Luke 22:60

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Peter {G4074} said {G2036}, Man {G444}, I know {G1492} not {G3756} what {G3739} thou sayest {G3004}. And {G2532} immediately {G3916}, while he {G846} yet {G2089} spake {G2980}, the cock {G220} crew {G5455}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Kefa said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” And instantly, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.

Berean Standard Bible

“Man, I do not know what you are talking about,” Peter replied. While he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:60 presents the dramatic and heartbreaking climax of Peter's three denials of Jesus, a moment precisely foretold by Christ. This verse captures Peter's emphatic disavowal of any knowledge of Jesus, immediately followed by the crowing of a cock, serving as a stark, auditory signal of the fulfillment of prophecy and a catalyst for Peter's profound realization and repentance. It powerfully illustrates human frailty under intense pressure, juxtaposed with the unwavering certainty of divine foresight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Luke's passion narrative, specifically following Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane and His initial questioning before the high priest. Peter, despite his earlier bold declaration of loyalty and willingness to die with Jesus ([Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Boast of Loyalty")), has followed "at a distance" ([Luke 22:54](/luke/22-54 "Luke 22:54 - Peter Follows at a Distance")). The narrative immediately preceding this verse details Peter's first two denials, prompted by a servant girl and then another individual ([Luke 22:56-58](/luke/22-56-58 "Luke 22:56-58 - Peter's First Two Denials")). Luke 22:60 marks the third and final denial, which is instantly met with the prophetic sign, leading directly into Peter's bitter weeping ([Luke 22:61-62](/luke/22-61-62 "Luke 22:61-62 - Peter's Repentance")). This sequence underscores the immediate and undeniable fulfillment of Jesus' words.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Luke 22:60 unfold in the courtyard of the high priest's house, likely during the pre-dawn hours following Jesus' arrest. This was a tense and dangerous environment for anyone associated with Jesus, who was being tried on charges of blasphemy and sedition. Peter, a Galilean, would have stood out among the Jerusalemites, making his accent a giveaway ([Matthew 26:73](/matthew/26-73 "Matthew 26:73 - Peter's Galilean Accent")). The "cock crow" was a common time marker in the ancient world, often referring to the third watch of the night, which was roughly between midnight and 3 AM. It was a well-known signal, and its immediate occurrence after Peter's denial would have been strikingly precise, particularly given Jesus' specific prophecy about it ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus' Prophecy to Peter")). Peter's fear of arrest, torture, or even execution for associating with Jesus, a condemned man, was a very real and culturally understandable motivation for his denials.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus' earlier prediction to Peter ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")) is precisely and immediately realized. This highlights Jesus' divine foreknowledge and the certainty of God's sovereign plan, even amidst human failure. Another prominent theme is **Human Frailty and Failure**, exemplified by Peter, a prominent disciple who had vowed unwavering loyalty. His emphatic denial underscores the reality that even the most devoted followers can succumb to fear and pressure. Yet, this failure is not the end of the story, setting the stage for themes of **Divine Grace and Restoration**, which will be profoundly demonstrated in Peter's life after the resurrection. The incident also subtly touches on the **Cost of Discipleship**, revealing the immense pressure faced by those who openly identify with Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, often translated as "to see" (literally or figuratively), in its perfect tense, carries the meaning "to know" or "to be aware." Peter's use of "I know not" (οὐκ οἶδα, _ouk oída_) is a strong and definitive negation. It is not merely a lack of understanding but an emphatic disavowal of any knowledge, recognition, or association with the person or topic at hand. In this context, it is a direct and forceful denial of his relationship with Jesus.
* **immediately (Greek, _parachrēma'_):** Derived from a word meaning "at the thing itself," this adverb signifies instantaneous action, "forthwith" or "straightway." Its inclusion here emphasizes the absolute precision and immediacy with which the cock's crow followed Peter's final denial. There was no delay, no space for Peter to retract or for the moment to pass; the prophetic sign occurred precisely as his words of denial were uttered, making the fulfillment undeniable.
* **crew (Greek, _phōnéō'_):** This verb means "to emit a sound," whether animal, human, or instrumental. While it can mean "to call" or "to speak," in conjunction with "cock" (ἀλέκτωρ, _aléktōr_), it specifically refers to the distinctive sound made by a rooster. The use of this precise verb for the crowing underscores the specific nature of the prophetic sign, an unmistakable sound that would resonate deeply with Peter, recalling Jesus' exact words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest.":** This clause captures Peter's third and most vehement denial. The address "Man" (ἄνθρωπε, _anthrōpe_) is a common, direct form of address. Peter's declaration, "I know not what thou sayest," is a complete and utter disassociation from Jesus and the accusations. It's a statement designed to deflect suspicion entirely, asserting no connection or understanding of the matter, effectively denying his discipleship and relationship with Christ.
* **"And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.":** This second clause is profoundly significant. The conjunction "And immediately" highlights the instantaneous nature of the event, occurring precisely as Peter's words of denial were still on his lips. The "cock crew" serves as the unmistakable, divinely ordained signal that Jesus' prophecy ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus' Prophecy to Peter")) had been fulfilled. This precise timing ensures that Peter could not miss the connection between his denial and Jesus' foreknowledge, setting the stage for his profound remorse.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:60 is rich with **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience is fully aware of Jesus' prophecy to Peter ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")), while Peter, in his moment of fear, seems to have forgotten or dismissed it. The immediate crowing of the cock provides a powerful moment of **Prophecy Fulfillment**, serving as a stark, auditory symbol that validates Jesus' divine foreknowledge and authority. There is also a strong sense of **Juxtaposition** between Peter's emphatic denial and the immediate, undeniable sound of the cock, creating a sharp contrast between human weakness and divine sovereignty. The narrative uses **Verbal Irony** in Peter's claim "I know not what thou sayest," as he clearly knows exactly what is being said and to whom it refers, making his denial a deliberate falsehood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:60 stands as a poignant reminder of the pervasive reality of human weakness and the potential for even the most devoted followers to stumble under pressure. Peter's denial, though a grave failure, does not ultimately define his relationship with Christ. Instead, it highlights the profound grace of God, who, even in the face of human betrayal, remains faithful to His redemptive plan. The immediate fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy underscores His divine nature, His perfect knowledge, and the certainty of His word. This moment is not merely about Peter's failure but about the unfolding of God's sovereign will, which incorporates even human sin into its grand design for salvation. It sets the stage for Peter's repentance and subsequent restoration, demonstrating that God's forgiveness and restorative power are greater than any human failure.

