Matthew 26:33
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 15
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 15
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 15
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
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σκανδαλισθήσομαι
be offended
G4624
σκανδαλισθήσομαι
be offended
Strong's:
G4624
Word #:
10 of 15
to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)
Historical Context
Peter's personality throughout the Gospels shows impulsive boldness mixed with genuine devotion. As the group's informal spokesman, he often spoke first and most forcefully. His claim to surpass others in loyalty reflected both his passionate love for Jesus and his dangerous self-reliance before receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you been most vulnerable to spiritual failure—in moments of confidence or acknowledged weakness?
- What does Peter's overconfidence teach about the danger of comparing your faithfulness to others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter answered and said... Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended (ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν αὐτῷ· εἰ πάντες σκανδαλισθήσονται ἐν σοί, ἐγὼ οὐδέποτε σκανδαλισθήσομαι, apokritheis de ho Petros eipen autō· ei pantes skandalisthēsontai en soi, egō oudepote skandalisthēsomai)—Peter's self-confidence contradicts Jesus's direct prophecy. Never (οὐδέποτε, oudepote)—emphatic: 'not even once, absolutely never.'
Peter distinguishes himself from all men, claiming superior devotion. His pride blinds him to his own weakness. This overconfidence sets up his spectacular failure (v. 69-75), teaching that he that thinketh he standeth must take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). True strength acknowledges utter dependence on Christ.