Matthew 26:72

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} again {G3825} he denied {G720} with {G3326} an oath {G3727},{G3754} I do {G1492} not {G3756} know {G1492} the man {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Again he denied it, swearing, "I don't know the man!"

Berean Standard Bible

And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man!”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:72 records the second of Peter's three denials of Jesus, an event precisely foretold by Christ. This pivotal moment unfolds in the high priest's courtyard amidst Jesus's illegal trial, vividly illustrating the immense pressure, fear, and human frailty that led one of Jesus's most ardent disciples to vehemently disassociate himself from his Master, despite earlier declarations of unwavering loyalty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus's passion week, specifically during his nocturnal arrest and subsequent illegal trial before the Sanhedrin, presided over by Caiaphas. Having followed Jesus "from afar" ([Matthew 26:58](/matthew/26-58 "Matthew 26:58 - Peter Follows from Afar")), Peter seeks to observe the proceedings while attempting to blend in with the servants and officers warming themselves by a charcoal fire. His first denial, prompted by a servant girl, is recorded in [Matthew 26:69-70](/matthew/26-69-70 "Matthew 26:69-70 - Peter's First Denial"). Matthew 26:72 describes the second denial, occurring shortly after, when "another maid" (or "another girl" in some translations) or "another" (referring to a male in Mark and Luke) identifies him, prompting Peter to escalate his denial with a solemn oath. This sequence directly fulfills Jesus's prophecy to Peter in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial"), setting the stage for the third denial and the crowing of the rooster.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the courtyard of the High Priest, a place of significant religious and political authority in Jerusalem. The trial itself was a travesty of justice, conducted at night, without proper witnesses, and on false charges, violating numerous Jewish legal traditions. Oaths, in Jewish culture, were extremely serious declarations, often invoking God's name as a witness to the truth of one's statement. To swear an oath was to put one's integrity and spiritual standing on the line. Peter's act of denying "with an oath" underscores the profound social and spiritual pressure he felt to convince his accusers of his non-association with Jesus. The fear of being identified as a follower of a condemned man, especially one accused of blasphemy and sedition, was immense and could lead to arrest, persecution, or even death. Peter's actions reflect the very real danger faced by Jesus's disciples in that moment.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:72 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Human Weakness and Frailty**, even among the most devoted disciples. Peter, who had earlier boldly declared his willingness to die for Jesus ([Matthew 26:35](/matthew/26-35 "Matthew 26:35 - Peter's Boastful Declaration")), succumbs to fear, demonstrating the stark contrast between human resolve and divine power. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Nature of Denial**, portraying it not merely as a passive lack of recognition but as an active, emphatic disavowal of relationship, intensified by an oath. This act of denial stands in stark contrast to the steadfastness of Jesus himself, who, even under immense pressure, affirmed his identity before the Sanhedrin ([Matthew 26:63-64](/matthew/26-63-64 "Matthew 26:63-64 - Jesus's Affirmation Before the Sanhedrin")). Finally, this event serves as a profound illustration of the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, underscoring God's sovereign control over history and the infallible accuracy of Jesus's foreknowledge, even concerning the failures of his closest followers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **denied (Greek, _arnéomai'_):** G720, meaning to contradict, disavow, reject, or abnegate. In this context, Peter's denial is a strong repudiation of any connection to Jesus, an active refusal to acknowledge him, rather than a passive lack of knowledge. It implies a deliberate turning away from a previously acknowledged relationship.
* **oath (Greek, _hórkos'_):** G3727, referring to a solemn declaration, a sacred restraint, or an appeal to God as a witness. Peter's use of an oath signifies the extreme measure he took to convince his accusers, elevating his denial from a simple statement to a binding, public, and spiritually weighty affirmation of falsehood. This act highlights the depth of his fear and desperation.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** G1492, a primary verb meaning to see (literally or figuratively), and by implication, to know. In the perfect tense, as implied here, it signifies a settled state of knowledge. Peter's declaration, "I do not know the man," is a categorical denial of any personal acquaintance or relationship, despite having spent years intimately with Jesus. It's a denial of recognition and association.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And again he denied with an oath":** This clause indicates Peter's second instance of denial, emphasizing a repeated pattern of disavowal. The addition of "with an oath" signifies a heightened level of intensity and solemnity in his denial. An oath, in Jewish culture, was a serious vow, often invoking God's name, making Peter's lie not just a falsehood but a sacrilege. This detail underscores the extreme pressure Peter was under and his desperate attempt to convince his accusers of his non-association with Jesus, even at the cost of his integrity and spiritual standing.
* **"I do not know the man":** This is the precise content of Peter's denial. The phrase "the man" (referring to Jesus) is a dismissive and impersonal way of speaking, further emphasizing Peter's attempt to distance himself. It's a categorical statement of non-recognition and non-relationship, directly contradicting his years of intimate discipleship and his earlier fervent declarations of loyalty. This statement is a complete repudiation of his Master in a moment of profound crisis.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and theological impact of this scene. The most prominent is **Irony**, as Peter, who earlier vowed to never deny Jesus and even die for him ([Matthew 26:33-35](/matthew/26-33-35 "Matthew 26:33-35 - Peter's Vows of Loyalty")), now emphatically denies him under pressure. This creates a stark contrast between Peter's self-assured declarations and his actual performance, highlighting the fragility of human resolve apart from divine strength. There is also significant **Dramatic Tension** building throughout the narrative, as the reader is aware of Jesus's prophecy regarding Peter's denials, creating anticipation and dread as each denial unfolds. This tension is palpable in the courtyard setting, where Peter is surrounded by potential accusers, and his words carry immediate, life-threatening implications. The repeated nature of the denials, each more emphatic than the last, builds towards the climax of the cock crowing, serving as a powerful and painful reminder of human failure and the fulfillment of divine prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:72 serves as a stark reminder of human frailty and the seductive power of fear, even for those closest to Christ. Peter's denial, intensified by an oath, exposes the inherent weakness of human resolve when confronted with overwhelming pressure, underscoring the theological truth that true faithfulness is not sustained by self-confidence but by divine grace. This moment also highlights the perfect foreknowledge of Jesus and the sovereign plan of God, as Peter's failure precisely fulfills Christ's prophecy. Yet, it is within this profound failure that the stage is set for a powerful demonstration of God's restorative grace, foreshadowing the path of repentance and forgiveness available to all who falter.

