Matthew 26:75

KJV

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Peter {G4074} remembered {G3415} the word {G4487} of Jesus {G2424}, which {G3588} said {G2046} unto him {G846}, Before {G3754}{G4250} the cock {G220} crow {G5455}, thou shalt deny {G533} me {G3165} thrice {G5151}. And {G2532} he went out {G1854}, and {G1831} wept {G2799} bitterly {G4090}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kefa remembered what Yeshua had said, "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times"; and he went outside and cried bitterly.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

American Standard Version

And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:75 captures the agonizing moment of Peter's profound realization and subsequent bitter remorse, immediately following his third denial of Jesus. This verse marks the climactic fulfillment of Jesus' earlier prophecy concerning Peter's betrayal, highlighting the disciple's human frailty and the crushing weight of his failure to stand firm with his Lord during His trial. Peter's immediate departure and intense weeping signify a deep, genuine sorrow that sets the stage for his eventual restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse concludes the narrative of Peter's three denials, which unfolds in [Matthew 26:69-74](/matthew/26-69-74 "Matthew 26:69-74 - Peter's Denials"). Peter, having followed Jesus "at a distance" to the high priest's courtyard, found himself in a hostile environment, surrounded by those who sought to condemn Jesus ([Matthew 26:58](/matthew/26-58 "Matthew 26:58 - Peter Follows Afar Off")). His denials, each more emphatic than the last, directly contradict his fervent boasts just hours earlier that he would never disown Jesus, even if it meant death ([Matthew 26:33-35](/matthew/26-33-35 "Matthew 26:33-35 - Peter's Vow of Loyalty")). The cock crowing serves as the immediate trigger, bringing Jesus' precise words from [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial") back to Peter's mind, making his failure undeniably clear and intensely painful.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Matthew 26:75 occur during the late hours of the night, following Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane and His illegal trial before the Sanhedrin. Jewish law prohibited trials at night, highlighting the corrupt nature of the proceedings. The high priest's courtyard would have been a bustling, tense environment, filled with temple guards, servants, and accusers, all hostile to Jesus. For Peter, a Galilean, his accent would have easily betrayed him in Jerusalem, making his attempts to blend in difficult. The "cock crow" (ἀλέκτωρ) was not merely the sound of a bird, but also a recognized division of the night, marking the third watch (around 3 AM). This detail underscores the precise fulfillment of prophecy and the dawning realization for Peter, as the night of betrayal gives way to the harsh light of truth.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:75 powerfully illustrates several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights **Human Frailty and Failure**, demonstrating that even a devoted disciple like Peter, despite his sincere intentions and bold declarations, can succumb to fear and pressure, revealing the inherent weakness of human resolve apart from divine strength. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Foreknowledge and Prophecy Fulfilled**, as Jesus' precise prediction in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial") comes to pass with chilling accuracy, emphasizing Christ's sovereignty and omniscience. Thirdly, Peter's "bitter weeping" introduces the theme of **Genuine Remorse and Repentance**, distinguishing his sorrow from the despair of Judas and setting the stage for his eventual restoration by Jesus, as seen later in [John 21](/john/21 "John 21 - Jesus Restores Peter"). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Power of Memory and Conscience**, as the simple sound of a cock crowing triggers a flood of remembrance, forcing Peter to confront his actions in the stark light of Jesus' truth and his own broken promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remembered (Greek, _mnáomai'_):** This word signifies not merely a casual recall, but to "bear in mind," to "recollect" with a sense of mental grasp and fixation. For Peter, it was a sudden, overwhelming flood of memory, bringing Jesus' specific words to the forefront of his consciousness with piercing clarity. This remembrance was not academic but deeply personal and convicting.
* **deny (Greek, _aparnéomai'_):** Derived from `apo` (away from) and `arneomai` (to deny), this term means "to deny utterly," "to disown" or "abstain from." Peter's denials were not mere evasions but emphatic rejections of any association with Jesus, a complete renunciation of his relationship with his Lord. The "thrice" emphasizes the complete and public nature of his disavowal.
* **bitterly (Greek, _pikrōs'_):** An adverb derived from `pikros` (bitter), this word describes the manner of Peter's weeping as intensely, sharply, and painfully. It conveys a deep, heartfelt anguish and violent sorrow, far beyond simple tears. This indicates a profound spiritual pain and contrition, a visceral reaction to the gravity of his betrayal and the realization of his sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him,"**: This phrase highlights the immediate cause of Peter's profound reaction. The sound of the cock crowing, as foretold by Jesus, served as the catalyst, triggering a sudden and vivid recall of Jesus' precise prophecy. This remembrance was not a gentle nudge but a forceful confrontation with his own failure and Jesus' divine foreknowledge.
* **"Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice."**: This is the direct quotation of Jesus' prophecy, emphasizing its specificity and Peter's complete fulfillment of it. The "cock crow" served as the indisputable sign, marking the exact moment of prophecy's culmination. The "thrice" underscores the repeated and public nature of Peter's disavowal, making his betrayal undeniable.
* **"And he went out, and wept bitterly."**: This describes Peter's immediate and overwhelming response. His departure from the courtyard suggests a need for privacy in his grief, perhaps overwhelmed by shame and sorrow. The phrase "wept bitterly" conveys the depth of his anguish – a profound, intense, and heart-wrenching sorrow that speaks of genuine repentance and remorse over his betrayal, distinct from the despair of Judas.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:75 is rich with literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. **Foreshadowing** is central, as Jesus' prophecy in [Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial") is precisely fulfilled, demonstrating His divine prescience and the inevitability of the events. There is profound **Irony** in Peter's earlier boasts of unwavering loyalty contrasting sharply with his abject failure under pressure. The scene evokes deep **Pathos**, drawing the reader into Peter's raw emotional pain and bitter remorse, making his human weakness relatable. The **Symbolism** of the cock crowing is potent; it is not just an auditory cue but a stark, undeniable signal marking the precise moment of truth and the crushing weight of Peter's betrayal, serving as a powerful reminder of Jesus' words and Peter's broken vows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:75 serves as a profound theological touchstone, illustrating the depth of human frailty even in the most devoted of disciples, while simultaneously underscoring the unwavering truth of divine prophecy. Peter's bitter weeping is a powerful testament to genuine repentance, distinguishing his sorrow from the despair that leads to destruction. It highlights that true remorse involves a deep, painful recognition of sin against God and a turning away from it, rather than mere regret for consequences. This moment, though painful, is foundational to Peter's spiritual growth and eventual restoration, demonstrating God's sovereign grace that pursues and restores even those who stumble profoundly. It reminds believers that failure is not the end of the story, but often a catalyst for deeper humility, dependence on Christ, and a more profound understanding of God's mercy.

