Matthew 26:33

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Peter {G4074} answered {G611} and {G1161} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Though {G1499} all {G3956} men shall be offended {G4624} because {G1722} of thee {G4671}, yet will I {G1473} never {G3763} be offended {G4624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I will never lose faith in you," Kefa answered, "even if everyone else does."

Berean Standard Bible

Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.”

American Standard Version

But Peter answered and said unto him, If all shall be offended in thee, I will never be offended.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:33 captures Peter's fervent, yet ultimately flawed, declaration of unwavering loyalty to Jesus. In response to Jesus' prophecy that all disciples would stumble because of Him, Peter boldly asserts his unique steadfastness, claiming he would never be offended, even if all others were. This poignant moment reveals Peter's deep devotion alongside his profound overconfidence and misunderstanding of his own human weakness in the face of impending spiritual trial.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intensely significant narrative of the Last Supper and the events immediately preceding Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Jesus has just predicted the scattering of His disciples, explicitly stating, "All of you will be offended because of Me this night" ([Matthew 26:31](/matthew/26-31 "Matthew 26:31 - Jesus Predicts Disciples' Desertion")). He even cites the prophecy from [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Prophecy of the Smitten Shepherd") about the shepherd being struck and the sheep scattered. Peter's defiant response in [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Bold Declaration") directly follows this somber prediction, setting up the dramatic contrast with Jesus' subsequent prophecy of Peter's triple denial in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial"). The immediate literary flow highlights Peter's impulsive nature and the stark reality of divine foreknowledge versus human presumption.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the upper room in Jerusalem, where Jesus and His disciples have just celebrated the Passover meal, a foundational Jewish festival commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This meal was imbued with profound symbolic meaning, and Jesus had just instituted the New Covenant through the elements of bread and wine ([Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). The disciples, though having spent three years with Jesus, still struggled to grasp the true nature of His Messiahship, often clinging to expectations of a political kingdom. Peter, a prominent leader among them, embodies this blend of deep personal loyalty and a persistent misunderstanding of the spiritual realities at play. His boast reflects a cultural expectation of unwavering loyalty to a teacher, but also a common human tendency to overestimate one's own resolve in the face of unknown future pressures.

