Matthew 26:75

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.

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}.

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

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.

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.

Matthew 26:75 describes the profound moment of Peter's realization and subsequent remorse after his third denial of Jesus. This verse marks the culmination of Peter's failure to stand by his Lord, immediately following the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy.

Context

This pivotal verse occurs in the high priest's courtyard, during the chaotic hours of Jesus' illegal trial before the Sanhedrin. Peter, having followed Jesus "afar off" (Matthew 26:58), found himself among the servants and officers, attempting to remain inconspicuous. Despite his earlier fervent declarations of loyalty and willingness to die for Jesus (Matthew 26:33), he succumbed to fear and denied knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-74). Just as he uttered his third denial, the cock crowed, triggering his memory of Jesus' precise words spoken only hours before.

Key Themes

  • Human Frailty and Failure: Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, demonstrates the profound weakness of human resolve when faced with fear and pressure. His denial serves as a stark reminder that even those with the best intentions can stumble.
  • Divine Foreknowledge and Prophecy Fulfilled: Jesus had explicitly foretold Peter's actions, stating, "Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." This verse powerfully illustrates Jesus' divine knowledge and the infallible nature of His prophetic words.
  • Remorse and Repentance: Peter's immediate and intense reaction of "wept bitterly" signifies genuine sorrow and deep contrition. This is not merely regret, but a profound grief over having betrayed his Lord, laying the groundwork for his eventual restoration by Jesus (John 21:15-19). His tears represent a turning point, distinguishing his sorrow from the despair of Judas.
  • The Power of Memory: The sound of the cock crowing acts as a powerful trigger, bringing Jesus' words rushing back to Peter's mind. This sudden remembrance forces him to confront his actions in light of his Lord's truth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wept bitterly" translates the Greek word pikros (πικρῶς), which conveys an intense, sharp, and painful sorrow. It is a very strong expression, indicating a deep, heartfelt grief and anguish, rather than a mere shedding of tears. This emphasizes the profound spiritual pain Peter experienced upon realizing the gravity of his betrayal and the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy.

Practical Application

Matthew 26:75 offers several enduring lessons for believers:

  • Understanding Human Weakness: It reminds us that even the most devoted among us are susceptible to failure and temptation, especially when under pressure. This should foster humility and reliance on God's strength, not our own.
  • The Reality of Repentance: Peter's bitter weeping is a model of genuine repentance. It shows that true remorse involves deep sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. God's grace is always available for those who genuinely repent, even after significant moral failures (Psalm 51:17).
  • God's Foreknowledge and Grace: Jesus knew Peter would deny Him, yet He still chose and loved him. This demonstrates God's sovereign knowledge and His enduring grace, which is sufficient to restore us even after we stumble.
  • The Call to Forgiveness and Restoration: Just as Peter was restored and became a foundational leader in the early church (Acts 2:14), this verse encourages us to extend forgiveness to others and to believe in God's power to restore those who genuinely repent.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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