Mark 14:29

KJV

But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet [will] not I.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Peter {G4074} said {G5346} unto him {G846}, Although {G2532}{G1487} all {G3956} shall be offended {G4624}, yet {G235} will not {G3756} I {G1473}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kefa said to him, "Even if everyone else loses faith in you, I won't."

Berean Standard Bible

Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I never will.”

American Standard Version

But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:29 captures Peter's bold and self-assured declaration of unwavering loyalty to Jesus, made in direct response to Jesus' prophecy that all the disciples would stumble and abandon Him that very night. This pivotal moment starkly contrasts human overconfidence with divine foreknowledge, setting the stage for Peter's subsequent and painful denial, thereby highlighting the profound fragility of human resolve apart from God's sustaining grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Jesus' solemn prophecy in [Mark 14:27](/mark/14-27 "Mark 14:27 - Jesus Predicts Disciples' Desertion") that His disciples would be "offended" and scattered, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy of the shepherd being struck and the sheep scattered ([Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Shepherd Struck")). It follows the institution of the Lord's Supper ([Mark 14:22-26](/mark/14-22-26 "Mark 14:22-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), a moment of profound intimacy and covenant, which then shifts abruptly to the looming shadow of betrayal and abandonment. Peter's outburst is characteristic of his impetuous nature, often speaking first and considering later, and it sets up the dramatic irony of his impending denial later that night ([Mark 14:66-72](/mark/14-66-72 "Mark 14:66-72 - Peter's Denial of Jesus")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Mount of Olives, after the Passover meal in the upper room. The disciples, like many Jews of their time, likely held expectations of a conquering Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom, making the idea of their leader being "struck" and themselves "scattered" deeply unsettling and perhaps even incomprehensible. Loyalty to a teacher or rabbi was highly valued, and Peter's declaration reflects this cultural ideal of unwavering commitment. However, the imminent arrest of Jesus and the threat of persecution would have placed immense pressure on His followers, testing their resolve in ways they had not anticipated. The cultural understanding of shame and honor would also make Peter's later denial even more devastating for him.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:29 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the stark **contrast between human overconfidence and divine sovereignty**, demonstrating the limitations of human self-assessment against God's perfect foreknowledge of events and the human heart. It underscores the **danger of self-reliance** in the spiritual life, as Peter's boast reveals a dependence on his own strength rather than on God's sustaining grace, serving as a cautionary tale against spiritual pride. Furthermore, it foreshadows the **fragility of human commitment** when faced with intense pressure and fear, illustrating how even genuine loyalty can falter, a theme profoundly explored in Peter's subsequent denials and eventual restoration, which emphasizes the theme of **grace and restoration** through Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peter (Greek, _Pétros'_):** This word, meaning "a (piece of) rock," is the name given to Simon by Jesus. In this context, Peter's declaration stands in stark contrast to the symbolic strength of his name. While he is destined to become a foundational "rock" of the church, his current boast reveals a moment of profound human weakness and a reliance on his own perceived steadfastness rather than on the true Rock, Christ. His impulsiveness and zeal are characteristic, but here they manifest as overconfidence.
* **offended (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** Derived from _skandalon_ (a trap-stick, a stumbling-block), this verb means "to entrap," "to trip up," or "to cause to stumble." In a figurative sense, it signifies leading someone to sin, apostasy, or spiritual displeasure. Here, Jesus uses it to mean that the disciples would fall away from Him, desert Him, or abandon their faith in Him due to the shock and fear of His arrest and crucifixion. Peter's subsequent denial is a direct fulfillment of this "stumbling," not merely a minor misstep but a profound spiritual fall.
* **I (Greek, _egṓ'_):** This first-person singular pronoun is used emphatically in the Greek text. While typically implied by verb conjugations, its explicit inclusion here underscores Peter's strong personal assertion and self-distinction from "all" others. It highlights his singular conviction in his own faithfulness, setting himself apart from the general weakness he acknowledges in the other disciples. This emphatic "I" reveals a moment of spiritual pride and self-reliance that would soon be shattered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Peter said unto him":** This phrase immediately signals Peter's characteristic impulsiveness and readiness to speak up, often without fully grasping the gravity of the situation or the depth of Jesus' words. It highlights his prominent role among the disciples, but also his tendency towards overzealous pronouncements.
* **"Although all shall be offended":** Peter acknowledges the general truth of Jesus' prophecy regarding the other disciples. He concedes that a universal stumbling might occur, demonstrating a certain awareness of human frailty. However, this concession serves as a backdrop against which he will emphatically exempt himself.
* **"yet will not I":** This is the core of Peter's boast. The emphatic "I" (Greek: _egō_) underscores his absolute confidence in his own strength and loyalty, setting himself apart from the predicted failure of "all." It is a declaration of self-sufficiency and an unwitting challenge to Jesus' divine foreknowledge, revealing a profound lack of self-awareness regarding his own susceptibility to fear and weakness under pressure.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:29 is rich with **Irony**. Peter, whose name means "rock" and who is destined to be a pillar of the early church, vehemently declares his unwavering loyalty, yet he will be the most prominent example of the disciples' "stumbling" and denial. This creates a tragic irony, highlighting the gap between human intention and human frailty. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, directly preceding Peter's threefold denial of Jesus later that night ([Mark 14:66-72](/mark/14-66-72 "Mark 14:66-72 - Peter's Denial")). Peter's confident "not I" sets up the dramatic fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy, making his fall all the more poignant. Furthermore, there is a strong **Contrast** between Peter's human overconfidence and Jesus' divine foreknowledge. Peter speaks from a place of limited self-understanding, while Jesus speaks with absolute certainty about events to come, underscoring the sovereignty of God's plan even amidst human failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:29 serves as a profound theological lesson on the nature of human weakness and the necessity of divine grace. Peter's boast exemplifies the danger of spiritual pride and self-reliance, demonstrating that even genuine zeal and love for Christ are insufficient to withstand severe temptation without an active dependence on God's strength. His confident assertion, "yet will not I," stands in stark contrast to the reality of his impending failure, underscoring the biblical truth that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")). This moment reveals that true faithfulness is not sustained by human will power alone, but by the empowering and preserving grace of God, which ultimately allows for repentance and restoration even after profound failure.

