Luke 22:61

KJV

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the Lord {G2962} turned {G4762}, and looked upon {G1689} Peter {G4074}. And {G2532} Peter {G4074} remembered {G5279} the word {G3056} of the Lord {G2962}, how {G5613} he had said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Before {G3754}{G4250} the cock {G220} crow {G5455}, thou shalt deny {G533} me {G3165} thrice {G5151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Lord turned and looked straight at Kefa; and Kefa remembered what the Lord had said, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.”

Berean Standard Bible

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word that the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.”

American Standard Version

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, Before the cock crow this day thou shalt deny me thrice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:61 captures the profoundly poignant moment when Jesus, being led away by His captors, turns and fixes His gaze upon Peter, who has just completed his third denial of knowing Him. This direct, silent encounter immediately triggers Peter's memory of Jesus' earlier prophecy concerning his denial before the cock crowed, leading to his bitter remorse and eventual repentance. The verse powerfully underscores divine foreknowledge, the depth of human frailty, and the compassionate yet convicting power of Christ's presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic and somber narrative of Jesus' arrest, trial, and Peter's simultaneous denial. Immediately preceding [Luke 22:61](/luke/22-61 "Luke 22:61 - Peter's Denial and Jesus' Look"), Jesus has been betrayed by Judas ([Luke 22:47-48](/luke/22-47-48 "Luke 22:47-48 - Judas' Betrayal")), arrested in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:54](/luke/22-54 "Luke 22:54 - Jesus' Arrest")), and brought to the high priest's house for an illegal trial ([Luke 22:54](/luke/22-54 "Luke 22:54 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")). While Jesus endures mockery and abuse inside, Peter, who had followed at a distance, is warming himself by a fire in the courtyard. The three denials of Peter, each escalating in intensity, are recounted in [Luke 22:55-60](/luke/22-55-60 "Luke 22:55-60 - Peter's Denials"). Verse 61 marks the precise moment of the third denial's completion, as the cock crows, and Jesus' gaze meets Peter's, fulfilling the prophecy given just hours before in [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus' Prophecy to Peter"). The immediate aftermath is Peter's bitter weeping in [Luke 22:62](/luke/22-62 "Luke 22:62 - Peter's Bitter Weeping").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in Jerusalem during Passover, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, was conducted hastily and illegally, violating several Jewish legal traditions. Peter's presence in the courtyard, warming himself by a fire, reflects a common practice in cooler nights, and his attempts to blend in with the crowd highlight the danger faced by Jesus' followers. The "cock crow" refers to the third watch of the night, traditionally around 3 AM, known as *gallicinium*. This was a common way to mark time, especially before the widespread use of mechanical clocks, and it would have been a familiar sound to everyone in Jerusalem. The public nature of the courtyard setting meant Peter's denials were witnessed, adding to the pressure he felt.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**, as Jesus' precise prophecy from [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus' Prophecy of Peter's Denial") is fulfilled to the letter, demonstrating His omniscience and control even amidst chaos and human failure. The theme of **Human Frailty and Failure** is starkly portrayed through Peter, a leading disciple who, despite his earlier bold vows of loyalty in [Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Vow of Loyalty"), succumbs to fear and denies his Lord. Yet, intertwined with this is the theme of **Compassion and Grace**, as Jesus' look is not one of condemnation but of sorrowful love, initiating Peter's **Conviction and Repentance**. This moment sets the stage for Peter's eventual restoration, a key aspect of Luke's portrayal of God's redemptive work even for those who stumble significantly.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned (Greek, _stréphō'_):** From the base of *tropē*, meaning "to twist," this word implies a deliberate and complete turning around, not just a casual glance. It signifies an intentional act by the Lord to face Peter, suggesting purpose and significance in His gaze rather than a mere accidental encounter.
* **looked upon (Greek, _emblépō'_):** Derived from *en* (in) and *blepō* (to see), this term denotes a direct, fixed, and penetrating gaze. It is more than just seeing; it implies looking intently, observing fixedly, and discerning clearly. This was a profound, soul-piercing look that conveyed deep meaning without words, cutting through Peter's fear and denial.
* **remembered (Greek, _hypomimnḗskō'_):** From *hypo* (under) and *mimnēskō* (to remind), this word means to remind quietly or suggest to one's own memory. In the middle voice, as here, it indicates Peter's active internal process of recalling. Jesus' look served as the catalyst that brought His earlier words forcefully and painfully back into Peter's consciousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter."**: This clause describes Jesus' deliberate and powerful action. Despite His own suffering and the chaos of His trial, Jesus intentionally turns and fixes His gaze upon Peter. This "look" is the pivotal moment, a non-verbal communication that transcends the physical distance and the noise of the courtyard, directly confronting Peter's conscience. It is a look of divine knowledge, sorrow, and perhaps even tender compassion, yet it carries immense convicting power.
* **"And Peter remembered the word of the Lord,"**: Immediately following Jesus' gaze, Peter's memory is activated. This is not a passive recollection but an acute, painful remembrance of a specific prophecy. The impact of Jesus' look is so profound that it instantly cuts through Peter's self-deception and fear, bringing the truth of his betrayal to the forefront of his mind.
* **"how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice."**: This final clause reveals the content of Peter's remembrance: Jesus' precise and chilling prophecy, delivered only hours earlier in [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus' Prophecy to Peter"). The crowing of the cock, which would have just occurred, serves as the undeniable, audible confirmation of the prophecy's fulfillment. This specific detail underscores the accuracy of Jesus' foreknowledge and the tragic reality of Peter's failure.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Jesus' earlier prophecy in [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus' Prophecy to Peter") is brought to its dramatic **Fulfillment**. The **Juxtaposition** of Jesus' suffering and Peter's denial highlights the stark contrast between the Master's faithfulness and the disciple's failure. The "look" itself functions as a potent **Symbolism** of divine omniscience, compassion, and conviction, communicating volumes without a single word. It is a moment of profound **Irony**, as Peter, who vowed unwavering loyalty, now denies his Lord just as Jesus predicted. The sound of the **cock crowing** serves as an auditory trigger, a stark and undeniable sign that seals the prophecy's fulfillment and Peter's realization of his sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:61 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine foreknowledge, human fallibility, and the pathway to repentance. It reveals that God's knowledge extends to the deepest recesses of human will and action, even in moments of profound failure. Yet, this foreknowledge is not presented as deterministic in a way that negates human responsibility; Peter freely chose to deny Jesus, despite his earlier boasts. The verse also highlights the incredible grace of Jesus, whose look, though convicting, was not condemning. It was a look that invited remembrance and, implicitly, repentance, demonstrating that even in our darkest moments of betrayal, the Lord's gaze can be the catalyst for our turning back to Him. This foundational truth assures believers that even after significant spiritual stumbling, the path to restoration remains open through confession and genuine remorse.

