Luke 22:59

KJV

And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this [fellow] also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} about {G5616} the space {G1339} of one {G3391} hour {G5610} after another {G243}{G5100} confidently affirmed {G1340}, saying {G3004}, Of {G1909} a truth {G225} this {G3778} fellow also {G2532} was {G2258} with {G3326} him {G846}: for {G1063}{G2532} he is {G2076} a Galilaean {G1057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

About an hour later, another man asserted emphatically, “There can be no doubt that this fellow was with him, because he too is from the Galil!”

Berean Standard Bible

About an hour later, another man insisted, “Certainly this man was with Him, for he too is a Galilean.”

American Standard Version

And after the space of about one hour another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this man also was with him; for he is a Galilæan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:59 captures the climactic moment of Peter's third and final denial of Jesus, approximately an hour after his previous denials. A new accuser, with unwavering certainty, identifies Peter not only as an associate of Jesus but specifically as a Galilean, a detail confirmed by his distinctive accent. This verse powerfully illustrates the profound human weakness under pressure, the inescapable nature of truth, and the precise fulfillment of Jesus' earlier prophecy concerning Peter's betrayal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus' arrest, trial, and Peter's simultaneous denials. Immediately preceding [Luke 22:59](/luke/22-59 "Luke 22:59 - Peter's Third Denial"), Peter has already denied Jesus twice in the high priest's courtyard (see [Luke 22:56-58](/luke/22-56-58 "Luke 22:56-58 - Peter's First and Second Denials")). While Jesus is undergoing an illegal interrogation by the Sanhedrin, Peter is warming himself by a fire, attempting to blend in with the servants and guards. This third accusation, coming "about the space of one hour after" the second, carries greater weight as it is based on a specific and undeniable linguistic marker, leading directly into the rooster's crowing and Peter's bitter repentance in [Luke 22:60-62](/luke/22-60-62 "Luke 22:60-62 - The Rooster Crows and Peter Weeps").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the courtyard of the high priest's palace in Jerusalem, likely during the Passover festival. At this time, Jerusalem would have been crowded with pilgrims from all over Judea and Galilee. People from different regions of ancient Israel often had distinct dialects or accents. Galileans, in particular, were known to have a unique speech pattern that distinguished them from Judeans, especially those from Jerusalem. This difference in accent was significant enough to be a reliable identifier, as also attested in [Matthew 26:73](/matthew/26-73 "Matthew 26:73 - Peter's Galilean Speech"). This linguistic detail underscores the historical authenticity of the Gospel account, as such regional nuances were common and recognizable in first-century Palestine.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 22:59](/luke/22-59 "Luke 22:59 - Peter's Third Denial") contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader Passion narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **human weakness and frailty under pressure**. Peter, who had earlier vowed unwavering loyalty and even willingness to die for Jesus ([Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Vow of Loyalty")), succumbs to fear and denies his Lord. Secondly, it emphasizes the **fulfillment of prophecy**, as Jesus had explicitly foretold Peter's threefold denial before the cock crowed ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")). This precise fulfillment underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereignty, even in the face of human failure. Lastly, the detail of the **distinctive Galilean accent** serves as a crucial identifier, linking Peter directly to Jesus and His disciples, most of whom hailed from Galilee, thereby confirming the accuser's "truth."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **confidently affirmed (Greek, _diïschyrízomai'_):** This verb (G1340) means "to stout it through, i.e. asservate." It conveys a strong, unwavering assertion or declaration. The accuser was not merely suggesting or questioning, but boldly and definitively stating their conviction that Peter was associated with Jesus. This word highlights the increased certainty and conviction of the accusation compared to the previous ones, making Peter's denial all the more difficult to maintain.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** This noun (G225) signifies "truth" or "verity." When the accuser says, "Of a truth this [fellow] also was with him," they are expressing their absolute conviction in the accuracy of their statement. It implies that the evidence (Peter's accent) was so compelling that the conclusion drawn was undeniable and factual in their eyes. This word underscores the objective reality of Peter's identity, even as he attempts to conceal it.
* **Galilaean (Greek, _Galilaîos'_):** This adjective (G1057) refers to someone from Galilee or belonging to Galilee. This is the pivotal detail in the accusation, as Peter's regional accent served as irrefutable proof of his origin. For the accuser, identifying Peter as a Galilean was tantamount to identifying him as one of Jesus' inner circle, given that Jesus and most of His disciples were known to be from that region. This linguistic marker sealed Peter's fate in this moment of denial.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And about the space of one hour after":** This phrase indicates the passage of time between Peter's second and third denials. The delay suggests a period of relative calm or perhaps Peter's hope that the immediate danger had passed. However, it also builds dramatic tension, as the inevitable fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy draws nearer.
* **"another confidently affirmed, saying,":** This introduces a new accuser, whose conviction is notably stronger than the previous ones, as indicated by the Greek term for "confidently affirmed." This person's certainty is not based on mere suspicion but on a definitive observation, leading to a bold declaration.
* **"Of a truth this [fellow] also was with him:":** The accuser's statement is presented as an undeniable fact, emphasized by "Of a truth." The word "also" links Peter to Jesus' known followers, implying that his association was not merely incidental but a clear alignment with the condemned Nazarene.
* **"for he is a Galilaean.":** This final clause provides the irrefutable evidence for the accusation. Peter's distinct Galilean accent, a regional marker, served as the definitive proof of his identity and, by extension, his connection to Jesus and His Galilean disciples. This detail makes Peter's denial unsustainable, as his very speech betrayed him.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:59 employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** and **Prophecy Fulfillment** are central, as the verse directly brings to pass Jesus' earlier prediction of Peter's threefold denial before the cock crowed ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")). This precise fulfillment underscores the divine authority and foreknowledge of Christ. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of Peter's true identity and his earlier boasts of loyalty, creating a poignant contrast with his current denials. The accuser's confident affirmation, based on Peter's accent, serves as a form of **Characterization**, revealing Peter's fear and the profound human capacity for weakness under duress. Furthermore, the detail of the "Galilaean" accent provides **Verisimilitude**, adding a layer of realism and historical authenticity to the narrative, as regional dialects were a known reality in first-century Palestine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:59 stands as a stark reminder of human frailty and the profound impact of fear, even on the most devoted followers of Christ. Peter, the rock upon whom Jesus would build His church, falters dramatically under pressure, fulfilling a prophecy that highlights not Peter's weakness alone, but Jesus' divine foreknowledge and control over all events. This moment underscores the critical theological truth that while human beings are capable of profound failure, God's sovereign plan will nonetheless unfold. It also subtly points to the idea that truth, even when suppressed or denied, eventually comes to light, whether through a distinctive accent or divine revelation.

