Mark 14:68

KJV

But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he denied {G720}, saying {G3004}, I know {G1492} not {G3756}, neither {G3761} understand I {G1987} what {G5101} thou {G4771} sayest {G3004}. And {G2532} he went {G1831} out {G1854} into {G1519} the porch {G4259}; and {G2532} the cock {G220} crew {G5455}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he denied it, saying, "I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about!" He went outside into the entryway, and a rooster crowed.

Berean Standard Bible

But he denied it. “I do not know or even understand what you are talking about,” he said. Then he went out to the gateway, and the rooster crowed.

American Standard Version

But he denied, saying, I neither know, nor understand what thou sayest: and he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:68 captures the initial, emphatic denial by Peter of his association with Jesus, fulfilling the first part of Jesus' prophecy concerning Peter's threefold betrayal. Amidst the tension and danger of the high priest's courtyard following Jesus' arrest, Peter, confronted by a servant girl, vehemently disavows any knowledge of Jesus or understanding of the accusation, subsequently retreating to the relative obscurity of the porch as the first cockcrow signals the unfolding of divine foreknowledge through human weakness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intensely dramatic and sorrowful narrative of Jesus' passion. Immediately preceding [Mark 14:68](/mark/14-68 "Mark 14:68 - Peter's First Denial"), Jesus has been unjustly arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane ([Mark 14:43-52](/mark/14-43-52 "Mark 14:43-52 - Jesus' Arrest")), abandoned by His disciples, and brought before the Sanhedrin for a sham trial ([Mark 14:53-65](/mark/14-53-65 "Mark 14:53-65 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")). Peter, despite his earlier bold declaration of unwavering loyalty ([Mark 14:29-31](/mark/14-29-31 "Mark 14:29-31 - Peter's Vow of Loyalty")), follows "at a distance" ([Mark 14:54](/mark/14-54 "Mark 14:54 - Peter Follows from a Distance")), entering the high priest's courtyard. The immediate context is one of fear, betrayal, and the unfolding of prophetic events, with Peter's denial standing in stark contrast to Jesus' steadfast confession before the authorities.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the courtyard of the high priest's house in Jerusalem, likely late at night or in the early hours of the morning, during the Passover festival. This was a time of heightened religious and political tension. Jewish law prohibited trials at night, making Jesus' trial illegal. High priests' houses often had large courtyards where servants and guards would gather, especially to warm themselves by a fire during the cool night, as mentioned in [Mark 14:54](/mark/14-54 "Mark 14:54 - Peter in the Courtyard"). Peter, as a Galilean, would have had a distinct accent that could betray his origin, making him conspicuous among the Judean populace. The presence of a "servant girl" (paidiske) in such a public but restricted area highlights the social dynamics of the time, where even those of lower status could challenge and identify individuals. The crowing of a cock was a common occurrence in urban and semi-urban areas, serving as a natural time marker for the early morning hours.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **human frailty and failure**, particularly among Jesus' closest followers. Despite Peter's earlier fervent pledge to die with Jesus ([Mark 14:31](/mark/14-31 "Mark 14:31 - Peter's Declaration")), his fear of identification leads to a profound moral collapse. Secondly, it highlights the **unquestionable fulfillment of prophecy**, as Jesus' precise prediction in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial") begins to unfold with chilling accuracy. This emphasizes Jesus' divine foreknowledge and the sovereign control of God over unfolding events, even through human sin. Lastly, the passage touches on the theme of **discipleship under pressure**, illustrating the immense challenge of remaining faithful when faced with social ostracism, physical threat, or the fear of association with a condemned figure. Peter's denial serves as a cautionary tale for all who claim allegiance to Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **denied (Greek, _arnéomai'_):** G720. This verb means "to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate." Peter's denial is not merely a statement of ignorance but an active disassociation and repudiation of any connection to Jesus. It signifies a profound act of unfaithfulness, a complete turning away from his previous confession and commitment. The force of the word indicates a deliberate and strong renunciation.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** G1492. While primarily meaning "to see (literally or figuratively)," in its perfect tense (as used here in "I know not"), it carries the implication "to know." Peter's assertion "I know not" is a claim of complete unfamiliarity, a denial of any personal acquaintance with Jesus. This is a direct lie, as Peter had spent years intimately following Jesus, but it serves to create distance and sever any perceived link to the accused.
