Luke 22:34

KJV

And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, I tell {G3004} thee {G4671}, Peter {G4074}, the cock {G220} shall {G5455} not {G3364} crow {G5455} this day {G4594}, before that {G4250} thou shalt {G2228} thrice {G5151} deny {G533} that thou {G3361} knowest {G1492} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua replied, “I tell you, Kefa, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know me.”

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”

American Standard Version

And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, until thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:34 records Jesus' solemn prophecy to Peter during the Last Supper, directly refuting Peter's confident boast of loyalty. Jesus declares that before the cock crows that very day, Peter will deny knowing Him three times. This poignant exchange underscores the stark contrast between human self-assurance and divine foreknowledge, setting the stage for Peter's profound failure and subsequent restoration, a pivotal moment revealing both human frailty and Christ's unwavering grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This prophecy immediately follows Peter's fervent declaration of unwavering loyalty and readiness to face prison and death with Jesus, as recorded in [Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Boast of Loyalty"). The disciples had just concluded a dispute about who among them was the greatest ([Luke 22:24-30](/luke/22-24-30 "Luke 22:24-30 - The Disciples' Dispute About Greatness")), a discussion Jesus reframed with a teaching on servant leadership and a promise of future authority. Amidst these intimate, yet imperfect, moments in the Upper Room, Jesus turns to Peter, singling him out for a specific warning about an impending spiritual sifting ([Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")), indicating His deep awareness of the trials Peter would face and His intercession on Peter's behalf, even before the denial. This prophecy thus serves as a direct, personal challenge to Peter's self-confidence, immediately preceding Jesus' arrest and trial, and foreshadowing the immense pressure Peter would soon experience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the Passover, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Jesus and His disciples are observing the Passover meal, a deeply symbolic event commemorating Israel's liberation from slavery. The "cock crow" was a well-understood time marker in ancient Jewish and Roman society. While it literally refers to a rooster's crow, it also designated the third watch of the night (from midnight to approximately 3 AM), known as *gallicinium* (Latin for "cockcrow"). This specific timing emphasizes the immediacy and unexpected nature of Peter's denial, occurring within hours of his fervent pledge. The public nature of the trials and the presence of Roman and Jewish authorities would have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, contributing to the pressure Peter would face. Peter, a Galilean, might have felt particularly vulnerable in the Jerusalem court setting, where his accent could betray him.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:34 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**. Jesus' precise prediction of Peter's denial, including the number of times and the timing, demonstrates His omniscient knowledge and His sovereign control over events, even amidst His own impending suffering and betrayal. This highlights His divine nature, as seen in other prophecies He made, such as His own death and resurrection ([Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Death")). Secondly, the verse underscores **Human Frailty and Overconfidence**. Peter's boast in [Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Declaration of Loyalty") reveals a common human tendency to overestimate one's spiritual strength and underestimate the power of temptation or fear. His subsequent failure serves as a stark reminder that even the most devoted followers are susceptible to weakness when faced with intense pressure, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God's grace. Thirdly, it is a clear example of **Prophecy and Fulfillment**. This verse is a precise, verifiable prophecy that is literally fulfilled within hours, as meticulously recounted in [Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial and Repentance") and parallel accounts in other Gospels. This fulfillment reinforces the reliability and authority of Jesus' words and the unfolding of God's predetermined plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō_):** This verb (G2036) typically refers to speaking or saying by word or writing, often in a definite past tense. In this context, it signifies Jesus' direct and authoritative declaration to Peter, a pronouncement of truth rather than a casual remark. It carries the weight of a divine oracle.
* **deny (Greek, _aparnéomai_):** This verb (G533) means "to deny utterly," "to disown," or "to abstain." It implies a complete and emphatic repudiation. Peter's denial would not be a mere oversight but a deliberate and forceful rejection of his association with Jesus, driven by fear and self-preservation.
* **knowest (Greek, _eídō_):** This verb (G1492) primarily means "to see" (literally or figuratively), but in its perfect tense (as used here), it carries the meaning "to know" or "to be aware." When Peter denies knowing Jesus, he is not merely claiming ignorance of His identity, but disavowing any personal relationship or acquaintance with Him, a profound betrayal of their intimate bond.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, 'I tell thee, Peter,'":** This opening establishes the speaker as Jesus and the direct recipient as Peter, emphasizing the personal and specific nature of this prophecy. The phrase "I tell thee" (Greek, *legō soi*) signifies a solemn and authoritative declaration, demanding Peter's full attention and implying the certainty of what is to follow. It highlights Jesus' direct engagement with Peter's earlier boast.
* **"the cock shall not crow this day,":** This clause sets the precise temporal boundary for the prophecy's fulfillment. The "cock crow" refers to the literal crowing of a rooster, a common sound marking the approach of dawn, but also, as noted in the context, a specific watch of the night. The phrase "this day" emphasizes the immediacy of the event, indicating that Peter's denial would occur within the very same 24-hour period that was just beginning, before the next full sunrise.
* **"before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.'":** This final clause details the specific act and its repetition. "Thrice" (Greek, *tris*) underscores the complete and public nature of Peter's disavowal. The act of "denying that thou knowest me" signifies a profound betrayal, a public renunciation of his relationship with Jesus, not merely a failure to acknowledge Him. This prediction directly contradicts Peter's earlier fervent pledge of loyalty and readiness to die for Jesus, highlighting the stark reality of human weakness under pressure.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:34 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. The primary device is **Prophecy**, as Jesus foretells a future event with absolute precision, demonstrating His divine omniscience and control over unfolding circumstances. This prophecy also functions as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the inevitable and painful reality of Peter's failure, which will occur later in the narrative. There is profound **Irony** present: Peter, the rock upon whom Jesus would build His church, is predicted to crumble under pressure, directly contradicting his confident self-assessment. This highlights the ironic contrast between Peter's bold declaration and his impending weakness. Furthermore, the "cock crow" can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, not just a literal time marker, but a symbolic alarm clock that awakens Peter to the devastating reality of his betrayal and the truth of Jesus' words. It marks a moment of profound spiritual awakening and bitter repentance for Peter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:34 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine knowledge and human frailty. It reveals Jesus' perfect foreknowledge, not as a deterministic force that negates human free will, but as an expression of His comprehensive understanding of all things, including the choices and weaknesses of His closest disciples. This foreknowledge does not prevent Peter's denial, but it frames it within a larger divine plan that includes grace and restoration. Peter's failure, though devastating, becomes a powerful testament to the depth of God's mercy and the transformative power of repentance, demonstrating that even profound human weakness can be redeemed and used for God's glory. The incident serves as a timeless warning against spiritual pride and self-reliance, urging believers to cultivate humility and a constant dependence on Christ's sustaining power, knowing that His grace is sufficient even in our deepest failures.

