.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Peter use double negatives ('neither know nor understand') in his denial?
- How does the rooster's crow function as God's prophetic voice calling Peter to repentance?
- What spiritual dynamic drives Peter to retreat physically (to the porch) while remaining near enough to watch?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest (ὁ δὲ ἠρνήσατο λέγων, Οὔτε οἶδα οὔτε ἐπίσταμαι σὺ τί λέγεις, ho de ērnēsato legōn, Oute oida oute epistamai sy ti legeis)—The verb ἀρνέομαι (arneomai) means to deny, disown, reject—the same word Jesus used predicting this moment (14:30). Peter employs double negatives: οὔτε οἶδα (oute oida, 'I don't know') and οὔτε ἐπίσταμαι (oute epistamai, 'I don't understand'). He denies both knowledge and comprehension, a complete disavowal.
And he went out into the porch (καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἔξω εἰς τὸ προαύλιον, kai exēlthen exō eis to proaulion)—Peter retreats to the προαύλιον (proaulion), the gateway or vestibule, attempting escape. And the cock crew (καὶ ἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν, kai alektōr ephōnēsen)—the first cockcrow, between midnight and 3 AM (Roman 'cockcrowing' watch). Jesus had predicted 'before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice' (14:30). The rooster's cry became God's voice piercing Peter's conscience.