Matthew 26:74

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} began he {G756} to curse {G2653} and {G2532} to swear {G3660}, saying,{G3754} I know {G1492} not {G3756} the man {G444}. And {G2532} immediately {G2112} the cock {G220} crew {G5455}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This time he began to invoke a curse on himself as he swore, "I do not know the man!" -- and immediately a rooster crowed.

Berean Standard Bible

At that he began to curse and swear to them, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.

American Standard Version

Then began he to curse and to swear, I know not the man. And straightway the cock crew.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:74 vividly portrays the climactic moment of Peter's third and most vehement denial of Jesus. Under intense pressure in the high priest's courtyard, Peter not only disavowed any knowledge of Jesus but reinforced his denial with curses and oaths, attempting to completely distance himself from his Master. Immediately upon his final, desperate declaration, the crow of a rooster pierced the night, serving as a stark and immediate fulfillment of Jesus' earlier prophecy, bringing Peter's profound failure into sharp, painful focus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Peter's three denials, which are strategically placed within the broader narrative of Jesus' arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin. Following Jesus' confident prediction of Peter's betrayal in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial"), Peter had followed Jesus to the high priest's courtyard after the arrest in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:57-58](/matthew/26-57-58 "Matthew 26:57-58 - Jesus Before Caiaphas")). There, while Jesus was being interrogated, Peter was repeatedly confronted by various individuals who recognized him as a follower of Jesus. His first denial came in [Matthew 26:69-70](/matthew/26-69-70 "Matthew 26:69-70 - Peter's First Denial"), a simple denial to a servant girl. His second, more emphatic denial, occurred in [Matthew 26:71-72](/matthew/26-71-72 "Matthew 26:71-72 - Peter's Second Denial"). Matthew 26:74 marks the third and final denial, characterized by its extreme vehemence, leading directly to the prophetic sign of the cock crowing and Peter's subsequent bitter repentance recounted in [Matthew 26:75](/matthew/26-75 "Matthew 26:75 - Peter's Bitter Weeping").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the courtyard of the High Priest Caiaphas, likely late at night or in the very early hours of the morning, a time when many would be sleeping, but also when the activity of a high-profile arrest and trial would draw a crowd. Jewish law prohibited trials at night, making Jesus' trial illegal and rushed, further contributing to the chaotic and tense atmosphere. Peter, a Galilean, would have been identifiable by his accent, as noted in [Matthew 26:73](/matthew/26-73 "Matthew 26:73 - Peter's Galilean Accent"). Swearing and cursing were serious matters in Jewish culture, often involving invoking God's name or divine judgment. For Peter to "curse and swear" in this context meant he was not merely denying casually but was attempting to add a layer of solemnity and finality to his denial, potentially invoking a curse upon himself if he were lying, thereby convincing his accusers of his sincerity and disassociation from Jesus. The cock crowing was a common sound at dawn, but in this instance, it was also a specific signal, perhaps referring to a particular watch of the night (the "cockcrow" watch, around 3 AM), or simply the actual crowing of a rooster, which was a common animal in courtyards.

