Matthew 26:73

KJV

And after a while came unto [him] they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art [one] of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} after {G3326} a while {G3397} came unto him they {G4334} that stood by {G2476}, and said {G2036} to Peter {G4074}, Surely {G230} thou {G4771} also {G2532} art {G1488} one of {G1537} them {G846}; for {G1063}{G2532} thy {G4675} speech {G2981} bewrayeth {G1212} thee {G4571}{G4160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After a little while, the bystanders approached Kefa and said, "You must be one of them -- your accent gives you away."

Berean Standard Bible

After a little while, those standing nearby came up to Peter. “Surely you are one of them,” they said, “for your accent gives you away.”

American Standard Version

And after a little while they that stood by came and said to Peter, Of a truth thou also art one of them; for thy speech maketh thee known.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:73 records the third and final denial of Jesus by Peter, a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative. As Peter lingered in the courtyard of the high priest, bystanders approached him, confidently asserting his association with Jesus based on his distinctive Galilean accent. This accusation, "Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee," marks the culmination of Peter's fearful retreat from his earlier bold declarations of loyalty, directly fulfilling Jesus' prophecy and highlighting the profound frailty of human resolve under intense pressure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a deeply dramatic and sorrowful sequence for Peter. It follows his first denial to a maidservant ([Matthew 26:69-70](/matthew/26-69-70 "Matthew 26:69-70 - Peter's First Denial")) and his second denial to another maid and bystanders ([Matthew 26:71-72](/matthew/26-71-72 "Matthew 26:71-72 - Peter's Second Denial")). The immediate narrative flow places Peter in the courtyard of Caiaphas, the high priest, while Jesus is undergoing an unjust trial inside. Peter's presence in this dangerous environment, coupled with his fear of association with the condemned Jesus, drives his repeated denials. The entire episode is framed by Jesus' solemn prophecy to Peter at the Last Supper, found in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Prophesies Peter's Denial"), that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. The subsequent verse, [Matthew 26:74](/matthew/26-74 "Matthew 26:74 - Peter's Final Denial and the Rooster's Crow"), immediately records Peter's final, vehement denial followed by the crowing of the rooster, bringing the weight of his failure crashing down upon him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the high priest's courtyard in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious authority, and its inhabitants, particularly the religious elite and their servants, would have been familiar with regional dialects. Galileans, like Peter and many of Jesus' disciples, were often looked down upon by Judeans, and their Aramaic dialect had distinct phonetic characteristics that made it easily recognizable. For instance, Galileans were known to confuse guttural sounds, making their speech sound unrefined to Judean ears. To be identified as a Galilean in Jerusalem, especially in the context of Jesus' arrest, was to be immediately associated with a perceived provincial, possibly rebellious, movement. The danger of such an association was severe, potentially leading to arrest, trial, or even execution, explaining Peter's desperate attempts to distance himself from Jesus.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **human frailty and the struggle with fear**, as Peter, despite his earlier bold declarations of loyalty (e.g., [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Boast of Loyalty")), succumbs to the intense pressure of persecution. It also underscores the **fulfillment of divine prophecy**, as Jesus' precise foretelling of Peter's denial comes to pass exactly as predicted (compare with [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus' Prophecy")). Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **speech as a revealer of identity and allegiance**. Peter's accent, his "speech," becomes the undeniable evidence of his origin and association, demonstrating how our words, even our manner of speaking, can betray our true affiliations or character, a concept that resonates throughout biblical wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Power of the Tongue")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **speech (Greek, _laliá'_):** From G2981, this word refers to "talk" or "speech," but in this context, it specifically denotes Peter's manner of speaking, his dialect, or accent. The bystanders recognized the distinct phonetic qualities of his Galilean Aramaic, which differed noticeably from the Aramaic spoken in Jerusalem. This linguistic identifier served as irrefutable proof of his origin and, by extension, his association with Jesus and other Galilean disciples.
* **bewrayeth (Greek, _dēlos'_):** From G1212, this archaic English term translates the Greek word meaning "clear," "evident," or "manifest." It signifies that Peter's speech *makes him evident* or *reveals him clearly*. His accent was not merely a hint but a definitive indicator, leaving no doubt about his background to those who heard him. The word emphasizes the undeniable nature of the evidence.
* **Surely (Greek, _alēthōs'_):** From G230, this adverb means "truly," "indeed," or "of a surety." Its inclusion underscores the certainty and conviction of the bystanders' accusation. They were not merely guessing or suspecting; they were absolutely convinced of Peter's identity due to the undeniable evidence of his speech. This certainty contrasts sharply with Peter's desperate and increasingly vehement denials.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after a while came unto him they that stood by":** This phrase indicates a passage of time since Peter's previous denial, allowing for a new group of people, perhaps those who had just arrived or were observing the scene, to approach Peter. The phrase "they that stood by" (G2476, _hístēmi_) implies a casual observation that turns into an active confrontation, highlighting the persistent scrutiny Peter faced in the high priest's courtyard.
* **"and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them;":** This is a direct, confident accusation. The use of "Surely" (G230, _alēthōs'_) emphasizes the accusers' conviction. They are not asking a question but stating a fact, asserting Peter's identity as one of Jesus' followers. The phrase "one of them" links Peter directly to Jesus and His other disciples, implying shared allegiance and, in the context of Jesus' trial, shared culpability.
* **"for thy speech bewrayeth thee.":** This clause provides the irrefutable evidence for their accusation. Peter's "speech" (G2981, _laliá_), specifically his Galilean accent or dialect, "bewrayeth" (G1212, _dēlos'_) him, meaning it exposes or reveals his identity. His words, intended to deny, paradoxically confirm his association, demonstrating the power of ingrained linguistic patterns to reveal one's origin and affiliations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Peter's attempts to deny Jesus through his words are undermined by the very "speech" that reveals his true identity. His denial is simultaneously his exposure. There is also a strong element of **foreshadowing**, as this moment directly fulfills Jesus' prophecy in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus' Prophecy of Peter's Denial"), adding a layer of divine sovereignty to the human drama. Furthermore, the concept of "speech" (_laliá_) functions as a powerful **symbolism**, representing not just a regional accent but the deeper reality of one's origin, identity, and allegiance, which can be unintentionally revealed even when one tries to conceal it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's denial, culminating in this verse, is a profound theological statement on human fallibility and the unwavering nature of divine prophecy. It underscores that even the most devoted disciples are susceptible to fear and failure when confronted with overwhelming pressure, reminding us that our strength is not inherent but derived from God. Yet, this moment of profound weakness also serves to highlight God's sovereign plan, as Jesus' prophecy is meticulously fulfilled. The incident sets the stage for Peter's deep repentance and, ultimately, his glorious restoration by the resurrected Christ, demonstrating God's boundless grace and redemptive power even in the face of abject failure. It teaches us that failure, while painful, is not the end of God's story for us, but can be a crucible for deeper humility and reliance on Him.