* [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Boast in Matthew")
* [John 13:37](/john/13-37 "John 13:37 - Peter's Earlier Vow to Die for Jesus")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's overconfident declaration in Mark 14:29, followed by his painful fall, offers a timeless and deeply personal lesson for every believer. It serves as a stark reminder that our spiritual strength is not inherent but derived from our continuous dependence on God. When we boast in our own resolve or underestimate our susceptibility to temptation, we stand on precarious ground. Peter's experience urges us to cultivate profound humility, recognizing that our flesh is weak, even when our spirit is willing ([Mark 14:38](/mark/14-38 "Mark 14:38 - Watch and Pray")). Instead of relying on past faithfulness or present zeal, we are called to a posture of constant vigilance, prayer, and reliance on Christ's sustaining power. This passage encourages us to examine our own hearts for areas of self-reliance, prompting us to surrender our perceived strengths to God and to trust in His grace to preserve us through trials, knowing that true faithfulness is a gift sustained by Him, not an achievement of our own will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's overconfidence resonate with my own spiritual journey, particularly in areas where I might feel self-sufficient?**
* **In what specific situations or challenges do I tend to rely on my own strength rather than actively seeking God's grace and guidance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and a more consistent dependence on Christ in my daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why was Peter so confident, and why did he fail despite his good intentions?**

Answer: Peter's confidence stemmed from a genuine and passionate love for Jesus, combined with a characteristic impulsiveness and an underestimation of the immense spiritual and emotional pressure he was about to face. He truly believed in his loyalty and strength, perhaps even feeling superior to the other disciples. However, his "yet will not I" reveals a reliance on his own human will rather than on God's sustaining power. He failed not because his intentions were bad, but because good intentions alone are insufficient when confronted with overwhelming fear and spiritual warfare. His boast was a classic example of spiritual pride, which often precedes a fall ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")). Jesus had already predicted this, not to shame Peter, but to reveal the depth of human frailty and the necessity of God's sovereign grace, which would ultimately lead to Peter's profound repentance and restoration ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:29, though highlighting Peter's human frailty, ultimately points to the steadfastness and sovereign grace of Christ. Jesus' perfect foreknowledge of Peter's denial and the disciples' scattering ([Mark 14:27](/mark/14-27 "Mark 14:27 - Jesus Predicts Desertion")) is not merely a prediction but an affirmation of His divine authority and control, even over the failures of His closest followers. His willingness to proceed to the cross, knowing He would be abandoned, underscores the depth of His sacrificial love—He laid down His life for sheep who would scatter ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). Peter's stumble, far from being the final word, becomes a powerful testimony to Christ's restorative power. The One who knew Peter would deny Him was also the One who, after His resurrection, specifically sought out Peter ([1 Corinthians 15:5](/1_corinthians/15-5 "1 Corinthians 15:5 - Christ Appears to Peter")) and lovingly reinstated him ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")). Thus, Peter's failure and subsequent restoration brilliantly illustrate that our salvation and perseverance are not dependent on our unwavering strength, but on the enduring faithfulness and redemptive work of Christ, who is able to keep us from stumbling and to present us blameless before His glorious presence ([Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God's Power to Keep Us from Stumbling")).

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 22:33

And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

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.

Matthew 26:33

Peter answered and said unto him, Though all [men] shall be offended because of thee, [yet] will I never be offended.

Matthew 26:35

Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

John 13:36

¶ Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

John 13:38

Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

John 21:15

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.