John 18:27

KJV

Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Peter therefore denied again: and straightway the cock crew.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 18:27 records the third and final denial of Jesus by Peter, a moment of profound human failure immediately followed by the crowing of a rooster, signaling the precise fulfillment of Jesus' earlier prophecy. This event marks a pivotal point in the Passion narrative, highlighting Peter's vulnerability under pressure while simultaneously underscoring Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereignty even amidst betrayal and suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Peter's three denials, which are strategically interwoven into the narrative of Jesus' interrogation before Annas, the former high priest. Peter's first denial occurs at the courtyard gate (John 18:17), followed by his second denial while warming himself by a fire (John 18:25). The immediate context of John 18:27 places Peter in the high priest's courtyard, where a servant of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off (John 18:10), challenges Peter's association with Jesus. This final denial and the subsequent cockcrow directly fulfill Jesus' prophecy made during the Last Supper (John 13:38), dramatically juxtaposing Peter's human weakness with Jesus' divine omniscience and control over unfolding events. The narrative then shifts back to Jesus' continued trial before Caiaphas and later Pilate.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds in the enclosed courtyard of the high priest's residence, likely a large, semi-public space where servants and guards would gather. In first-century Judea, association with someone accused of sedition or blasphemy, especially by the religious authorities, carried significant social and legal risks, including arrest and punishment. Peter's fear of being identified as a follower of Jesus, who was now a prisoner facing a capital charge, was a very real and understandable human reaction. The "cock crow" was not only a literal sound but also a recognized division of the night, specifically the third watch (around 3 AM), indicating the early hours of the morning and the swift progression of events in Jesus' trial. The presence of a relative of Malchus, whose ear Peter had severed, adds a layer of personal danger and irony to Peter's situation.

* **Key Themes:** John 18:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. It starkly illustrates the theme of **human frailty and failure**, even among Jesus' most devoted disciples, reminding us that even great faith can falter under intense pressure, as Peter's earlier bold declaration of loyalty in [John 13:37](/john/13-37 "John 13:37 - Peter's Boast") gives way to fear. Simultaneously, it underscores the profound theme of **divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of prophecy**, as Jesus' precise prediction in [John 13:38](/john/13-38 "John 13:38 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial") (also recorded in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus' Prophecy to Peter"), [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - The Cock Will Crow Twice"), and [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Peter's Denial Foretold")) comes to pass with chilling accuracy. This immediate fulfillment emphasizes Jesus' perfect foreknowledge and control, even over human actions, reinforcing the theme that God's plan is unalterable. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **grace and restoration**, which, while not explicit in this verse, is essential for understanding Peter's subsequent journey and ultimate leadership in the early church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **denied (Greek, _arnéomai'_):** This verb signifies to contradict, disavow, reject, or abnegate. In Peter's context, it means to utterly disclaim any knowledge of or association with Jesus, a profound act of unfaithfulness to his Lord. The repetition of "again" emphasizes the repeated nature of his disavowal, intensifying the gravity of his failure.
* **immediately (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb highlights the instantaneous nature of the cock's crowing after Peter's denial. It conveys a sense of directness and immediacy, underscoring the precise and undeniable fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy. The suddenness of the sound would have been a jarring and convicting moment for Peter, leaving no room for doubt regarding the truth of Jesus' words.
* **crew (Greek, _phōnéō'_):** While this verb can mean to emit any sound (animal, human, or instrumental), in this context, it specifically refers to the characteristic sound made by a rooster. The use of this word, combined with "immediately," points to a natural, yet divinely orchestrated, event that served as a powerful, audible sign of Peter's spiritual failure and Jesus' prophetic accuracy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Peter then denied again:"** This clause marks the third and final instance of Peter's denial, completing the pattern foretold by Jesus. The word "then" (οὖν, _oun_) indicates a logical progression or consequence, linking this denial to the previous ones and the mounting pressure Peter faced. The repetition of "denied again" emphasizes the culmination of his failure, a stark contrast to his earlier boasts of loyalty.
* **"and immediately the cock crew."** This second clause describes the instantaneous and dramatic fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy. The conjunction "and" (καί, _kai_) links Peter's action directly to the subsequent event, highlighting the cause-and-effect relationship. The "immediately" (εὐθέως, _euthéōs_) underscores the precise timing, leaving no doubt that this was the very moment Jesus had predicted. The crowing of the cock serves as an undeniable, audible sign, bringing Peter's sin and Jesus' divine knowledge into sharp, painful focus.