* [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Matthew 27:3-5](/matthew/27-3-5 "Matthew 27:3-5 - The Remorse and Suicide of Judas")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's bitter weeping in Matthew 26:75 is a mirror reflecting the human condition: our capacity for both fervent devotion and profound failure. It reminds us that even with the best intentions and strongest declarations, our spiritual resolve can falter under pressure, revealing our deep need for God's sustaining grace. This passage calls us to humility, acknowledging our own potential for stumbling, and to a greater reliance on Christ's strength rather than our own. Peter's immediate and intense remorse provides a powerful model for genuine repentance: not simply regret for being caught, but deep sorrow for having grieved the Lord and violated our commitment. It assures us that God's grace is sufficient to forgive and restore even after significant failures, provided there is true contrition. We are invited to remember Jesus' words in our own lives, allowing them to convict, guide, and ultimately lead us back to Him when we stray.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's denial and subsequent weeping challenge my understanding of my own spiritual strength and vulnerability?**
* **What is the difference between Peter's "bitter weeping" and mere regret, and how can I cultivate genuine repentance in my own life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "deny" Christ, either explicitly or implicitly, under pressure?**
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge of Peter's denial, yet His continued love and plan for him, speak to God's grace in my own failures?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter deny Jesus, despite his earlier fervent declarations of loyalty?**

Answer: Peter's denials stemmed primarily from fear and self-preservation. He was in a hostile environment, surrounded by those who sought to condemn Jesus, and his association with Jesus put him in immediate danger. Despite his genuine love and earlier bold boasts (e.g., [Matthew 26:33](/matthew/26-33 "Matthew 26:33 - Peter's Vow")), Peter's human courage failed him when confronted with direct accusations and the threat of persecution. This highlights the profound weakness of human resolve apart from divine strength and the overwhelming power of fear in moments of crisis.

**What is the significance of the "cock crowing" in this verse?**

Answer: The cock crowing is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as the precise, undeniable trigger for Peter's memory, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy to the letter ([Matthew 26:34](/matthew/26-34 "Matthew 26:34 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")). Secondly, it marks a specific time of day, the "cock crow" being the third watch of the night (around 3 AM), signaling the end of the darkness of denial and the dawning of truth and conviction for Peter. Thirdly, it is a stark, audible symbol of Peter's spiritual awakening and the crushing realization of his betrayal, a direct, undeniable confirmation of his failure.

**How does Peter's repentance differ from Judas's remorse?**

Answer: The key difference lies in the nature and outcome of their sorrow. Peter's "bitter weeping" signifies genuine, God-centered repentance (Greek: _metanoia_), a profound sorrow for his sin against Jesus, leading to a turning away from that sin and ultimately to restoration. His grief was rooted in love for Christ and sorrow for having grieved Him. In contrast, Judas's remorse ([Matthew 27:3-5](/matthew/27-3-5 "Matthew 27:3-5 - The Remorse and Suicide of Judas")) was a worldly sorrow, a regret over the consequences of his actions (the betrayal of innocent blood) rather than true contrition for sin against God. This led him to despair and suicide, demonstrating a lack of faith in God's mercy and forgiveness. Peter's path was one of brokenness leading to restoration; Judas's was one of despair leading to destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:75, while focusing on Peter's profound failure, ultimately points us to the perfect faithfulness and redemptive work of Christ. Peter's denial underscores the universal human condition of sin and our inability to perfectly keep our vows or stand firm in our own strength. Yet, even in Peter's darkest moment, Jesus' divine foreknowledge and intercession were at work. Just before His arrest, Jesus told Peter, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" ([Luke 22:31-32](/luk/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")). This reveals that Christ, even in His own suffering, was actively interceding for His disciple. Peter's bitter weeping, though a consequence of his sin, was also a fruit of Christ's preserving grace and the Holy Spirit's conviction, leading him not to despair but to genuine repentance. Jesus, the perfect Son, never denied His Father, even unto death on the cross, thereby securing the forgiveness and restoration that Peter desperately needed and that we all require. His atoning sacrifice is the ultimate answer to our failures, making possible our reconciliation with God and our eventual restoration, just as Peter was restored by the risen Christ in [John 21](/john/21 "John 21 - Jesus Restores Peter"). Christ is the faithful High Priest who intercedes for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")) even when we falter, and His perfect obedience covers our every denial, bringing us back into His fold.

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

Matthew 26:34

Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Romans 7:18

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.

Romans 7:20

Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Luke 22:31

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:

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.

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.

Luke 22:61

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.