* [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")
* [Matthew 26:73](/matthew/26-73 "Peter's Speech Betrays Him")
* [John 18:27](/john/18-27 "Peter's Third Denial")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:59 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful mirror for our own lives. Peter's denial, rooted in fear and self-preservation, serves as a powerful reminder that even those with the strongest intentions can stumble when faced with intense pressure or the threat of persecution. It challenges us to honestly assess our own spiritual resolve and to recognize our inherent vulnerability without God's sustaining grace. This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit, rather than our own strength, so that we might stand firm in our faith, even when it is costly or unpopular. It also reminds us that our identity in Christ should be so deeply ingrained that it is evident in our words and actions, much like Peter's accent revealed his true origin. While Peter's failure is prominent here, it is crucial to remember that this is not the end of his story; his subsequent bitter weeping and eventual restoration by Jesus offer profound hope for all who falter, emphasizing God's boundless grace and capacity for forgiveness and renewal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most susceptible to compromising your faith under pressure?**
* **How does Peter's denial challenge your understanding of what it means to be a "strong" Christian?**
* **What "accents" or identifying marks of your faith are evident in your daily life, even when you might wish to conceal them?**
* **How does knowing the rest of Peter's story (his restoration) impact your view of your own past failures?**

### FAQ

**Why was Peter's Galilean accent so significant?**

Answer: Peter's Galilean accent was significant because it served as a clear, undeniable regional identifier. People from Galilee had a distinctive dialect or pronunciation that set them apart from Judeans, especially those in Jerusalem. Since Jesus and the majority of His disciples were known to be Galileans, this accent immediately linked Peter to Jesus' inner circle. In the tense atmosphere of Jesus' trial, being identified as a Galilean was tantamount to being identified as a follower of the condemned "King of the Jews," putting Peter in direct danger. This linguistic detail, also mentioned in [Matthew 26:73](/matthew/26-73 "Matthew 26:73 - Peter's Speech Betrays Him"), underscores the historical accuracy and realism of the biblical narrative.

**Did Peter's denial mean he had lost his faith or was not truly a disciple?**

Answer: While Peter's denial was a grave failure, it does not mean he had lost his faith or was not truly a disciple. His actions were a result of immense fear and human weakness, not a complete rejection of Jesus. The immediate aftermath, where Peter "went out, and wept bitterly" ([Luke 22:62](/luke/22-62 "Luke 22:62 - Peter Weeps Bitterly")), demonstrates his deep remorse and brokenness. Furthermore, Jesus had explicitly prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail ([Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")), and He later restored Peter to ministry ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")). Peter's story is a powerful testament to God's grace and restoration, even after significant failure, and the enduring nature of true faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's denial, particularly as detailed in [Luke 22:59](/luke/22-59 "Luke 22:59 - Peter's Third Denial"), finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in Peter's failure, but in Jesus' perfect obedience and divine sovereignty. Even as Peter falters, Jesus remains steadfast, fulfilling His Father's will and His own prophetic words. Christ's foreknowledge of Peter's denial ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")) demonstrates His deity and control over all circumstances, even the betrayal of His closest disciples. While Peter's "Galilean" identity links him to Jesus, it is Jesus' identity as the sinless Lamb of God, who came from Nazareth of Galilee ([John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can anything good come out of Nazareth?")), that is ultimately crucial for salvation. Peter's bitter weeping and subsequent restoration by the resurrected Christ ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")) powerfully illustrate the redemptive grace of Jesus, who does not abandon His own, but forgives, restores, and empowers them for service. Thus, Peter's failure, far from being the end, becomes a poignant backdrop against which the boundless mercy and unfailing love of Christ shine all the more brightly, reminding us that our salvation rests not on our faithfulness, but on His.

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

Matthew 26:73

And after a while came unto [him] they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art [one] of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

Matthew 26:74

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

John 18:26

One of the servants of the high priest, being [his] kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?

John 18:27

Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

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].