* **Key Themes:** Peter's declaration in [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Bold Declaration") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Human Frailty and Overconfidence**. Peter's zealous assertion, "yet will I never be offended," starkly contrasts with his impending denial, serving as a cautionary tale against spiritual pride and self-reliance. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**. Jesus' accurate prediction of the disciples' stumbling and Peter's specific denial ([Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial")) demonstrates His omniscience and the unfolding of God's predetermined plan, even amidst human failure. Finally, the verse introduces the critical theme of **Stumbling and Apostasy**. The term "offended" (Greek: *skandalízō*) points to the severe spiritual danger of falling away from faith under pressure, a concept explored throughout the New Testament, reminding believers of the need for steadfastness and reliance on God's grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peter (Greek, _Pétros'_):** This refers to Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, whose name means "rock." Ironically, in this moment, the "rock" appears to be on shaky ground, demonstrating human fallibility even in a foundational figure. His name often highlights his strong, sometimes impetuous, character.
* **offended (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** This verb literally means "to put a snare or stumbling block in the way," or "to cause someone to trip or fall." In a spiritual context, it signifies being caused to stumble morally or spiritually, to be disillusioned, to lose faith, or to abandon one's commitment. Peter's use of this word indicates his understanding that the disciples would be caused to fall away from their allegiance to Jesus, a fate he vehemently claims will not be his own.
* **never (Greek, _oudépote'_):** This strong negative adverb combines "not" (ou), "even" (de), and "at any time" (pote), emphasizing an absolute, emphatic denial. Peter is not merely saying "I won't be offended," but "I will *never at all* be offended," highlighting the depth of his conviction and his overestimation of his own spiritual resilience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Peter answered and said unto him":** This clause sets the scene, emphasizing Peter's immediate and vocal response to Jesus' prophetic words. Peter, known for his impulsiveness and willingness to speak first, takes the lead in protesting Jesus' statement, demonstrating his characteristic assertiveness and deep personal attachment to his Lord.
* **"Though all [men] shall be offended because of thee":** Peter acknowledges Jesus' prediction that *all* the disciples would stumble or be caused to fall away due to their association with Him. The phrase "because of thee" (Greek: *en soí*) indicates that Jesus Himself, or the events surrounding Him, would be the cause of their stumbling. This shows Peter understood the gravity of Jesus' words, yet he immediately distinguishes himself from the collective.
* **"[yet] will I never be offended":** This is Peter's emphatic and self-assured declaration. The "yet" (Greek: *dé*) introduces a strong contrast, asserting his perceived exceptional loyalty. His use of "I" (Greek: *egō*) is emphatic, and "never" (Greek: *oudépote*) stresses the absolute certainty of his claim. He believes his devotion is superior and unshakeable, a stark testament to his overconfidence in his own spiritual strength.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:33 is rich in **Irony**, as Peter's fervent declaration of unwavering loyalty immediately precedes his most significant failure—his denial of Jesus, fulfilling Jesus' very next prophecy. This dramatic contrast highlights the gap between human intention and spiritual reality. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Peter's bold claim sets the stage for the narrative of his denial in [Matthew 26:69-75](/matthew/26-69-75 "Matthew 26:69-75 - Peter Denies Jesus"), which serves as a powerful illustration of the very "offending" he vows to avoid. Furthermore, Peter's statement, "Though all men shall be offended... yet will I never be offended," can be seen as **Hyperbole**, an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, but to emphasize Peter's absolute conviction. However, in this context, it serves to underscore his overconfidence rather than a mere figure of speech.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's overconfident declaration in Matthew 26:33 serves as a profound theological lesson on the nature of human weakness and the necessity of humility. It underscores that spiritual strength does not originate from personal resolve or zealous commitment alone, but from an utter dependence on God's sustaining grace. Peter's subsequent fall and restoration illustrate the reality that even the most devoted followers are susceptible to temptation and failure, yet God's grace is sufficient to forgive, restore, and empower. This passage reminds us that true faithfulness is not about boasting in our own capabilities, but in acknowledging our limitations and relying on Christ's strength.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall") - "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
* [1 Corinthians 10:12](/1_corinthians/10-12 "1 Corinthians 10:12 - Warning Against Overconfidence") - "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Strength in Weakness") - "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me... for when I am weak, then am I strong."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:33 offers a timeless and crucial lesson for every believer: the danger of spiritual pride and overconfidence. Peter's fervent vow, born of genuine love for Jesus but lacking a realistic assessment of his own human frailty, serves as a powerful warning against underestimating the spiritual battles we will face. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our confidence is rooted not in our own strength, resolve, or past faithfulness, but solely in the sustaining power and grace of God. True spiritual maturity involves a humble recognition of our constant need for Christ, understanding that it is only by His strength that we can stand firm when temptations and trials inevitably come. This passage calls us to cultivate a spirit of dependence, praying for strength and discernment rather than boasting in our own capabilities, remembering that our greatest weakness can become a conduit for God's perfect strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be overconfident in my own spiritual strength or ability to resist temptation?**
* **How does Peter's example encourage me to rely more on God's grace than my own resolve?**
* **What "stumbling blocks" or "offenses" might I face in my faith journey, and how can I prepare to remain steadfast?**
* **How can I cultivate a more humble and dependent spirit in my daily walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be "offended" in this context?**

Answer: The King James Version's "offended" translates the Greek word *skandalízō* (G4624), which literally means to "put a snare or stumbling block in the way" or "to cause someone to trip or fall." In a spiritual sense, it refers to being caused to stumble morally or spiritually, to be disillusioned, to lose faith, or to abandon one's commitment to Christ. Peter's denial of Jesus later that night ([Matthew 26:69-75](/matthew/26-69-75 "Matthew 26:69-75 - Peter Denies Jesus")) is the ultimate fulfillment of this "offense," demonstrating how fear and pressure can cause even a devoted follower to falter in their allegiance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's bold, yet ultimately broken, vow in [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Bold Declaration") powerfully highlights the necessity of Christ's perfect faithfulness in contrast to human frailty. While Peter, in his self-confidence, declares he will "never be offended," he soon denies Jesus three times ([Matthew 26:69-75](/matthew/26-69-75 "Matthew 26:69-75 - Peter Denies Jesus")). This failure underscores humanity's inability to perfectly keep its promises and remain steadfast without divine aid. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true and faithful Servant, never stumbled or was "offended" in His mission, even unto death. He perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father, enduring the cross and despising its shame ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")). Peter's restoration by Jesus in [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter") further reveals Christ's compassionate grace and His power to redeem and rebuild even after profound failure, demonstrating that His strength is made perfect in our weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). Thus, Peter's human failing points us to the unwavering fidelity and redemptive power of Christ, our only hope for true steadfastness and eternal life.

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.

Proverbs 20:6

¶ Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

Psalms 17:5

Hold up my goings in thy paths, [that] my footsteps slip not.

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.

Psalms 119:116

¶ Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

Psalms 119:117

Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.