* [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Jesus Prophesies Peter's Denial")
* [Luke 22:61-62](/luke/22-61-62 "Peter's Repentance After Jesus' Look")
* [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "Jesus Restores Peter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's third denial is a stark, humbling mirror for every believer. It challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment, not in moments of ease, but when our faith is truly tested. His failure serves as a powerful reminder that self-confidence, however well-intentioned, is a fragile foundation; true strength lies in humble dependence on God's grace. We are called to vigilance and prayer, especially when spiritual dangers loom, recognizing our own susceptibility to fear and temptation. Moreover, Peter's experience underscores the profound truth that our words, and even our manner of speaking, can reveal our true allegiances and character. This calls us to mindful communication, ensuring our speech consistently reflects our identity as followers of Christ. Ultimately, Peter's story is one of profound failure followed by glorious restoration, offering immense hope that even when we stumble, God's mercy is greater than our sin, and He is faithful to forgive and restore those who genuinely repent and turn back to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most susceptible to denying my faith or association with Christ due to fear or social pressure?**
* **How does Peter's reliance on his own strength, rather than God's, serve as a warning for my own spiritual walk?**
* **What does my "speech"—my words, tone, and communication style—reveal about my true identity and allegiances?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reliance on God's grace to stand firm in moments of temptation or fear?**

### FAQ
**Why was Peter's speech so distinctive that it "bewrayed" him?**

Answer: Peter's speech was distinctive because he was from Galilee, a region north of Judea. Galileans spoke a dialect of Aramaic that had noticeable phonetic differences from the Aramaic spoken in Jerusalem and Judea. These differences, such as the pronunciation of certain guttural sounds, made their accent easily recognizable to Judeans. In this tense courtyard setting, Peter's accent served as an undeniable linguistic marker, revealing his regional origin and, by extension, his association with Jesus and the other disciples, many of whom were also Galileans.

**What does the archaic word "bewrayeth" mean in this context?**

Answer: The King James Version's "bewrayeth" (from the Greek _dēlos'_) means to expose, reveal, or make manifest. It signifies that Peter's speech clearly and undeniably uncovered his identity. It wasn't a subtle hint, but a definitive piece of evidence that made his connection to Jesus evident to the bystanders, despite his attempts to deny it.

**How does this verse relate to Jesus' earlier prophecy to Peter?**

Answer: This verse directly fulfills Jesus' prophecy given to Peter at the Last Supper. In [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus' Prophecy of Peter's Denial"), Jesus told Peter, "Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." Peter's third denial in [Matthew 26:73](/matthew/26-73 "Matthew 26:73 - Peter's Third Denial") is immediately followed by the crowing of the rooster in [Matthew 26:74](/matthew/26-74 "Matthew 26:74 - The Rooster Crows"), bringing Jesus' words to pass with chilling precision. This fulfillment highlights the divine foreknowledge and sovereignty at work even amidst human failure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 26:73 vividly portrays Peter's human frailty and denial of Christ, it paradoxically points to the perfect faithfulness of Christ Himself. Peter's failure underscores the necessity of a perfectly obedient Savior who would never deny His Father or His mission, even unto death. As Peter succumbs to fear, Jesus, in stark contrast, steadfastly endures the unjust trial, remaining silent or speaking truth, fully committed to the Father's will (compare [Matthew 26:63](/matthew/26-63 "Matthew 26:63 - Jesus' Silence Before Caiaphas")). Peter's profound brokenness after the rooster crows ([Matthew 26:75](/matthew/26-75 "Matthew 26:75 - Peter Weeps Bitterly")) sets the stage for his glorious restoration by the resurrected Christ, as beautifully depicted in [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter"). This restoration is a testament to Christ's redemptive power and boundless grace, demonstrating that His perfect sacrifice covers even the deepest human failures. Peter's subsequent transformation, empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost ([Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Acts 2:14-41 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost")), from a fearful denier to a bold proclaimer, is a direct result of Christ's finished work and His intercession for Peter (as foretold in [Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")). Thus, Peter's denial, though a dark moment, ultimately magnifies the unyielding love, faithfulness, and redemptive power of Jesus Christ.

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

Judges 12:6

Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce [it] right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand.

John 18:26

One of the servants of the high priest, being [his] kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?

John 18:27

Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

Luke 22:59

And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this [fellow] also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

Luke 22:60

And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

Nehemiah 13:24

And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.