Luke 22:58

KJV

And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} after {G3326} a little while {G1024} another {G2087} saw {G1492} him {G846}, and said {G5346}, Thou {G4771} art {G1488} also {G2532} of {G1537} them {G846}. And {G1161} Peter {G4074} said {G2036}, Man {G444}, I am {G1510} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A little later, someone else saw him and said, “You’re one of them too”; but Kefa said, “Man, I am not!”

Berean Standard Bible

A short time later, someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.”

American Standard Version

And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou also art one of them. But Peter said, Man, I am not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:58 captures the second of Peter's three denials of Jesus, a deeply human and poignant moment occurring amidst the chaos of Jesus' arrest and trial. Following his initial, hesitant denial to a servant girl, Peter is now confronted by "another" individual who directly accuses him of being associated with Jesus. Peter's immediate and emphatic declaration, "Man, I am not," underscores the intense fear and immense pressure he experienced, revealing the profound vulnerability of even the most devoted disciples when faced with severe opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus' passion week, specifically during the clandestine trial before the Sanhedrin. Immediately preceding this, Peter, having followed [Jesus "afar off"](/luke/22-54 "Luke 22:54 - Peter Follows Afar Off"), gains entry into the high priest's courtyard. The first denial, prompted by a servant girl, has just occurred, as recorded in [Luke 22:56-57](/luke/22-56-57 "Luke 22:56-57 - Peter's First Denial"). The phrase "after a little while" in [Luke 22:58](/luke/22-58 "Luke 22:58 - Peter's Second Denial") indicates a brief interlude before the next confrontation, building the tension towards the prophesied triple denial. This sequence of events, culminating in Peter's third denial and the rooster's crow in [Luke 22:60-61](/luke/22-60-61 "Luke 22:60-61 - Peter's Third Denial and the Rooster's Crow"), highlights the rapid descent of Peter's courage and the unfolding of Jesus' prophetic words.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the courtyard of the high priest, likely Caiaphas, where Jesus was undergoing an illegal nighttime interrogation. This was a highly charged and dangerous environment for anyone associated with Jesus, who was perceived as a revolutionary or blasphemer by the Jewish authorities. Public accusation and association with an accused criminal could lead to arrest, trial, and severe punishment. The presence of a fire in the courtyard ([Luke 22:55](/luke/22-55 "Luke 22:55 - Peter by the Fire")) suggests a cold night, and the gathering of guards and servants indicates a tense, watchful atmosphere. Peter's attempt to blend in, yet being identified by his Galilean accent or demeanor, was a common risk in such a setting, as seen in the third denial ([Matthew 26:73](/matthew/26-73 "Matthew 26:73 - Peter's Galilean Accent")). The fear of being implicated in a capital offense was a very real and immediate danger.
* **Key Themes:** Peter's denial in [Luke 22:58](/luke/22-58 "Luke 22:58 - Peter's Second Denial") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it starkly illustrates **Human Weakness and Frailty**, demonstrating how even a devoted disciple can succumb to fear and pressure, despite earlier bold declarations of loyalty ([Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Vow of Loyalty")). Secondly, it serves as a direct **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus had explicitly foretold Peter's three denials before the rooster crowed ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")), underscoring divine foreknowledge and the certainty of God's sovereign plan even amidst human failure. Finally, this episode highlights the theme of **Temptation and Spiritual Vulnerability**, reminding believers of the constant need for vigilance and reliance on God's strength, especially when facing opposition or potential suffering for one's faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **little while (Greek, _brachýs'_):** From G1024, meaning "short" in terms of time, place, quantity, or number. Here, it specifically denotes a brief interval, emphasizing the rapid succession of Peter's denials. This brevity heightens the sense of Peter's escalating panic and the relentless pressure he faced, allowing him little time to compose himself between accusations.
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, a primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), and by implication, "to know." In this context, it signifies not just a casual glance but an act of recognition or perception. The "another" individual "saw" Peter, implying they recognized him or perceived his association with Jesus, leading to the direct accusation. This "seeing" is a critical element, as it is the catalyst for the confrontation.
* **I am not (Greek, _eimí_ with _ou'_):** The phrase "I am not" combines G1510 (_eimí_), meaning "I exist" (used emphatically), with G3756 (_ou_), the absolute negative adverb "no" or "not." Together, `οὐκ εἰμί` forms a strong and definite negation, meaning "I am absolutely not" or "I do not exist as such." This is a powerful, unequivocal denial, indicating Peter's desperate attempt to completely disassociate himself from Jesus, revealing the depth of his fear and the severity of the perceived threat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after a little while another saw him,"**: This clause establishes the setting and the timing of the second denial. The "little while" (G1024, _brachýs_) indicates a short period following the first denial, suggesting Peter had little time to recover or reflect. The "another" (G2087, _héteros_) implies a different individual from the servant girl who made the first accusation, showing that Peter was under scrutiny from multiple sources. This individual "saw" (G1492, _eídō_) Peter, implying a clear recognition or observation that led to the subsequent accusation.
* **"and said, Thou art also of them."**: This is the direct accusation. The accuser states, "Thou art also of them," directly linking Peter to Jesus' group. The word "also" (G2532, _kaí_) emphasizes that Peter is not merely present but is "among them," reinforcing the idea of his belonging to Jesus' disciples. This is a more direct and assertive accusation than the first, putting Peter in a more difficult position.
* **"And Peter said, Man, I am not."**: This is Peter's emphatic response. His address, "Man" (G444, _ánthrōpos_), is a common, somewhat informal address, perhaps indicating a slight agitation or a dismissive tone. His declaration, "I am not" (G1510, _eimí_ with G3756, _ou_), is a strong, absolute negation. It signifies a complete and forceful denial of any association with Jesus, demonstrating his profound fear and his desperate attempt to protect himself from the perceived danger.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account of Peter's denial employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Peter, who had so boldly declared his willingness to die for Jesus ([Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Vow of Loyalty")), now emphatically denies Him. This stark contrast highlights the unexpected weakness of a key disciple. The entire scene is imbued with **Dramatic Tension**, building with each successive denial and the increasing pressure on Peter. This tension is masterfully released with the rooster's crow, which immediately follows the third denial, acting as a powerful, almost cinematic, cue. Furthermore, the narrative serves as a profound piece of **Characterization** for Peter, revealing his impetuous nature, his deep devotion, but also his profound human frailty and fear. This nuanced portrayal makes Peter a relatable figure, whose eventual restoration offers immense hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:58 serves as a stark theological reminder of the pervasive nature of human weakness and the ever-present temptation to compromise faith under duress. Peter's denial, far from being an isolated incident, resonates with the broader biblical narrative of humanity's struggle with sin and fear, even among those committed to God. It underscores the profound truth that salvation is not contingent upon perfect human faithfulness but upon the unwavering faithfulness of God, who sovereignly orchestrates events, even human failures, to fulfill His divine purposes. This moment, therefore, highlights both the depths of human frailty and the steadfastness of divine prophecy and grace.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")
* [Matthew 26:69-75](/matthew/26-69-75 "Matthew 26:69-75 - Peter's Denials in Matthew")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's denial in Luke 22:58 offers a profoundly humbling and hopeful lesson for believers today. It reminds us that even the most zealous and devoted followers of Christ are susceptible to fear, peer pressure, and the temptation to deny our faith when faced with adversity or potential suffering. Peter's failure is not presented as a final condemnation but as a vivid illustration of human fallibility. It challenges us to honestly assess our own spiritual vulnerabilities and to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's strength rather than our own resolve. However, the story does not end with Peter's failure; his subsequent repentance and glorious restoration by Jesus after the resurrection ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")) provide a powerful testament to God's boundless grace, forgiveness, and His ability to redeem our deepest failures, transforming them into opportunities for renewed commitment and service. This narrative encourages us to confess our weaknesses, trust in God's restorative power, and persevere in faith, knowing that His mercies are new every morning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations do I feel most tempted to compromise my faith or deny my association with Christ?**
* **How can Peter's experience of fear and denial inform my understanding of my own spiritual vulnerabilities?**
* **What does Peter's eventual restoration teach me about God's grace and my own journey of repentance and renewal?**

