John 18:27

Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

Peter {G4074} then {G3767} denied {G720} again {G3825}: and {G2532} immediately {G2112} the cock {G220} crew {G5455}.

So again Kefa denied it, and instantly a rooster crowed.

Peter denied it once more, and immediately a rooster crowed.

Peter therefore denied again: and straightway the cock crew.

Context

John 18:27 records the culmination of Peter's three denials of Jesus, a pivotal moment occurring shortly after Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter, along with another disciple, had followed Jesus to the high priest's courtyard. The previous denials occurred when a doorkeeper questioned him (John 18:17) and then again when bystanders identified him as one of Jesus' disciples (John 18:25). This final denial, prompted by another servant, brings to pass a specific prophecy Jesus had made to Peter just hours before, during the Last Supper.

Key Themes

  • Human Frailty and Failure: This verse starkly illustrates the reality of human weakness, even in the most devoted followers. Despite Peter's earlier bold declaration that he would lay down his life for Jesus (John 13:37), fear and pressure led him to deny his Lord.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The immediate crowing of the cock serves as an undeniable sign that Jesus' words were true and that His divine foreknowledge was perfect. Jesus had explicitly told Peter, "The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice" (John 13:38; also Matthew 26:34, Mark 14:30, Luke 22:34). This event underscores God's sovereignty over all events, even human failings.
  • The Reality of Trials: Peter's denial highlights how intense pressure can challenge even the firmest convictions. It serves as a warning about the dangers of self-confidence and the need to rely on God's strength.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the cock crew" (Greek: alektōr ephōnēsen) simply refers to the crowing of a rooster. The significance lies not in a complex linguistic nuance, but in the immediacy of the sound after Peter's third denial. This instant fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy would have been a profoundly jarring and convicting moment for Peter, bringing the weight of his actions and Jesus' words sharply into focus.

Significance and Application

Peter's denial is a powerful narrative for believers. It teaches us several crucial lessons:

  • Humility: It reminds us that no one is immune to temptation or failure. Our strength comes not from ourselves but from God (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • God's Faithfulness: Even in our unfaithfulness, God remains faithful, and His Word will always be fulfilled. The prophecy came true precisely as Jesus said.
  • The Path to Restoration: While this verse captures Peter's failure, the broader biblical narrative shows that God offers grace and restoration to those who repent. Peter, after his tears of remorse, was later restored by Jesus and became a pillar of the early church, demonstrating God's redemptive love.

This event serves as a timeless reminder that even when we stumble, God's plan is not thwarted, and His grace is sufficient for true repentance and renewed purpose.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 13:38

    Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

  • Luke 22:60

    And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

  • Luke 22:62

    And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

  • Mark 14:71

    But he began to curse and to swear, [saying], I know not this man of whom ye speak.

  • Mark 14:72

    And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

  • Matthew 26:34

    Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

  • Mark 14:68

    But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

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