Matthew Chapter 26 · Verse 74

Authorized King James Version

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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)
ἤρξατο began he G756
ἤρξατο began he
Strong's: G756
Word #: 2 of 14
to commence (in order of time)
καταναθεματίζειν to curse G2653
καταναθεματίζειν to curse
Strong's: G2653
Word #: 3 of 14
to imprecate
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
ὀμνύειν to swear G3660
ὀμνύειν to swear
Strong's: G3660
Word #: 5 of 14
to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath
ὅτι saying G3754
ὅτι saying
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 6 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Οὐκ not G3756
Οὐκ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 7 of 14
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
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)
ἄνθρωπον the man G444
ἄνθρωπον the man
Strong's: G444
Word #: 10 of 14
man-faced, i.e., a human being
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
εὐθέως immediately G2112
εὐθέως immediately
Strong's: G2112
Word #: 12 of 14
directly, i.e., at once or soon
ἀλέκτωρ the cock G220
ἀλέκτωρ the cock
Strong's: G220
Word #: 13 of 14
a cock or male fowl
ἐφώνησεν crew G5455
ἐφώνησεν crew
Strong's: G5455
Word #: 14 of 14
to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

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.

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