Matthew 26:70
But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔμπροσθεν
before
G1715
ἔμπροσθεν
before
Strong's:
G1715
Word #:
4 of 10
in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)
λέγεις
saying
G3004
λέγεις
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 10
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 #:
8 of 10
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Historical Context
Peter's denial occurred in the high priest's courtyard during Jesus's trial before Caiaphas (vv. 57-68). Multiple Gospel accounts show slight variations in details (different questioners, exact wording), suggesting multiple people questioned Peter, and he denied Jesus repeatedly over perhaps an hour (Luke 22:59 says 'about an hour'). The denials escalated from evasion ('I don't know what you mean') to oath ('I do not know the man,' v. 72) to cursing and swearing (v. 74), showing progressive hardening when initial sin isn't repented.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Peter's denial despite earlier bravado warn against trusting your own promised faithfulness rather than Christ's preserving grace?
- What's the difference between Peter's momentary denial (leading to repentance) and Judas's betrayal (leading to despair)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest (ὁ δὲ ἠρνήσατο ἔμπροσθεν πάντων λέγων, Οὐκ οἶδα τί λέγεις)—The verb ἀρνέομαι (arneomai, 'to deny, to refuse, to disown') is the same word Jesus used in 26:34 predicting Peter's denials. The phrase ἔμπροσθεν πάντων ('before all, in the presence of all') shows public denial—not private failure but open repudiation. Peter's response Οὐκ οἶδα τί λέγεις ('I don't know what you're saying') feigns incomprehension—'I don't understand your accusation.' This is evasive denial, pretending confusion rather than outright rejection, but still denial.
Peter's denial contrasts sharply with his earlier boast: 'Even if I must die with You, I will not deny You' (26:35). Hours earlier, he drew a sword against armed mob (26:51); now he capitulates before a servant girl. This demonstrates human weakness—bold in imagined scenarios, cowardly in actual tests. Yet Peter's failure was predicted and bounded—Jesus prayed for him (Luke 22:32), ensuring failure wouldn't be final. This encourages all who've failed—apostasy and momentary denial differ; Peter's tears (v. 75) proved his faith remained, though courage failed.