* **Key Themes:** This pivotal moment in Peter's story contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **human frailty and the reality of temptation**, even for those with strong faith and close proximity to Jesus. Peter, who had boldly declared his unwavering loyalty in [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Boast"), succumbs to fear and self-preservation, revealing the limits of human resolve without divine strength. The immediate crowing of the cock underscores the theme of the **unfailing accuracy of Jesus' prophecies and divine sovereignty**. Jesus' words, spoken hours earlier, are fulfilled with precise timing, demonstrating His foreknowledge and control over events, even in His moment of apparent weakness. Finally, this event sets the stage for the theme of **divine grace and restoration**, as Peter's profound failure is not his final chapter. His bitter repentance ([Matthew 26:75](/matthew/26-75 "Matthew 26:75 - Peter's Bitter Weeping")) foreshadows his later reconciliation and recommissioning by Jesus, highlighting God's capacity to forgive and restore even after significant spiritual failure, a theme beautifully developed in [John 21](/john/21 "John 21 - Jesus Restores Peter").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **curse (Greek, _katanathematízō'_):** From G2653, meaning "to imprecate." This is an intensified form of "to curse," indicating a strong, solemn invocation of divine judgment upon oneself if one is lying. Peter was not merely using profanity; he was calling down a curse upon himself, asserting the truth of his denial with the utmost gravity and desperation, seeking to convince his interrogators of his complete disassociation from Jesus.
* **swear (Greek, _omnýō'_):** From G3660, meaning "to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath." This refers to the act of taking a solemn oath, often invoking God or some sacred entity as a witness, to affirm the truth of one's statement. Coupled with "to curse," it demonstrates Peter's extreme effort to persuade his accusers, placing himself under a binding commitment that he was speaking the truth, despite knowing he was lying.
* **know not (Greek, _eídō'_ and _ou'_):** From G1492 (_eídō_), meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, to know," combined with G3756 (_ou_), the absolute negative. Peter's emphatic declaration, "I know not the man," is a complete and absolute denial of any acquaintance or relationship with Jesus. This is not merely a lack of recognition but a forceful rejection of any association, a stark contrast to his earlier boast of unwavering loyalty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then began he to curse and to swear,"**: This clause marks the escalation of Peter's denial. His previous denials were less forceful, but here, under increasing pressure and fear of exposure, he resorts to extreme measures. The act of cursing and swearing was a desperate attempt to add credibility to his lie, invoking divine judgment upon himself if he were speaking falsely, thereby severing any perceived connection to Jesus in the eyes of his accusers.
* **"saying, I know not the man."**: This is the content of his vehement denial. Peter explicitly states his complete lack of knowledge or association with Jesus. The phrase "the man" (G444, _ánthrōpos_) can be seen as a dehumanizing term, further distancing himself from Jesus, perhaps even implying that Jesus was just an ordinary man, not the Messiah he had confessed Him to be. This is the ultimate betrayal of his Lord through words.
* **"And immediately the cock crew."**: This is the climactic moment of the prophecy's fulfillment. The word "immediately" (G2112, _euthéōs_) emphasizes the swiftness and precision of the event, leaving no doubt that Jesus' words were true. The sound of the cock crowing served as an auditory alarm, a direct and undeniable sign to Peter that he had just fulfilled the very prophecy he had vowed he would never fulfill. This sound would have pierced his heart, bringing the full weight of his failure crashing down upon him.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:74 is rich with **dramatic irony**, as the audience is fully aware of Jesus' prophecy in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial"), while Peter, in his moment of desperate denial, is seemingly oblivious to the immediate fulfillment of his Lord's words until the cock crows. This creates a poignant tension. The verse also employs **foreshadowing**, as Jesus' earlier prediction is brought to a precise and undeniable conclusion. The **symbolism** of the cock crowing is profound; it is not merely a sound but a potent, divinely ordained sign that marks the exact moment of Peter's ultimate failure and the truth of Jesus' omniscience. Furthermore, there is a stark **contrast** between Peter's earlier confident declaration of loyalty ("Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended," [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Boast")) and his current, fearful, and vehement denial, highlighting the depth of human weakness under pressure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound significance of Matthew 26:74 extends beyond Peter's personal failure, serving as a powerful theological statement about the nature of humanity, the reliability of God's word, and the depth of divine grace. Peter's denial, marked by curses and oaths, exposes the inherent weakness of even the most devoted followers when confronted with fear and self-preservation. It is a stark reminder that human strength and resolve are insufficient without reliance on God's sustaining power. Yet, the immediate fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy through the cock's crow underscores the absolute sovereignty and prophetic accuracy of Christ. Even amidst His own trial and suffering, Jesus' words prove true, demonstrating His divine knowledge and control over all events. This moment, while painful, is not the end of Peter's story; it is a necessary crucible that leads to his profound repentance and ultimately, his restoration, revealing God's boundless mercy and His ability to redeem even our most grievous failures for His greater purposes.