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

Answer: Peter's denial was primarily driven by intense fear and self-preservation in a highly dangerous situation. He was in the high priest's courtyard, a hostile environment where Jesus was being interrogated and condemned. Associating with Jesus, who was seen as a criminal, would have put Peter's own life at risk. Despite his earlier bold declaration to die with Jesus ([Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Vow of Loyalty")), his human courage faltered under extreme pressure, demonstrating the profound weakness that can afflict even the most devoted disciples when confronted with imminent danger. This also fulfilled Jesus' prophecy ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")), highlighting divine foreknowledge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's poignant denial in [Luke 22:58](/luke/22-58 "Luke 22:58 - Peter's Second Denial"), a stark display of human weakness and fear, serves as a powerful backdrop against which the perfect faithfulness of Christ shines even more brightly. While Peter, a representative of fallen humanity, denied his Lord, Jesus himself never wavered in His commitment to His Father's will, even unto death. He perfectly embodied the obedience that Peter lacked, fulfilling the divine mission without compromise or fear. Jesus' intercession for Peter, even before the denial occurred ([Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")), foreshadows His ongoing high priestly work, where He continually intercedes for His people, ensuring that their faith does not fail. Ultimately, Peter's failure and subsequent restoration by the resurrected Christ ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")) point to the sufficiency of Jesus' grace and the power of His atoning work. Christ is the one who, though tempted in every way, remained without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), providing the perfect righteousness that covers our failures and the unfailing love that restores us to Himself. He is the faithful witness, the true "Man" who never denied God, and through His sacrifice, He enables us to stand firm, even when our own strength fails.

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

Mark 14:69

And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is [one] of them.

Mark 14:70

And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art [one] of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth [thereto].

John 18:25

And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also [one] of his disciples? He denied [it], and said, I am not.

Matthew 26:71

And when he was gone out into the porch, another [maid] saw him, and said unto them that were there, This [fellow] was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

Matthew 26:72

And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.