#### Literary Devices
John 18:27 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological and dramatic impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as the entire scene directly fulfills Jesus' prophecy to Peter in [John 13:38](/john/13-38 "John 13:38 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial"). The immediate crowing of the cock serves as the precise, undeniable trigger for this fulfillment, creating a powerful moment of **dramatic irony** where Peter's earlier confident boasts are starkly contrasted with his abject failure. The cock's crow itself functions as a potent **symbol** of Peter's betrayal and the dawning of a painful reality, not just for Peter but for the entire Passion narrative. Furthermore, there is a subtle **juxtaposition** between Peter's human weakness and fear, leading to denial, and Jesus' unwavering resolve and divine control, even as He faces His accusers. This contrast highlights the vast difference between the human and the divine, and the ultimate triumph of God's plan despite human failings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 18:27 is a powerful theological statement on human fallibility and divine sovereignty. Peter's denial, despite his fervent declarations of loyalty, reveals the deep-seated weakness and fear that can afflict even the most devoted followers of Christ when faced with intense pressure. It underscores the biblical truth that apart from God's sustaining grace, human strength and resolve are insufficient. Yet, this moment of human failure simultaneously magnifies God's perfect foreknowledge and the unwavering certainty of His prophetic word. The immediate crowing of the cock is not merely a coincidence but a divinely orchestrated sign, demonstrating that even in the midst of betrayal and human sin, God's sovereign plan is unfolding precisely as ordained. This event serves as a sobering reminder of our own susceptibility to temptation and the absolute reliability of God's Word.

* [John 13:38](/john/13-38 "John 13:38 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial")
* [Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's denial is a deeply human and relatable moment in the Gospel narrative. It serves as a stark reminder that even those closest to Jesus are not immune to fear, doubt, and the temptation to compromise their faith under pressure. This passage calls us to profound humility, recognizing that our own strength is insufficient to navigate the trials of life or to stand firm in our convictions. It challenges us to examine our hearts: where do we place our trust? Do we, like Peter, rely on our own perceived strength and courage, only to falter when truly tested? Or do we, in humility, acknowledge our weakness and lean entirely on the sustaining power and grace of God? Peter's tears of remorse (Luke 22:62) after the cock crowed reveal the pain of his failure, but also the beginning of true repentance. This narrative encourages us to confront our own moments of denial—whether overt or subtle—and to remember that God's grace extends even to our most profound failures, offering a path to restoration and renewed purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most susceptible to denying Christ, either explicitly or implicitly, due to fear of man or societal pressure?**
* **How does Peter's failure and the immediate fulfillment of prophecy challenge or affirm my understanding of God's sovereignty and my own human responsibility?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's strength rather than my own, especially when facing difficult choices or temptations?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter deny Jesus, especially after his earlier bold declarations?**

Answer: Peter's denials stemmed from a complex mix of fear, human weakness, and perhaps a lack of full spiritual comprehension at that moment. Despite his genuine love and loyalty to Jesus, as expressed in [John 13:37](/john/13-37 "John 13:37 - Peter's Boast"), the sudden and overwhelming pressure of Jesus' arrest and trial, coupled with the threat of association with a condemned man, exposed the limits of his natural courage. His spiritual unpreparedness, despite Jesus' warnings and prayers for him (as seen in [Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")), led him to prioritize self-preservation over open allegiance. It highlights the reality that even the most devoted followers can stumble when confronted with intense trials.

**What is the significance of the cock crowing immediately after Peter's denial?**

Answer: The immediate crowing of the cock is profoundly significant for several reasons. Primarily, it serves as the undeniable, audible sign that precisely fulfills Jesus' prophecy to Peter (recorded in [John 13:38](/john/13-38 "John 13:38 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial") and the Synoptic Gospels). This instant fulfillment underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereignty, demonstrating that even human failings are within the scope of God's ordained plan. For Peter, the sound was a jarring, convicting moment, bringing the weight of his actions and the truth of Jesus' words crashing down upon him, leading to his bitter tears of repentance (as described in [Luke 22:62](/luke/22-62 "Luke 22:62 - Peter Weeps Bitterly")). It was a divinely appointed alarm clock, not just for the dawn, but for Peter's soul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 18:27, though a record of human failure, profoundly points to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Peter's denial, occurring precisely as foretold, underscores Jesus' perfect **omniscience and divine control** over all events, even the darkest moments of human sin and betrayal. While Peter denied His Lord, Jesus never denied His Father or His mission, steadfastly enduring the false accusations and suffering that would lead to the cross. Jesus' prayer for Peter in [Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter"), that Peter's faith would not fail, foreshadows His own intercessory work as our great High Priest, who ever lives to make intercession for those who come to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")). The very Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bore the weight of Peter's denial, and indeed, the sins of all who would deny Him. Ultimately, Peter's subsequent restoration by Jesus in [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter") beautifully illustrates Christ's boundless grace, forgiveness, and redemptive power, showing that even profound failure cannot thwart His purposes for those He calls. Jesus' faithfulness remains even when we are faithless ([2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")), demonstrating His perfect love that redeems and restores.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.