Matthew 26:35
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
said
G3004
λέγει
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 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
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 20
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 #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 20
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
δέῃ
should
G1163
δέῃ
should
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
6 of 20
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
8 of 20
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
οὐ
G3756
μή
G3361
μή
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Jewish martyrdom traditions (Maccabean period) celebrated those who chose death over apostasy. Peter and the disciples genuinely believed they possessed such courage. They didn't yet understand that loyalty to Christ required supernatural empowerment—which would come at Pentecost (Acts 2), transforming these same cowards into bold witnesses willing to actually die.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between Peter's self-generated courage and Spirit-empowered boldness after Pentecost?
- How do you cultivate realistic self-assessment that acknowledges your dependence on Christ's strength?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee (λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος· κἂν δέῃ με σὺν σοὶ ἀποθανεῖν, οὐ μή σε ἀπαρνήσομαι, legei autō ho Petros· kan deē me syn soi apothanein, ou mē se aparnēsomai)—Peter's second protest intensifies his claim: he'd rather die than deny. The double negative οὐ μή (ou mē) is emphatic: 'absolutely not, by no means.' His sincerity is genuine, but self-knowledge is absent.
Likewise also said all the disciples—The entire group joins Peter's overconfident pledge, creating corporate self-deception. Within hours, all the disciples forsook him, and fled (v. 56). Their bold words crumble before a servant girl's question. The lesson: good intentions without Spirit-power produce spectacular failure.