* [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Parallel Prophecy in Matthew")
* [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Parallel Prophecy in Mark")
* [John 13:38](/john/13-38 "John 13:38 - Parallel Prophecy in John")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:34 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, serving as a powerful mirror reflecting our own potential for spiritual overconfidence and the necessity of humility. Peter's boast and subsequent fall remind us that fervent declarations of faith, while commendable, must be tempered with a realistic understanding of our own limitations and the insidious nature of temptation. We are called not to rely on our own strength or resolve, but to cultivate a deep, abiding dependence on Christ, recognizing that true faithfulness flows from His empowering grace, not our inherent capabilities. When we inevitably stumble or fail, as Peter did, this passage offers a message of hope: Jesus' foreknowledge of our failures is accompanied by His intercession for our faith ([Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus' Prayer for Peter")), and His plan includes our restoration and strengthening. This encourages us to approach our spiritual walk with both earnest commitment and humble reliance, always looking to Christ for strength and forgiveness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be relying on my own strength or confidence rather than on God's grace?**
* **How does Peter's denial and subsequent restoration encourage me when I face my own spiritual failures or moments of weakness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater humility and dependence on Christ in my daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus tell Peter this, knowing it would happen? Was it to shame him?**

Answer: Jesus' prophecy was not intended to shame Peter but to prepare him, demonstrate divine foreknowledge, and ultimately reveal His profound grace. By foretelling Peter's denial, Jesus affirmed His omniscience, showing that even Peter's most significant failure was within God's sovereign plan. More importantly, Jesus immediately followed this prophecy with a prayer for Peter's faith not to fail and a command to strengthen his brothers *after* he turned back ([Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus Prays for Peter's Faith")). This indicates that Jesus' purpose was redemptive: to allow Peter to experience the depth of his own weakness, leading to genuine repentance and a stronger, more humble faith, which would then equip him to lead others. It was a painful but necessary lesson for Peter's spiritual formation and future leadership.

**What is the significance of "the cock shall not crow this day"?**

Answer: The phrase "the cock shall not crow this day" serves as a precise and immediate time marker for the prophecy's fulfillment. In the context of ancient Jewish and Roman practices, the "cockcrow" (Latin: *gallicinium*) was not only the literal crowing of a rooster but also designated the third watch of the night, typically occurring between midnight and 3 AM. This detail underscores the swiftness and unexpected nature of Peter's denial, as it would occur within hours of his confident boast and before the new day had fully dawned. Its significance lies in its exact fulfillment, highlighting the accuracy of Jesus' prophecy and the unfolding of God's plan even in moments of human failure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:34 powerfully points to Christ in several profound ways. Firstly, it underscores Jesus' **divine omniscience and sovereignty**. His ability to precisely predict Peter's triple denial, including the specific timing before the cockcrow, unequivocally demonstrates His divine nature. This is not merely human foresight but an attribute of God who knows the end from the beginning ([Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). Even in His deepest suffering, Jesus remains in control, fulfilling His prophetic role as the Messiah. Secondly, this passage highlights Jesus' **unwavering grace and pastoral heart**. Despite knowing Peter's impending failure, Jesus does not condemn him but prays for him ([Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus' Prayer for Peter")), expressing a deep compassion that extends beyond human weakness. This foreshadows His ultimate redemptive work on the cross, where He bears the sins of all, including Peter's denial and our own failures ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). Finally, Peter's denial and subsequent restoration by Jesus after the resurrection ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")) powerfully illustrate the **transformative power of Christ's grace**. Peter's failure, though painful, became a crucible that refined his faith, stripping away self-reliance and leading him to a deeper dependence on Christ. This experience prepared him to become a foundational leader of the early church, boldly proclaiming the gospel ([Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Acts 2:14-41 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost")), a testament to Christ's ability to redeem and empower even those who stumble. Thus, Luke 22:34 is not just a story of human failure, but a profound revelation of Christ's perfect knowledge, enduring love, and redemptive power, offering hope and restoration to all who, like Peter, falter yet return to Him.

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.

Mark 14:30

And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, [even] in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Matthew 26:34

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

Matthew 26:74

Then began he to curse and to swear, [saying], I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

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.

John 18:27

Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.