Mark 14:72

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the {G1537} second time {G1208} the cock {G220} crew {G5455}. And {G2532} Peter {G4074} called to mind {G363} the word {G4487} that {G3739} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto him {G846},{G3754} Before {G4250} the cock {G220} crow {G5455} twice {G1364}, thou shalt deny {G533} me {G3165} thrice {G5151}. And {G2532} when he thought thereon {G1911}, he wept {G2799}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Then Kefa remembered what Yeshua had said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will disown me three times." And throwing himself down, he burst into tears.

Berean Standard Bible

And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

American Standard Version

And straightway the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word, how that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:72 powerfully depicts the moment of Peter's profound realization of his failure to Jesus. Following his third denial, the sound of the second cock crow triggers Peter's memory of Jesus' specific prophecy regarding his betrayal. This immediate and painful recollection leads to an overwhelming wave of grief, culminating in Peter's bitter weeping, a raw expression of his deep remorse and conviction over his actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 14:72 is the climax of Peter's denial narrative, which immediately follows Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane and His illegal trial before the Sanhedrin. While Jesus endured false accusations and abuse inside the high priest's courtyard, Peter, having followed at a distance, found himself in the outer court. The preceding verses (Mark 14:66-71) detail three distinct confrontations where Peter, under increasing pressure and fear, vehemently denied any association with Jesus. This verse marks the precise fulfillment of Jesus' earlier prophecy to Peter in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"), where He stated, "Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice." The sound of the second crow serves as the divine trigger, bringing Peter's betrayal into sharp, painful focus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold during the Jewish Passover, a time of heightened religious and political tension in Jerusalem. The "cock crow" (Latin: _gallicinium_) was not merely the sound of a rooster, but a recognized watch of the night, specifically the third watch, typically between midnight and 3 AM. This detail underscores the specific timing of Jesus' prophecy and its precise fulfillment. Peter's presence in the high priest's courtyard, a place of authority and judgment, put him in a precarious position, as association with a condemned man like Jesus could lead to arrest or worse. His denials, therefore, were a desperate attempt at self-preservation in a hostile environment, reflecting the immense social and political pressure of the moment.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse encapsulates several profound themes. It powerfully demonstrates the **fulfillment of prophecy** and Jesus' divine **omniscience**, showing that His words are certain and infallible, even concerning the weaknesses of His closest disciples. Peter's denial vividly illustrates **human frailty and failure**, even among those with the strongest intentions and zeal, highlighting the universal struggle against fear and the temptation to compromise one's faith under duress. Furthermore, Peter's subsequent weeping introduces the theme of **conviction and repentance**, portraying a genuine, heartfelt sorrow over sin that is a prerequisite for true spiritual restoration. This moment, though painful, is a crucial step in Peter's journey towards a deeper understanding of grace and his eventual **restoration** by Christ, as seen later in the Gospels.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **second time (Greek, _deúteros'_):** (G1208) This adverb denotes sequence and repetition, specifically indicating the second instance of an event. In Mark 14:72, its precise usage ("the second time the cock crew") is critical, as it directly corresponds to the specific condition of Jesus' prophecy in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"), emphasizing the exact and undeniable fulfillment of His words.
* **called to mind (Greek, _anamimnḗskō'_):** (G363) This verb signifies to remind or, in its reflexive sense as used here, to recollect or remember. It implies a sudden, forceful recall to memory, often of something previously forgotten or disregarded. Peter's recollection was not a casual thought but a powerful, overwhelming jolt of memory, bringing Jesus' prophecy into sharp, convicting focus.
* **wept (Greek, _klaíō'_):** (G2799) This verb describes a loud, audible sobbing or wailing, indicative of profound grief, anguish, or lamentation. It is a stronger term than simply shedding tears, conveying the intense emotional distress and deep remorse Peter experienced. His weeping was a visceral, public outpouring of his brokenness and sorrow over his betrayal of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the second time the cock crew."**: This clause serves as the immediate, external trigger for Peter's internal realization. The sound of the rooster crowing for the second time precisely fulfills the condition Jesus had set for Peter's denials, marking the culmination of his threefold betrayal. It is a stark, undeniable signal that the prophecy has come to pass.
* **"And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice."**: Here, the external trigger leads to an internal awakening. The sound causes Peter to suddenly and vividly recall the specific warning Jesus had given him earlier. This remembrance is not merely intellectual; it is deeply convicting, forcing him to confront the reality of his actions against the backdrop of Jesus' prophetic foresight and his own confident boasts.
* **"And when he thought thereon, he wept."**: This final clause describes Peter's immediate and overwhelming emotional response to his realization. The phrase "when he thought thereon" (Greek: _epibállō_, G1911, meaning to throw upon, or reflect) indicates a deep, inward reflection on his failure. His subsequent "weeping" (Greek: _klaíō_, G2799) signifies not just tears, but a profound, bitter, and uncontrollable sorrow, indicative of deep remorse, regret, and a broken heart over his betrayal of his Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:72 is rich with **Irony** and **Symbolism**. The profound irony lies in Peter's earlier fervent boast that he would never deny Jesus, even if it meant death (Mark 14:31), contrasted with his abject failure. The very man who pledged ultimate loyalty is revealed in his profound weakness. The **Symbolism** of the cock crow is central; it is not just an ordinary sound but a divinely appointed alarm clock, serving as an instrument of divine **Conviction**. It acts as a stark, undeniable reminder of Jesus' **Prophecy** and Peter's failure to live up to his own words. The entire scene is imbued with **Pathos**, evoking deep sympathy for Peter's emotional agony. His bitter weeping is a powerful display of human frailty, regret, and the beginning of a journey towards repentance, making the moment deeply relatable and emotionally resonant for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:72 stands as a powerful testament to the tension between human weakness and divine sovereignty. Peter's dramatic failure, despite his fervent devotion and sincere intentions, underscores the universal truth of human frailty and the deceptive nature of self-confidence. It highlights that even the most zealous believers are susceptible to falling when relying on their own strength rather than God's. However, this moment is not merely about failure; it is a profound illustration of conviction, demonstrating that true repentance is marked by deep, heartfelt sorrow over sin, rather than mere regret for being caught. Peter's tears are the initial, painful steps on a journey towards a deeper understanding of grace and the transformative power of God's forgiveness, setting the stage for his eventual restoration and renewed commission.

