Mark 14:71

KJV

But he began to curse and to swear, [saying], I know not this man of whom ye speak.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he began {G756} to curse {G332} and {G2532} to swear {G3660}, saying, I know {G3754}{G1492} not {G3756} this {G5126} man {G444} of whom {G3739} ye speak {G3004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At this he began to invoke a curse on himself as he swore, "I do not know this man you are telling me about!" --

Berean Standard Bible

But he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak!”

American Standard Version

But he began to curse, and to swear, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:71 records the climactic and most vehement of Peter's three denials of Jesus, occurring in the high priest's courtyard while Jesus endured an unjust trial. In a desperate attempt to disassociate himself from Jesus and avoid potential arrest or persecution, Peter not only denied knowing Jesus but fortified his denial with solemn curses and oaths, directly fulfilling Jesus' earlier prophecy concerning his betrayal. This moment starkly highlights the fragility of human resolve under pressure and the profound depth of Peter's fear.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a rapidly unfolding narrative of betrayal and abandonment. Immediately preceding it, Peter has already denied Jesus twice, first to a servant girl and then to others who identified him by his Galilean accent. The scene is set in the courtyard of the high priest, a dangerous place for any associate of Jesus, especially as Jesus himself is undergoing a sham trial inside. Peter's presence there, initially an act of loyalty, quickly devolves into self-preservation. This final denial, marked by its intensity, directly fulfills Jesus' specific prophecy in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial") that Peter would deny Him three times before the cock crowed twice. The narrative structure emphasizes the rapid succession of denials, building to this desperate climax.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, an oath was a profoundly serious matter, often invoking God's name or a sacred object to attest to the truth of a statement. To "curse" (ἀναθεματίζω, _anathematízō_) oneself meant to call down divine judgment or execration upon oneself if one's statement was false. This was not casual swearing but a solemn, binding declaration, intended to convince listeners of one's absolute sincerity. Peter's use of such language underscored the gravity of his denial and his desperate attempt to create an undeniable separation from Jesus. The setting in the high priest's courtyard, a center of religious and legal authority, would have made such an oath even more potent and binding in the eyes of those present.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:71 powerfully underscores several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **human weakness and fallibility**, even among the most devoted disciples. Peter, who boldly declared his unwavering loyalty in [Mark 14:29](/mark/14-29 "Mark 14:29 - Peter's Boast of Loyalty"), succumbs to fear, demonstrating the profound limitations of human strength apart from divine empowerment. Secondly, it serves as a striking example of the **fulfillment of prophecy**, showcasing Jesus' divine foreknowledge and the sovereign hand of God orchestrating events, even through human failure. Jesus' words in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial") are precisely and dramatically realized. Finally, the verse emphasizes the **gravity of denial**, particularly when it involves disavowing one's allegiance to Christ under pressure. Peter's actions foreshadow the immense cost of discipleship and the temptation to compromise faith in the face of persecution, a theme relevant throughout the New Testament, as seen in passages like [Matthew 10:33](/matthew/10-33 "Matthew 10:33 - Denying Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **curse (Greek, _anathematízō'_):** From ἀνάθεμα (_anáthema_), this verb means "to declare or vow under penalty of execration." In this context, Peter was not merely uttering profanity but solemnly calling down a curse upon himself, invoking divine judgment if his statement (that he did not know Jesus) was untrue. It was a desperate and forceful way to emphasize the 'truth' of his denial, aiming to convince his accusers of his complete dissociation from Jesus.
* **swear (Greek, _omnýō'_):** This word signifies "to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath." Peter was taking a solemn oath, likely by God or something sacred, to affirm the veracity of his denial. This action elevated his denial from a simple statement to a binding declaration, demonstrating his extreme resolve to convince those around him that he had no connection to Jesus.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** While primarily meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), in its perfect tense, as used here, it carries the sense of "to know" or "to be aware." Peter's emphatic declaration, "I know not this man," signifies a complete disavowal of any acquaintance, relationship, or even recognition of Jesus. This is a denial of intimate knowledge and association, not merely a lack of casual familiarity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he began to curse and to swear":** This phrase marks a significant escalation in Peter's denials. The use of "began" (G756, _árchomai_) suggests a sudden, intense outburst. Peter moves beyond simple verbal denial to invoking a solemn oath and a self-curse. This act was intended to lend absolute credibility to his claim of ignorance, demonstrating his desperation to convince his accusers and protect himself from any association with Jesus, who was at that moment being condemned. It reveals the depth of his fear and the extent to which he was willing to go to save his own life.
* **"saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak":** This is the substance of Peter's final and most forceful denial. The phrase "this man" (G5126, _toûton_, G444, _ánthrōpos_) is dismissive, further distancing himself from Jesus by refusing to even use His name. Peter's assertion of not knowing Jesus is a direct contradiction of his entire discipleship and relationship with Christ. It is a complete and public repudiation of his master, uttered under the most severe circumstances and reinforced by the solemnity of his curses and oaths. This statement, coupled with the immediate crowing of the cock, brings the weight of Jesus' prophecy crashing down upon Peter.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:71 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact. **Irony** is profoundly present, as Peter, who vowed unwavering loyalty, vehemently denies his Master. The "rock" (Peter's name) crumbles under pressure. **Foreshadowing** is evident in Jesus' earlier prophecy in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"), which is precisely fulfilled here, underscoring Jesus' divine foreknowledge and control even amidst human failure. The verse also employs **Contrast** between Peter's earlier bold declarations of loyalty and his current desperate, fear-driven denials. Furthermore, the act of "cursing and swearing" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, as Peter uses extreme language to emphasize his denial, going beyond a simple "no" to a solemn, self-incriminating oath, thus highlighting the intensity of his fear and the gravity of the situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's dramatic failure in Mark 14:71 serves as a profound theological lesson on human frailty and the nature of divine grace. It underscores the truth that even the most devoted followers of Christ are susceptible to fear, temptation, and profound moral failure when relying on their own strength. Peter's fall is not merely a personal anecdote but a universal illustration of the human condition, prone to compromise and self-preservation in the face of intense pressure. Yet, this moment of profound weakness also sets the stage for God's redemptive grace, demonstrating that repentance and restoration are possible even after severe betrayal. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness, even when His chosen instruments falter, and the ultimate triumph of His plan over human shortcomings.

