Luke 22:62

KJV

And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Peter {G4074} went {G1831} out {G1854}, and wept {G2799} bitterly {G4090}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And he went outside and cried bitterly.

Berean Standard Bible

And he went outside and wept bitterly.

American Standard Version

And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:62 powerfully depicts the immediate and profound remorse of Peter following his triple denial of Jesus. After Jesus' prophetic words were fulfilled by the crowing of a rooster and a direct, silent gaze from the Lord, Peter was overwhelmed by the crushing weight of his failure. His departure from the courtyard, marked by intense, bitter weeping, signifies a deep, agonizing realization of his unfaithfulness and the betrayal of his beloved Master, setting the stage for his eventual repentance and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic and emotional culmination of Peter's denial narrative, which spans [Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial"). Following Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane and His being led to the high priest's house, Peter, who had followed at a distance, found himself in the courtyard among those warming themselves by a fire. Three separate individuals successively identify Peter as a follower of Jesus, each time eliciting a vehement denial from him. The final denial in [Luke 22:60](/luke/22-60 "Luke 22:60 - Peter's Third Denial") is immediately followed by the crowing of the rooster, precisely as Jesus had foretold in [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial"). Luke uniquely adds the poignant detail that "the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter" ([Luke 22:61](/luke/22-61 "Luke 22:61 - Jesus Looks at Peter")) at that very moment, creating a devastating collision of prophecy, memory, and personal failure that drives Peter's reaction in [Luke 22:62](/luke/22-62 "Luke 22:62 - Peter Weeps Bitterly").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the courtyard of the High Priest's house in Jerusalem, likely during the late hours of the night or early morning following Jesus' arrest. Jewish legal proceedings, though corrupted in this instance, would have been underway inside. Courtyards were common gathering places, especially at night for warmth around a fire, making Peter's presence among the servants and guards plausible. The act of denying an association with a condemned or accused person was a common survival instinct in a hostile environment, especially when one's own life or freedom might be at risk. The crowing of a rooster was a natural occurrence, marking the approach of dawn, but here it serves as a divinely appointed sign, a stark auditory reminder of Jesus' specific prophecy. Peter's public denial, while understandable from a human standpoint of fear, carried significant weight in a culture where loyalty and public association were highly valued.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 22:62](/luke/22-62 "Luke 22:62 - Peter Weeps Bitterly") profoundly contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **human frailty and the reality of failure**, even among the most committed disciples, contrasting sharply with Peter's earlier confident boasts of loyalty unto death ([Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Vow")). The verse also underscores the **certainty of divine prophecy and foreknowledge**, as Jesus' words from [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial") are precisely fulfilled. Furthermore, Peter's "bitter weeping" introduces the theme of **genuine remorse and the painful, yet necessary, pathway to repentance**. While the verse itself focuses on the immediate sorrow, it implicitly foreshadows the **grace, forgiveness, and ultimate restoration** that Jesus would later extend to Peter, a central tenet of the gospel message found throughout the New Testament, particularly in John's post-resurrection account of Peter's reinstatement in [John 21](/john/21 "John 21 - Peter's Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went out (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** This verb (G1831) means "to issue (literally or figuratively)," "come forth," or "depart." In this context, it signifies Peter's physical departure from the high priest's courtyard. His immediate exit suggests an overwhelming need to remove himself from the scene of his failure, perhaps seeking solitude to process the crushing realization of what he had done. It's not merely a casual leaving but an urgent, compelled withdrawal.
* **wept (Greek, _klaíō'_):** This verb (G2799) describes a deep, audible sobbing, a wailing aloud. Unlike a silent tear, _klaíō_ denotes an intense, unrestrained expression of grief and sorrow. It conveys a profound emotional breakdown, indicating that Peter's sorrow was not merely regret or embarrassment but a gut-wrenching anguish that could not be contained.
* **bitterly (Greek, _pikrōs'_):** This adverb (G4090) modifies "wept," emphasizing the intensity and acuteness of Peter's sorrow. Derived from a root meaning "sharp" or "pungent," _pikrōs_ conveys a sense of severe, violent, and agonizing grief. It suggests a sorrow that cuts deep, leaving a lasting, painful impression, far beyond superficial regret. Peter's weeping was not just tears, but a profound, soul-shattering lament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Peter went out,"**: This clause describes Peter's immediate physical action. Following the rooster's crow and Jesus' piercing gaze, Peter's response is to remove himself from the scene. His departure is not presented as a calm walk but an urgent, perhaps stumbling, exit, driven by an internal emotional storm. This act of "going out" marks a physical separation from the place of his denial and the presence of his Lord, allowing him to fully confront the reality of his actions.
* **"and wept bitterly."**: This second clause reveals the profound emotional state of Peter. The combination of "wept" (an audible, wailing cry) and "bitterly" (with intense, piercing sorrow) conveys the depth of his remorse. This was not a quiet, private shedding of tears, but a raw, agonizing expression of grief and self-reproach. It signifies a moment of profound spiritual brokenness, where the weight of his betrayal, his broken vows, and the realization of Jesus' foreknowledge crashed down upon him, leading to an uncontrollable outpouring of anguish.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise yet powerful description in [Luke 22:62](/luke/22-62 "Luke 22:62 - Peter Weeps Bitterly") employs several literary devices to convey its profound impact. The most prominent is **Pathos**, as the verse evokes deep sympathy and pity for Peter. His "bitter weeping" is a raw, unvarnished display of human anguish, allowing the reader to connect with the crushing weight of his failure and remorse. This emotional intensity is heightened by the preceding events, particularly Jesus' silent, knowing gaze in [Luke 22:61](/luke/22-61 "Luke 22:61 - Jesus Looks at Peter"), which serves as a catalyst for Peter's breakdown. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**; Peter's earlier bold, even arrogant, declarations of loyalty in [Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Vow of Loyalty") stand in stark opposition to his present state of utter brokenness. This juxtaposition highlights the fragility of human resolve and the sobering reality of temptation. Finally, the entire scene functions as **Prophecy Fulfillment**, as Peter's actions and subsequent grief directly confirm Jesus' earlier prediction in [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial"), underscoring the divine authority and foreknowledge of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:62 is a pivotal moment that encapsulates the human capacity for failure and the divine capacity for foreknowledge and grace. Peter's bitter weeping is not merely an expression of regret but a crucial step in the process of repentance. It demonstrates that true remorse involves a deep, agonizing sorrow over sin, not just its consequences. This profound brokenness is often a necessary precursor to genuine spiritual restoration, highlighting that even significant betrayals do not necessarily lead to permanent separation from God's grace. The scene underscores the reality that even those closest to Jesus are susceptible to temptation and fear, making Peter's story a universal testament to human weakness and the ever-present need for God's mercy.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance")
* [Matthew 26:75](/matthew/26-75 "Matthew 26:75 - Peter Remembers Jesus' Words")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's bitter weeping in [Luke 22:62](/luke/22-62 "Luke 22:62 - Peter Weeps Bitterly") serves as a timeless mirror for every believer. It reminds us that spiritual maturity does not exempt us from moments of profound failure, fear, or unfaithfulness. Peter, who had walked with Jesus, witnessed miracles, and even declared his unwavering loyalty, succumbed under pressure. His tears are a powerful testament to the crushing weight of realizing one has betrayed the One they love and serve. This scene calls us to honest self-assessment, encouraging us to confront our own shortcomings, our moments of denial, and our failures to live up to our convictions. It teaches us that genuine remorse, expressed through deep sorrow over sin, is not a sign of weakness but a vital step towards repentance and spiritual healing. Peter's story ultimately offers hope: his bitter weeping was not the end, but the painful beginning of a journey towards restoration, demonstrating that God's grace is sufficient even for our most grievous failures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have I experienced "bitter weeping" over my own failures or sins, and what did I learn from that experience?**
* **How does Peter's denial and subsequent remorse challenge my own assumptions about spiritual strength and vulnerability?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to overconfidence, similar to Peter, and how can I cultivate greater humility and reliance on God?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's grace and forgiveness, even after significant failure, encourage me in my walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter weep so bitterly, and what does it signify?**

