Matthew 26:70

KJV

But he denied before [them] all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he denied {G720} before {G1715} them all {G3956}, saying {G3004}, I know {G1492} not {G3756} what {G5101} thou sayest {G3004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he denied it in front of everyone -- "I don't know what you're talking about!"

Berean Standard Bible

But he denied it before them all: “I do not know what you are talking about.”

American Standard Version

But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:70 records the first of Peter's three denials of Jesus, a pivotal moment occurring in the high priest Caiaphas's courtyard. Accused by a servant girl of being with Jesus, Peter publicly and emphatically disavowed any knowledge of what she was talking about, a direct contradiction to his earlier fervent pledge of loyalty and a somber fulfillment of Jesus's earlier prophecy. This initial denial sets the stage for his deeper fall, highlighting the profound impact of fear and human frailty under intense pressure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Jesus's arrest and illegal trial, immediately following His capture in the [Garden of Gethsemane](/matthew/26-36-56 "Matthew 26:36-56 - Jesus' Arrest in Gethsemane"). After Jesus is led to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest, Peter, along with "another disciple" (likely John, though unstated in Matthew), follows at a distance, driven by a mixture of concern and fear, as described in [Matthew 26:58](/matthew/26-58 "Matthew 26:58 - Peter Follows at a Distance"). While Jesus endures false accusations and abuse inside, Peter seeks warmth by a fire in the courtyard. It is in this vulnerable setting that a servant girl identifies him, initiating the sequence of denials that Jesus had foretold. The narrative contrasts Jesus's steadfast endurance of suffering with Peter's immediate capitulation to fear.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold during the Jewish Passover, a time of heightened religious and political tension in Jerusalem under Roman occupation. The Jewish authorities, particularly the Sanhedrin, were eager to neutralize Jesus, whom they perceived as a threat to their religious and social order. An accusation of association with a condemned individual, especially one accused of blasphemy or sedition, could easily lead to arrest, trial, and severe punishment. The courtyard of the high priest's house was a semi-public space where servants, guards, and curious onlookers would gather. For Peter, a Galilean, his accent would have made him conspicuous in Jerusalem, further increasing his vulnerability to identification. The atmosphere was one of palpable danger for anyone openly associated with Jesus, making Peter's denial a desperate act of self-preservation in a hostile environment.

* **Key Themes:** Peter's denial in [Matthew 26:70](/matthew/26-70 "Matthew 26:70 - Peter's First Denial") contributes significantly to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it starkly illustrates **human weakness and the power of fear**, contrasting sharply with Peter's earlier bold declaration of unwavering loyalty to Jesus, even unto death, as recorded in [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Pledge of Loyalty"). Secondly, it serves as a powerful instance of the **fulfillment of prophecy**, directly validating Jesus's precise foretelling of Peter's triple denial before the cock crowed, as stated in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"). This highlights God's sovereignty and foreknowledge over human actions. Thirdly, the nature of Peter's denial—an evasive "I know not what thou sayest"—introduces the theme of **disassociation and subtle betrayal**, which escalates in his subsequent, more explicit denials in [Matthew 26:72](/matthew/26-72 "Matthew 26:72 - Peter's Second Denial") and [Matthew 26:74](/matthew/26-74 "Matthew 26:74 - Peter's Third Denial").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **denied (Greek, _arnéomai'_):** This verb signifies "to contradict, disavow, reject, abnegate." Peter's action is not merely a passive failure but an active, verbal renunciation of his association with Jesus. It implies a conscious act of repudiation, a turning away from a previously acknowledged relationship.
* **before (Greek, _émprosthen'_):** Derived from "in" and "towards," this preposition means "in front of" in terms of place or presence. The phrase "before them all" emphasizes the public nature of Peter's denial. It was not a private thought or a whispered word, but a declaration made openly, in the sight and hearing of others, amplifying the shame and the gravity of his repudiation.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb, used here in the perfect tense, means "to see (literally or figuratively)" and by implication, "to know." When Peter says, "I know not," he is not merely claiming ignorance of the servant girl's statement but disavowing any knowledge of the underlying truth—his relationship with Jesus. It is a deliberate and false claim of non-acquaintance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he denied before them all":** This clause immediately establishes the stark contrast ("But") between Peter's previous boast of loyalty and his current action. The verb "denied" (ἀρνέομαι, _arnéomai_) signifies a strong repudiation. The phrase "before them all" (ἔμπροσθεν πάντων, _émprosthen pántōn_) underscores the public and undeniable nature of his denial. It was not a private thought but a public declaration, witnessed by others in the courtyard, amplifying the severity of his failure.
* **"saying, I know not what thou sayest":** This is Peter's exact verbal response. His statement, "I know not what thou sayest" (οὐκ οἶδα τί λέγεις, _ouk oída ti légeis_), is a classic example of evasive language. Rather than a direct "I don't know the man," which would be a clear lie, Peter feigns ignorance or misunderstanding of the accusation itself. He attempts to deflect the charge by pretending he doesn't comprehend the servant girl's implication, thereby subtly disassociating himself from Jesus without a direct, confrontational denial of acquaintance. This nuanced response reveals his fear and his attempt to escape the dangerous situation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several powerful **literary devices** in this verse. The most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, where the audience is aware of Jesus's prophecy in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial") that Peter would deny Him three times before the cock crowed, even as Peter himself, and the characters in the scene, are oblivious to the immediate fulfillment unfolding. This creates a sense of tragic inevitability and underscores Jesus's divine foreknowledge. Furthermore, the scene is rich in **Contrast**; Peter's public denial stands in stark opposition to his earlier fervent boasts of loyalty and his willingness to die for Jesus. This highlights the profound gap between human resolve and the reality of fear under pressure. The very setting, the courtyard of the high priest, adds a layer of **Symbolism**, representing the hostile world outside the protective presence of Christ, where even the most devoted disciples can stumble.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's denial in Matthew 26:70 is a profound theological moment that speaks to the depths of human frailty and the unwavering sovereignty of God. It demonstrates that even those closest to Christ are susceptible to fear and failure, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin and the limitations of human resolve apart from divine strength. Yet, precisely because it fulfills Jesus's prophecy, it also powerfully affirms God's perfect foreknowledge and control over all events, even the most painful and seemingly chaotic. This moment of Peter's weakness ultimately serves to magnify the steadfastness of Christ, who, despite being betrayed and abandoned, remained faithful to His mission, setting the stage for His atoning sacrifice.

