Matthew 26:74
Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 14
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
saying
G3754
ὅτι
saying
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
8 of 14
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.1 Corinthians 16:22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Historical Context
Roosters crow at various times but especially near dawn. Roman military practice divided night into four watches; the third watch (midnight-3 AM) was called 'cock-crowing' (ἀλεκτοροφωνία). The crowing occurred in Jerusalem though rabbinic tradition later forbade keeping fowl in Jerusalem (due to cleanliness laws), suggesting either the law wasn't yet enforced or applied only to certain areas. The cock-crow's timing—immediately after the third denial—demonstrated Jesus's omniscience and providential orchestration even of animal behavior.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Peter's progression from evasion to oaths to cursing illustrate sin's downward spiral when not immediately repented?
- What 'cock-crows' (sudden reminders of Christ's Word) has God used to awaken you from spiritual compromise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man (τότε ἤρξατο καταθεματίζειν καὶ ὀμνύειν ὅτι Οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον)—Peter's third denial reached maximum intensity. The verb καταθεματίζω (katathematizō, 'to curse, to invoke curses, to bind oneself by oath') and ὀμνύω (omnyō, 'to swear, to take oath') show Peter calling down curses on himself if lying—'May God curse me if I'm lying!' He repeated Οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον ('I do not know the man'), his most vehement denial. This violated Jesus's teaching (5:33-37) and showed how far Peter fell—from sword-wielding defender (v. 51) to curse-swearing denier.
And immediately the cock crew (καὶ εὐθέως ἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν)—The instant (εὐθέως, immediately) Peter finished denying, the rooster (ἀλέκτωρ) crowed (φωνέω). This fulfilled Jesus's specific prediction (26:34): 'before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' The cock-crow was simultaneously natural event and divine sign—God's creation rebuked Peter's denial. Luke 22:61 adds 'the Lord turned and looked at Peter'—Jesus, in midst of His trial, glanced at denying Peter. That look, plus cock-crow, broke Peter's heart.