Answer: Peter wept bitterly because he was overwhelmed by the realization that he had denied Jesus three times, precisely as Jesus had predicted. His tears were not merely tears of embarrassment or fear, but of profound remorse, anguish, and self-reproach. The Greek word for "bitterly" (pikrōs) emphasizes the intensity and acuteness of his sorrow, indicating a deep, gut-wrenching pain over his betrayal. It signifies a moment of spiritual brokenness and the painful, yet necessary, first step towards repentance and eventual restoration. The look from Jesus in [Luke 22:61](/luke/22-61 "Luke 22:61 - Jesus Looks at Peter") and the crow of the rooster served as immediate triggers, bringing the full weight of his failure crashing down upon him.

**Does Peter's bitter weeping indicate true repentance?**

Answer: Yes, Peter's bitter weeping is widely understood as a powerful indicator of true, godly sorrow leading to repentance. Unlike Judas's remorse, which led to despair and self-destruction ([Matthew 27:3-5](/matthew/27-3-5 "Matthew 27:3-5 - Judas's Remorse and Suicide")), Peter's sorrow, though agonizing, propelled him towards eventual restoration. His tears were a recognition of his sin against Jesus, a turning away from the path of denial, and a humble acknowledgment of his profound failure. This type of sorrow is described in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance") as "godly sorrow that produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:62, while focusing on Peter's profound human failure, paradoxically points to the steadfast grace and redemptive purpose of Christ. Peter's bitter weeping, though a painful consequence of his denial, was a necessary precursor to his restoration, a process initiated and completed by Jesus. The very fact that Jesus had predicted Peter's denial ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial")) demonstrates His divine foreknowledge, not merely as a passive observer, but as one who knew the depths of human weakness yet still chose to love and redeem. Peter's story, therefore, becomes a powerful illustration of the gospel: that even in our most grievous betrayals, Christ's grace is sufficient. His post-resurrection appearances and specific reinstatement of Peter in [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter") underscore that the Lamb of God not only takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) but also restores the broken and empowers the repentant. Peter's tears foreshadow the joy of forgiveness and the power of resurrection life that transforms failure into a testimony of Christ's enduring love and redemptive power, ultimately equipping him to become a foundational leader in the early church as seen in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon").

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

1 Corinthians 10:12

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

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.

2 Corinthians 7:9

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

2 Corinthians 7:11

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Zechariah 12:10

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

Psalms 126:5

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.