* [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")
* [Luke 22:61-62](/luke/22-61-62 "Peter's Repentance")
* [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "Jesus Restores Peter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's dramatic denial in Luke 22:60 serves as a timeless mirror for all believers, prompting us to examine our own faithfulness in moments of pressure and fear. We may not face physical threats for our association with Christ, but we often encounter social, professional, or relational pressures that tempt us to subtly deny Him through our silence, compromise, or actions that contradict our faith. Peter's story reminds us that even strong faith can waver, and that self-confidence can precede a fall. However, it also offers immense hope: Peter's failure was not the end of his story, nor is ours. His bitter repentance and subsequent restoration by Jesus demonstrate God's boundless grace and willingness to forgive and restore those who genuinely turn back to Him. This verse calls us to humility, to recognize our own potential for weakness, and to rely not on our own strength but on the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit to remain steadfast in our confession of Christ, even when it is costly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to deny Christ in my daily life, perhaps through silence, inaction, or compromise?**
* **How does Peter's immediate repentance after the cock crowed challenge me to acknowledge my own failures quickly and turn back to God?**
* **What does Peter's story teach me about the nature of God's grace and His willingness to restore us after we fall?**

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

Answer: Peter's denial stemmed primarily from fear and self-preservation in a highly dangerous and volatile situation. Despite his sincere love and loyalty to Jesus, the immediate threat of being identified with a condemned man, possibly leading to his own arrest or death, overwhelmed him. His earlier boasts of loyalty were genuine but underestimated the immense pressure he would face. This highlights the human tendency to overestimate one's own strength and underestimate the power of fear, especially when confronted with the reality of suffering for one's faith.

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

Answer: The cock crowing is profoundly significant because it served as the precise, undeniable fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy to Peter, made just hours earlier during the Last Supper ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")). Its immediate occurrence, while Peter was still speaking his denial, made the connection unmistakable. It was an auditory sign that pierced Peter's fear and self-deception, bringing him to a sudden, painful realization of his failure and the truth of Jesus' words. It underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge and the certainty of God's sovereign plan.

**How does Peter's denial relate to his later ministry and leadership?**

Answer: Peter's denial, though a profound failure, became a foundational moment in his spiritual journey. It humbled him, teaching him reliance not on his own strength but on God's grace. After Jesus' resurrection, He specifically sought out Peter and restored him, commissioning him to "feed My sheep" ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")). This restoration, coupled with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, transformed Peter into a bold and fearless leader of the early church ([Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Acts 2:14-41 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost")). His experience of failure and restoration made him uniquely empathetic to others' weaknesses and a powerful witness to God's forgiving and transforming grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:60, with Peter's devastating denial and the immediate crowing of the cock, powerfully underscores the stark contrast between human frailty and Christ's unwavering faithfulness. While Peter, the disciple, faltered under pressure, Jesus, the Son of God, remained steadfastly obedient to His Father's will, even unto death. Peter's denial highlights the very sin and brokenness that Christ came to redeem. Jesus, who was without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and endured the ultimate denial—the rejection and crucifixion by humanity—so that sinners like Peter, and like us, could find forgiveness and restoration. His suffering on the cross was for the very sins of denial and betrayal, demonstrating God's profound love for us "while we were still sinners" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")). Peter's subsequent repentance and restoration by Jesus ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")) beautifully illustrate the core of the Gospel: Christ's atoning work provides a path to forgiveness and renewed purpose, ensuring that our failures do not have the final word, but His grace does. He is our advocate, interceding for us even when we stumble ([1 John 2:1-2](/1_john/2-1-2 "1 John 2:1-2 - Christ Our Advocate")).

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 18:27

Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

Matthew 26:74

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

Matthew 26:75

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he 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.

Luke 22:34

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