* [Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter's Faith")
* [John 21:15-17](/john/21-15-17 "John 21:15-17 - Jesus Restores Peter")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's denial is a sobering reminder that spiritual strength is not inherent but derived from constant dependence on God. His story encourages humility, warning against overconfidence in our own resolve, especially when facing trials or social pressure to compromise our faith. We are called to learn from Peter's failure, recognizing our own capacity for weakness and the ever-present need for vigilance and prayer, as Jesus Himself exhorted His disciples in [Mark 14:38](/mark/14-38 "Mark 14:38 - Watch and Pray"). However, Peter's subsequent repentance and restoration by Jesus offer immense hope. His journey from denial to renewed discipleship, as powerfully depicted in [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter"), assures us that God's grace is greater than our gravest failures. It teaches us that genuine repentance leads to forgiveness, healing, and renewed purpose, transforming even the deepest shame into a testimony of God's redemptive power. We are invited to embrace both the humility of our fallibility and the boundless hope of God's restorative love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to deny or compromise my faith to avoid discomfort or persecution?**
* **How does Peter's story challenge my reliance on my own strength rather than on God's grace?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual vigilance and dependence on Christ in moments of pressure?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's restorative grace, as shown in Peter's life, encourage me in my own struggles and failures?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter curse and swear, and what was the significance of this act?**

Answer: Peter cursed and swore to vehemently deny any association with Jesus. In that cultural context, to "curse" (ἀναθεματίζω, _anathematízō_) meant to call down a divine curse upon oneself if one's statement was false, while to "swear" (ὀμνύω, _omnýō_) meant to take a solemn oath, often invoking God. Peter's use of such language was a desperate and extreme measure to convince his accusers of his absolute sincerity and to distance himself from Jesus, thereby protecting himself from potential arrest or persecution. This was not casual profanity but a binding, self-incriminating declaration meant to leave no doubt about his disavowal. It highlights the profound fear and pressure Peter was under in the high priest's courtyard during Jesus' trial.

**How does Peter's denial fulfill Jesus' prophecy?**

Answer: Peter's denial directly and precisely fulfills Jesus' prophecy given earlier in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"), where Jesus stated, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." The sequence of events in [Mark 14:66-72](/mark/14-66-72 "Mark 14:66-72 - Peter's Denials") meticulously details Peter's three denials, culminating in this final, most emphatic one, immediately followed by the second crow of the rooster. This fulfillment underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge and the sovereign hand of God at work, even through the failures of His disciples. It serves as a powerful testament to the reliability of Jesus' words.

**What happened to Peter after this denial, and how was he restored?**

Answer: Immediately after his third denial and the cock crowing, Peter "broke down and wept" ([Mark 14:72](/mark/14-72 "Mark 14:72 - Peter Weeps")). This deep remorse was a crucial first step towards his restoration. After Jesus' resurrection, He specifically appeared to Peter ([Luke 24:34](/luke/24-34 "Luke 24:34 - Jesus Appears to Peter"); [1 Corinthians 15:5](/1_corinthians/15-5 "1 Corinthians 15:5 - Jesus Appears to Cephas")), a sign of His forgiveness and continued love. The most detailed account of Peter's restoration is found in [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter"), where Jesus, by the Sea of Galilee, asks Peter three times if he loves Him, corresponding to Peter's three denials. Each affirmation of love is met with a commission to "feed my lambs" or "tend my sheep," symbolically restoring Peter to his pastoral role and leadership among the disciples. This powerful act of grace demonstrates God's willingness to forgive and restore those who genuinely repent, transforming failure into a foundation for future service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's vehement denial in [Mark 14:71](/mark/14-71 "Mark 14:71 - Peter's Third Denial") stands in stark contrast to the unwavering faithfulness of Jesus Christ. While Peter, in his human weakness and fear, disavowed his Master, Jesus, at that very moment, was enduring the unjust trial and condemnation that would lead to His atoning sacrifice. Peter's failure highlights the universal human condition of sin and our inability to perfectly uphold God's law or remain faithful in our own strength. However, it is precisely for such failures that Christ came. He is the perfectly obedient Son, who never denied His Father or His mission, even unto death on the cross. Jesus' intercession for Peter, as recorded in [Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter's Faith"), where He prayed that Peter's faith would not fail, demonstrates His compassionate High Priestly ministry even before the denial occurred. Ultimately, Peter's restoration after the resurrection, detailed in [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter"), is a profound testament to the power of Christ's grace and forgiveness. The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bore the shame and penalty for Peter's denial, and for all our denials, offering reconciliation and a path to renewed service through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection.

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

2 Kings 10:32

In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;

2 Kings 8:12

And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.

2 Kings 8:15

And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped [it] in water, and spread [it] on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.

Jeremiah 17:9

The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

1 Corinthians 10:12

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