* [Matthew 26:33-35](/matthew/26-33-35 "Matthew 26:33-35 - Peter's Vow and Jesus' Prophecy")
* [Luke 22:31-34](/luke/22-31-34 "Luke 22:31-34 - Jesus Warns Peter of Satan's Sifting")
* [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's denial serves as a sobering mirror for every believer, reminding us that even the most fervent faith can be tested and, without vigilance, can falter under pressure. It compels us to examine the areas in our own lives where fear of man, desire for acceptance, or even subtle forms of self-preservation might lead us to compromise our witness or deny our association with Christ, whether explicitly or implicitly. This passage fosters humility, recognizing that our strength is not in our own resolve but in God's sustaining grace. It teaches us compassion for others who stumble, reminding us that God's grace is sufficient for our weaknesses and that failure is not the end of our story with Him. Ultimately, Peter's journey from denial to restoration offers profound hope, demonstrating God's unfailing love and His power to forgive, restore, and recommission even those who have fallen.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be tempted to "deny" Christ in my daily life, perhaps through silence, inaction, or compromise, out of fear or a desire for acceptance?**
* **How does Peter's denial challenge my understanding of my own spiritual strength and reliance on God's grace?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper trust in God that would enable me to stand firm in moments of pressure or fear?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Peter's denial was primarily driven by intense fear and the instinct for self-preservation in a highly dangerous and hostile environment. Despite his genuine love and loyalty for Jesus, as evidenced by his earlier declaration in [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Vow of Loyalty"), the immediate threat of being identified with a condemned man, coupled with the suddenness and severity of the situation, overwhelmed his resolve. His human weakness and the immense pressure of the moment caused him to succumb, fulfilling Jesus's prophecy in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"). It highlights the reality that even devoted followers can falter when faced with extreme duress.

**Was Peter's denial a complete rejection of his faith, and was he forgiven?**

Answer: While Peter's denial was a grievous sin and a clear act of disloyalty, it was not a complete and final rejection of his faith in Christ. It was a failure of courage and trust, born of fear, rather than a deliberate renunciation of his belief. Crucially, Peter was indeed forgiven and fully restored by Jesus after the resurrection. The Gospel of John records Jesus's tender conversation with Peter by the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus three times asks Peter if he loves Him, effectively reversing the three denials and recommissioning Peter to "feed My sheep" ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")). This powerful act of restoration underscores God's boundless grace, forgiveness, and His ability to redeem even our most profound failures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's denial, a stark display of human frailty and failure, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in Peter's weakness, but in Jesus's perfect strength and unwavering faithfulness. While Peter denied his Lord, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), never denied His Father or His mission, even in the face of unimaginable suffering and death. His steadfast obedience, culminating in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, is the ultimate answer to human sin and failure. Peter's restoration, vividly depicted in [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter"), is made possible only through the finished work of Christ—His death for our sins and His resurrection for our justification ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")). Jesus's perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection provide the grace and forgiveness that not only cover Peter's denial but also empower all believers to overcome their own weaknesses and live lives of faithful obedience, knowing that even when we deny Him, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself ([2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - Christ's Faithfulness")).

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

1 Corinthians 10:12

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

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Romans 11:20

Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

Proverbs 28:26

¶ He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Psalms 119:115

¶ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

Psalms 119:117

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

Matthew 26:40

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?