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.

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, I tell {G3004} thee {G4671}, Peter {G4074}, the cock {G220} shall {G5455} not {G3364} crow {G5455} this day {G4594}, before that {G4250} thou shalt {G2228} thrice {G5151} deny {G533} that thou {G3361} knowest {G1492} me {G3165}.

Yeshua replied, “I tell you, Kefa, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know me.”

But Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”

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

Commentary

Luke 22:34 records a poignant moment during the Last Supper, where Jesus directly confronts Peter's confident assertion of loyalty with a stark prophecy. This verse is a powerful reminder of human frailty and divine foreknowledge, setting the stage for one of the most significant personal failures in the New Testament narrative.

Context

This prophecy immediately follows Peter's bold declaration in Luke 22:33 that he was ready to go to prison and even death with Jesus. The disciples had just debated who among them was the greatest (Luke 22:24-30), highlighting their lingering human imperfections even in the presence of Christ. Jesus, knowing the trials ahead for both Himself and His disciples, issues this specific warning to Peter, who would soon face a severe test of faith during Jesus' arrest and trial.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foreknowledge: Jesus demonstrates His omniscient knowledge, accurately predicting an event that seemed impossible to Peter at the time. This highlights Christ's divine nature and control over events, even amidst His impending suffering.
  • Human Frailty and Overconfidence: Peter's denial serves as a powerful illustration that even the most devoted followers are susceptible to fear and weakness, especially when faced with intense pressure. His initial boast reveals a lack of self-awareness and an overestimation of his own strength.
  • Prophecy and Fulfillment: This verse is a precise prophecy that is literally fulfilled within hours, as detailed in Luke 22:54-62 and parallel accounts. It underscores the reliability of Jesus' words and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the cock shall not crow this day" refers to the literal crowing of a rooster, often used as a natural time marker for the early hours of the morning, specifically before dawn. In the Jewish context, the "cockcrow" was also a recognized watch of the night, occurring around 3 AM. The repetition of "thrice deny" emphasizes the complete and public nature of Peter's disavowal, making his subsequent remorse all the more profound.

Related Scriptures

The prophecy of Peter's denial is recorded in all four Gospels, demonstrating its significance in the early Christian narrative:

The actual fulfillment of this prophecy is recounted in Luke 22:54-62, Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, and John 18:15-27. Despite this failure, Peter was later graciously restored by Jesus, becoming a foundational leader in the early church.

Practical Application

Luke 22:34 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a caution against spiritual pride and overconfidence in our own strength. We are reminded that true faithfulness comes from dependence on God's grace, not self-reliance. When we face our own moments of doubt or failure, like Peter, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God's foreknowledge also includes His plan for our restoration and strengthening, as seen in Peter's later ministry. This verse encourages humility and a deeper trust in Christ's sustaining power.

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Cross-References

  • John 13:38 (6 votes)

    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.

  • Mark 14:30 (5 votes)

    And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, [even] in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

  • Matthew 26:34 (5 votes)

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

  • Matthew 26:74 (4 votes)

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

  • Mark 14:71 (4 votes)

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

  • Mark 14:72 (4 votes)

    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.

  • John 18:27 (3 votes)

    Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.