* [Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")
* [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")
* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's bitter weeping in Mark 14:72 offers profound lessons for every believer. It serves as a stark reminder that even those closest to Christ are susceptible to profound failure when fear or self-preservation takes precedence over faithfulness. We are called to cultivate humility, recognizing that our strength is insufficient without God's sustaining grace. When we inevitably fall short, Peter's response models true repentance: not a superficial regret, but a deep, heart-wrenching sorrow over having grieved our Lord. This genuine conviction, leading to brokenness, is the necessary precursor to spiritual healing and restoration. Ultimately, Peter's story, beginning with this moment of despair, offers immense hope, demonstrating that God's grace is boundless, capable of forgiving, restoring, and repurposing even those who have profoundly stumbled. It encourages us to confront our own failures with honesty and to trust in the Lord's mercy for our renewal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's initial confidence compare to his eventual failure, and what does this teach us about self-reliance versus reliance on God?**
* **What is the difference between Peter's "weeping" and mere regret, and how can we cultivate genuine, godly sorrow when we sin?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be prone to "deny" Christ, perhaps subtly, due to fear, social pressure, or a desire for acceptance?**
* **Knowing that Peter was ultimately restored, what hope does this verse offer for those who have experienced significant spiritual failures?**

### FAQ
**Why was the "second" cock crow so significant?**

Answer: The "second" cock crow was significant because it precisely fulfilled the specific prophecy Jesus had given Peter in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"). Jesus had foretold, "Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice." The first crow might have been heard by Peter, but it was the second, final crow that served as the undeniable, divinely appointed trigger, confirming the exact timing and nature of Peter's betrayal. This detail underscores the meticulous accuracy of Jesus' prophetic word and deepens the impact of Peter's realization.

**What does Peter's weeping signify about his state of mind?**

Answer: Peter's weeping (Greek: _klaíō_, G2799) signifies profound grief, anguish, and deep remorse. It was not a quiet shedding of tears but a loud, uncontrollable sobbing, indicating a broken heart. This was not merely regret for being caught or for the consequences of his actions, but a deep, heartfelt sorrow over having betrayed and denied his Lord. It marked the beginning of true repentance, a turning point where he fully grasped the gravity of his sin and the pain he had inflicted upon Jesus, setting the stage for his eventual restoration by Christ, as seen in [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:72, though a moment of profound human failure, paradoxically highlights the perfect and unwavering faithfulness of Christ. Peter's denial, a stark display of human weakness, serves to magnify the strength and steadfastness of Jesus, who, even in His own suffering, maintained His integrity and fulfilled every prophecy concerning Himself. While Peter was denying Him, Jesus was perfectly fulfilling His mission, moving towards the cross as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This scene also foreshadows the boundless grace of Christ; even as Peter was failing, Jesus had already prayed for him, as recorded in [Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter"), ensuring that Peter's faith would not fail completely. The bitter tears of Peter were not the end of his story but the painful prelude to his glorious restoration by the resurrected Christ, demonstrating that Jesus' atoning work on the cross covers even the most profound denials, offering forgiveness and a path to renewal for all who genuinely repent and turn to Him.

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 14:30

And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, [even] in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Mark 14:68

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

Ezekiel 7:16

¶ But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.

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 16:63

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

Psalms 119:59

¶ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

Psalms 119:60

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.