* **porch (Greek, _proaúlion'_):** G4259. This noun refers to "a forecourt, i.e. vestibule (alley-way)." Peter's movement "out into the porch" suggests a strategic retreat from the immediate vicinity of the fire and the direct gaze of his accusers. It implies a desire for greater anonymity and a physical distancing from the scene of the trial, perhaps hoping to escape further scrutiny or to simply gain a moment to compose himself. This physical movement underscores his internal turmoil and desire to avoid further confrontation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest."**: This clause captures Peter's initial, emphatic response to the servant girl's accusation. His denial is twofold: first, a claim of complete ignorance ("I know not") regarding Jesus, and second, a feigned lack of comprehension ("neither understand I what thou sayest") concerning the very nature of her accusation. This layered denial is designed to deflect suspicion entirely, portraying himself as an innocent bystander utterly disconnected from the events unfolding. The Greek structure with "neither... nor" (οὐδὲ... οὐδὲ) emphasizes the totality of his disavowal.
* **"And he went out into the porch;"**: Following his denial, Peter physically withdraws from the immediate area where he was warming himself by the fire. Moving into the "porch" or vestibule, which was likely a less crowded and darker area, represents his attempt to escape further identification and the intense scrutiny of those around him. This movement is a physical manifestation of his desire to distance himself from the dangerous situation and the identity of a disciple of Jesus.
* **"and the cock crew."**: This brief, stark statement is profoundly significant. The crowing of the cock serves as an immediate, undeniable, and divinely orchestrated sign. It marks the precise moment of the first fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy from [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"), signaling to the reader (and implicitly to Peter, though he may not immediately grasp its full import) that Jesus' words are true and that Peter's failure is unfolding exactly as foretold. It introduces a moment of profound spiritual gravity and foreshadows Peter's subsequent realization and repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. **Dramatic Irony** is evident as the reader is fully aware of Peter's true identity and his earlier fervent vows of loyalty, making his emphatic denial ("I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest") deeply ironic and tragic. The verse also functions as a powerful instance of **Prophecy Fulfillment**, as the crowing of the cock immediately after Peter's denial directly actualizes Jesus' earlier prediction in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"). This highlights Jesus' divine foreknowledge and the inerrancy of His word. Furthermore, the cock's crow acts as a potent **Symbolism**, serving as a stark, auditory signal of Peter's betrayal and the dawning of a new, painful reality for him. The movement "into the porch" can be seen as **Symbolic Action**, representing Peter's attempt to retreat from the light of truth and the public eye, seeking refuge in a darker, more obscure space, mirroring his spiritual withdrawal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:68 stands as a poignant testament to the profound vulnerability of even the most devoted followers of Christ under extreme pressure. Peter's denial, despite his earlier bold declarations, underscores the pervasive reality of human weakness and the insidious power of fear. Theologically, this moment highlights the stark contrast between human fallibility and divine sovereignty; while Peter falters, Jesus' prophecy remains steadfastly true, demonstrating God's ultimate control over the unfolding of His redemptive plan. This incident serves as a crucial reminder that our strength is not inherent but derived from God, and without constant reliance on Him, even the most zealous among us can stumble. Yet, it is also a testament to the depth of grace, as this failure sets the stage for Peter's later repentance and restoration, revealing God's unwavering commitment to His chosen ones despite their shortcomings.