* [Matthew 26:75](/matthew/26-75 "Matthew 26:75 - Peter's Bitter Weeping")
* [Mark 14:72](/mark/14-72 "Mark 14:72 - Peter's Denial and Weeping")
* [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:61 offers a mirror for every believer, revealing the potential for spiritual failure even in the most devoted hearts. Peter's denial, born of fear and self-preservation, serves as a sobering reminder that our boasts of loyalty can quickly crumble under pressure if we rely solely on our own strength. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: where might we be denying Christ, not necessarily with our words, but with our actions, our silence, or our priorities? Just as Jesus' look pierced Peter's soul, the Holy Spirit often brings conviction to our hearts, reminding us of God's Word and our own shortcomings. This conviction is not meant to crush us, but to lead us to repentance and restoration. The path back to God, even after significant failure, begins with acknowledging our sin, remembering His truth, and turning back to Him with a contrite heart. We are called to embrace humility, recognize our dependence on God's grace, and trust in His unfailing love and readiness to forgive and restore.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be denying Christ, perhaps subtly or unconsciously?**
* **How does Jesus' look at Peter challenge my understanding of divine judgment and compassion?**
* **What specific "words of the Lord" do I need to remember when I face temptation or failure?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is quick to repent and seek restoration when I stumble?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Jesus turning and looking at Peter?**

Answer: The significance lies in the intentionality and power of Jesus' gaze. The Greek word *emblépō* (looked upon) implies a fixed, penetrating stare, not a casual glance. It was a deliberate act by Jesus, even in His own moment of profound suffering, to confront Peter with the truth of his denial. This look served as a direct, non-verbal communication that bypassed Peter's rationalizations and immediately brought to his mind Jesus' earlier prophecy, triggering conviction and leading to his bitter repentance. It was a look of divine knowledge, sorrow, and perhaps even compassionate grace, designed to awaken Peter's conscience.

**Did Peter's denial mean he was not a true disciple?**

Answer: No, Peter's denial, while a grave sin, did not mean he was not a true disciple. It highlighted his human frailty and the immense pressure he was under. The immediate and profound remorse Peter experienced, leading to his bitter weeping ([Luke 22:62](/luke/22-62 "Luke 22:62 - Peter's Bitter Weeping")), is a strong indicator of a repentant heart and a genuine relationship with Christ. Furthermore, Jesus had prayed for Peter's faith not to fail ([Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")), and after His resurrection, Jesus specifically sought out Peter to restore him and reaffirm his calling ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")). Peter went on to become a pillar of the early church, demonstrating that even significant failure can be met with divine grace and lead to renewed purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:61 is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the Lord not merely as a prophet whose words are fulfilled, but as the compassionate and sovereign Son of God who knows the hearts of all men. Jesus' look at Peter, even as He is being led to His own suffering, underscores His unwavering focus on His disciples and His redemptive mission. He is the Good Shepherd who, even in His agony, does not forget the sheep who stray. His foreknowledge of Peter's denial ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus' Prophecy to Peter")) is not for condemnation but for ultimate restoration, foreshadowing His triumph over sin and death. This moment reveals Jesus as the perfect High Priest, who can sympathize with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")), having experienced human betrayal firsthand. His suffering on the cross, which immediately follows this scene, is the ultimate act of love that atones for Peter's sin and the sins of all who deny Him, offering a path to forgiveness and reconciliation that Peter would later preach with boldness ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance")). The look from Christ is a powerful symbol of His persistent grace, calling sinners to repentance and offering hope for restoration even after the most grievous failures, ultimately pointing to His finished work on the cross as the basis for all forgiveness.

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

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.

Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Isaiah 57:18

I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.

Jeremiah 31:18

¶ I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus]; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed [to the yoke]: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou [art] the LORD my God.

Jeremiah 31:20

[Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 36:31

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that [were] not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

Ezekiel 36:32

Not for your sakes do I [this], saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.