* [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God's Faithfulness Endures")
* [Matthew 10:33](/matthew/10-33 "Matthew 10:33 - Denying Christ Before Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's denial in Matthew 26:72 is a profoundly humbling and instructive passage for believers today. It serves as a powerful mirror, reflecting our own potential for fear-driven compromise and the painful reality of our human limitations. Peter, despite his bold declarations and intimate relationship with Jesus, succumbed to the immediate threat, choosing self-preservation over open allegiance. This reminds us that spiritual strength is not a static possession but a dynamic reliance on God, especially when facing social pressure, professional risk, or personal discomfort for the sake of our faith. We are called to examine our own lives: where do we deny Christ, not necessarily with an explicit oath, but through silence, inaction, or the pursuit of acceptance from the world? This passage compels us to cultivate humility, recognize our dependence on the Holy Spirit, and pray for courage to stand firm, knowing that even in our failures, God's grace remains sufficient for repentance and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "deny" Christ, not necessarily with an oath, but through silence or compromise, to avoid discomfort or gain acceptance?**
* **How does Peter's failure challenge my own self-confidence in my spiritual strength, and how can it lead me to a greater reliance on God's grace?**
* **What steps can I take today to cultivate a deeper courage and conviction to openly acknowledge my relationship with Jesus, even when it is costly?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter deny Jesus, especially after his earlier bold declarations?**

Answer: Peter's denial was primarily driven by intense fear and self-preservation in a moment of extreme danger. He had followed Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, a hostile environment where Jesus was being condemned. Being identified as a follower of Jesus could have led to his own arrest, torture, or even death. Despite his earlier bold declarations of loyalty ([Matthew 26:33-35](/matthew/26-33-35 "Peter's Vows")), Peter's human courage failed him under this immense pressure. His actions underscore the reality of human frailty and the power of fear to override even sincere intentions.

**What is the significance of Peter denying Jesus "with an oath"?**

Answer: The phrase "with an oath" significantly intensifies Peter's denial. In Jewish culture, an oath was a solemn and binding declaration, often invoking God's name as a witness. To swear an oath was to put one's integrity and spiritual standing on the line. By doing so, Peter was not merely stating "I don't know him" casually; he was making a forceful, public, and religiously weighty affirmation that he had no association with Jesus. This demonstrates the depth of his desperation to convince his accusers and highlights the severity of his lie, as it was a false oath before God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's profound failure in Matthew 26:72, denying his Lord with an oath, stands in stark contrast to the perfect faithfulness of Christ. While Peter succumbed to fear and self-preservation, Jesus, in the very same hours, steadfastly endured the unjust trial, the mockery, and the impending crucifixion, all for the sake of those who would deny Him. Peter's sin, like all human sin, highlights the desperate need for a Savior who is perfectly righteous and capable of bearing the weight of human unfaithfulness. Jesus did not deny Peter; instead, He allowed Himself to be denied and ultimately crucified, taking on the very sin of denial, so that Peter, and all believers, could be forgiven and restored. The ultimate fulfillment of this narrative is found not in Peter's failure, but in Christ's unwavering commitment to His mission, His intercessory prayer for Peter ([Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")), and His triumphant resurrection, which paved the way for Peter's restoration and empowerment by the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the very Christ he once denied ([Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Acts 2:14-41 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon")). Thus, Peter's denial serves as a poignant backdrop, illuminating the unparalleled grace and redemptive power of the Lamb of God, who suffered for our weaknesses and offers forgiveness for our failures.

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 22:34

And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Matthew 5:34

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

Matthew 5:36

Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

Matthew 26:74

Then began he to curse and to swear, [saying], I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

Isaiah 48:1

¶ Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, [but] not in truth, nor in righteousness.

Zechariah 8:17

And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these [are things] that I hate, saith the LORD.

Acts 5:3

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?