Matthew 26:72
And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
2 of 10
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
μεθ'
with
G3326
μεθ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ὅρκου
an oath
G3727
ὅρκου
an oath
Strong's:
G3727
Word #:
5 of 10
a limit, i.e., (sacred) restraint (specially, an oath)
ὅτι
G3754
οἶδα
I do
G1492
οἶδα
I do
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
Historical Context
Oaths were common in Jewish culture for affirming truth (Genesis 21:23-24; 1 Samuel 20:3). Mishnaic law developed elaborate oath distinctions. Peter's oath-reinforced denial shows desperation—as pressure increased, denials intensified. The phrase 'the man' (ὁ ἄνθρωπος) rather than 'Jesus' attempted to distance Peter from Christ by using generic language. This psychological distancing technique (depersonalization) reveals the self-deceptive nature of sin—we minimize wrongdoing through euphemism and abstraction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sin's progressive nature (Peter's escalating denials) warn you to repent at first compromise rather than continuing?
- When have you depersonalized Jesus ('the man,' 'the historical figure') to avoid personal commitment to Him as Lord?
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Analysis & Commentary
And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man (καὶ πάλιν ἠρνήσατο μετὰ ὅρκου ὅτι Οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον)—Peter's second denial escalated: πάλιν ('again') he denied (ἀρνέομαι), but now μετὰ ὅρκου ('with an oath'). An ὅρκος (oath) invoked God as witness to truth—ironically, Peter swore by God while denying God's Son. The phrase Οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον ('I do not know the man') depersonalizes Jesus—not 'I don't know Jesus' but 'I don't know the man,' treating Christ as a stranger. This fulfilled Jesus's prediction: 'you will deny Me three times' (26:34).
The oath's addition shows sin's progressive nature—first denial was evasive ('I don't know what you mean'), second was explicit with oath ('I don't know the man'). Each sin unprepented makes the next easier and worse. Peter's oath violated Jesus's teaching against swearing (5:33-37), compounding his sin. Yet even this wasn't final—Luke 22:32 records Jesus's prayer: 'I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.' Peter's faith wavered but didn't fail utterly, demonstrating preservation of saints through Christ's intercession.