* [Matthew 26:69-75](/matthew/26-69-75 "Matthew 26:69-75 - Peter's Denials in Matthew")
* [Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denials in Luke")
* [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:68 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful mirror for contemporary believers. Peter's denial serves as a stark reminder that even those who walk closely with Christ are susceptible to fear, compromise, and failure when faced with societal pressure or personal danger. It compels us to honestly examine our own lives: In what ways do we deny Christ, perhaps not with explicit words, but through our silence when we should speak, our inaction when we should serve, or our conformity to the world when we should stand apart? This passage urges vigilance and humility, recognizing that our spiritual strength is not self-generated but sustained by God's grace and constant communion with Him. Just as Peter's failure was part of a larger narrative of restoration, this verse also offers profound hope: even in our moments of deepest spiritual failure, God's grace is sufficient to forgive, restore, and re-commission us for His purposes. It calls us to cultivate a deeper reliance on Christ, to pray for strength in temptation, and to remember that true discipleship often requires courage in the face of adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most tempted to deny or compromise your faith in Christ, whether explicitly or implicitly?**
* **How does Peter's immediate physical retreat into the "porch" relate to ways we might try to distance ourselves from difficult spiritual truths or challenging situations?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate greater vigilance and reliance on God's strength, so that you might stand firm when tempted to deny Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why did Peter deny Jesus, especially after his bold declaration of loyalty?**

Answer: Peter's denial stemmed from a complex interplay of fear, self-preservation, and human weakness. Despite his genuine love and loyalty for Jesus, the immediate threat of arrest and persecution, coupled with the overwhelming pressure of being identified with a condemned man, caused him to falter. His earlier declaration of loyalty in [Mark 14:31](/mark/14-31 "Mark 14:31 - Peter's Bold Vow") was made in a moment of confidence, but the reality of the situation in the high priest's courtyard was far more terrifying and immediate. His actions highlight the universal human tendency to succumb to fear under extreme duress, even for those with strong convictions.

**What is the significance of the cock crowing in this verse?**

Answer: The crowing of the cock is profoundly significant because it serves as the immediate and undeniable fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy to Peter in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"). It acts as a divine timestamp, marking the precise moment Peter's first denial occurs. For the reader, it underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge and the absolute certainty of His words. For Peter, as the narrative progresses, the cock's crow becomes a piercing reminder of his failure and a catalyst for his bitter repentance ([Mark 14:72](/mark/14-72 "Mark 14:72 - Peter Weeps Bitterly")). It is a powerful symbol of divine truth breaking through human deceit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:68, detailing Peter's profound failure, paradoxically magnifies the perfect faithfulness of Christ. While Peter denies knowing Jesus out of fear, Jesus, at that very moment, is steadfastly confessing His divine identity before the Sanhedrin, even unto death ([Mark 14:61-62](/mark/14-61-62 "Mark 14:61-62 - Jesus' Confession Before the Sanhedrin")). Jesus, the sinless Son of God, perfectly fulfilled the Law and endured the full weight of human sin, including the very denial Peter was committing. His foreknowledge of Peter's betrayal ([Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")) was not a passive observation but an active part of His redemptive plan, demonstrating His sovereignty even over the failures of His disciples. The crowing of the cock, a sign of Peter's sin, simultaneously points to the dawning of the day of salvation, secured by Jesus' unwavering obedience and sacrificial love. Christ's perfect obedience, even to the point of death on a cross, stands in stark contrast to Peter's momentary unfaithfulness, highlighting that our salvation rests not on our fleeting loyalty but on the unshakeable faithfulness of the Lamb of God, who bore our sins and secures our restoration ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant"); [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Jesus, our sympathetic High Priest, understands our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), and it is through His perfect work that Peter, and all believers, find forgiveness and restoration.

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

Mark 14:29

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

Mark 14:31

But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

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.

Matthew 26:71

And when he was gone out into the porch, another [maid] saw him, and said unto them that were there, This [fellow] was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

Matthew 26:72

And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

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.