* [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial")
* [Luke 22:61-62](/luke/22-61-62 "Luke 22:61-62 - Jesus Looks at Peter; Peter Weeps Bitterly")
* [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's dramatic denial in Matthew 26:74 serves as a timeless and sobering mirror for all believers. It powerfully illustrates that even those with deep faith and strong intentions can falter under pressure, revealing the inherent fragility of human resolve when confronted with fear, social ostracism, or the threat of suffering. This passage calls us to profound humility, reminding us never to overestimate our own spiritual strength or underestimate the insidious power of temptation. Instead of relying on self-confidence, we are called to cultivate a deep dependence on God's sustaining grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, recognizing that true strength comes from Him alone. Peter's bitter tears immediately following the cock's crow underscore the pain of realizing one's failure and the weight of having denied Christ. Yet, his story does not end in despair; it is a testament to the transformative power of repentance and the boundless grace of God, who is always ready to forgive and restore those who genuinely turn back to Him, offering hope and a path to renewed purpose even after significant spiritual setbacks.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be tempted to deny Christ, either explicitly or implicitly, to avoid discomfort or gain acceptance?**
* **How does Peter's overconfidence before his denial serve as a warning for my own spiritual journey?**
* **What does the immediate fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy teach me about the reliability of God's word in my own life?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reliance on God's strength rather than my own, especially when facing fear or pressure?**
* **If I have experienced a significant spiritual failure, what hope does Peter's eventual restoration offer me?**

### FAQ

**Why did Peter "curse and swear" to deny Jesus?**

Answer: Peter's use of "curse and swear" (Greek: _katanathematízō_ and _omnýō_) was not merely casual profanity but a solemn, desperate attempt to convince his accusers of his sincerity. In that cultural context, to "curse" meant to call down a divine judgment upon oneself if one was lying, and to "swear" meant to take a binding oath, often invoking God as a witness. By doing this, Peter was trying to put an emphatic, undeniable stamp on his lie, making it seem utterly convincing that he had no association with Jesus, thereby attempting to protect himself from the perceived danger of being identified as a disciple. This extreme measure highlights the depth of his fear and the intense pressure he felt in that moment.

**What is the significance of the cock crowing immediately after Peter's denial?**

Answer: The immediate crowing of the cock is profoundly significant because it serves as the precise and undeniable fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy to Peter in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial"). Jesus had told Peter, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." The instant sound of the rooster, appearing at the exact moment of Peter's third denial, was a divinely orchestrated sign. It was not merely a coincidental sound but a poignant, audible reminder to Peter of his failure and, more importantly, of the absolute truth and foreknowledge of Jesus' words. This moment would have brought the weight of his actions crashing down on Peter, leading to his bitter weeping as recorded in [Matthew 26:75](/matthew/26-75 "Matthew 26:75 - Peter's Bitter Weeping").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:74, while a heartbreaking account of Peter's failure, ultimately points to the unwavering sovereignty and redemptive grace of Christ. Peter's vehement denial, punctuated by the cock's crow, underscores the perfect accuracy of Jesus' prophecy. This is not merely a testament to Jesus' ability to predict the future, but a profound demonstration of His divine knowledge and control, even as He stood on trial, seemingly powerless. In this moment of Peter's profound weakness, Christ's strength and truth are magnified. Furthermore, Peter's denial and subsequent bitter weeping ([Luke 22:62](/luke/22-62 "Luke 22:62 - Peter Weeps Bitterly")) set the stage for the glorious truth of Christ's restorative power. Just as Jesus had prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail ([Luke 22:32](/luke/22-32 "Luke 22:32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")), His ultimate sacrifice on the cross would provide the very forgiveness and grace necessary for Peter's restoration. The Risen Christ would later tenderly reinstate Peter, asking him three times, "Do you love me?" ([John 21:15-17](/john/21-15-17 "John 21:15-17 - Jesus Restores Peter")), mirroring his three denials and demonstrating the boundless compassion of the Savior who redeems even the most profound failures. Thus, Peter's denial, rather than being an end, becomes a powerful illustration of the gospel: human sin met by divine grace, weakness transformed by Christ's power, and brokenness healed by His unfailing love.

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

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Acts 23:12

¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Acts 23:14

And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

Mark 14:71

But he began to curse and to swear, [saying], I know not this man of whom ye speak.

Mark 14:72

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.

1 Corinthians 16:22

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.