Matthew 26:73

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.

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}.

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

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.”

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

Context

This verse marks the third and final denial of Jesus by Peter, taking place in the courtyard of the high priest Caiaphas, where Jesus was undergoing an unjust trial. After denying Jesus to a maidservant and then to another maid and bystanders, Peter's presence and manner of speaking again drew suspicion. The atmosphere was tense and dangerous for anyone associated with Jesus, leading Peter to succumb to fear despite his earlier bold declarations of loyalty, as seen in Matthew 26:33.

Key Themes

  • The Fulfillment of Prophecy: This moment directly fulfills Jesus' prophecy to Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed.
  • Human Frailty and Fear: Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, demonstrates the profound weakness of human resolve when faced with intense pressure and fear of persecution. His actions highlight the struggle between conviction and self-preservation.
  • Speech as Revelation: The bystanders correctly identify Peter by his distinct Galilean accent, emphasizing how our words and manner of speaking can reveal our identity, background, or associations.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thy speech bewrayeth thee" uses an archaic English term. "Bewrayeth" means to expose or reveal. Peter's accent was distinct to Galilee, a region north of Judea, and was often recognizable to those from Jerusalem. The Greek word for "speech" here is lalia (λαλιά), referring specifically to his manner of speaking, his dialect, or accent, which served as a clear identifier of his origin and, by extension, his association with Jesus and the other disciples, many of whom were also Galileans.

Practical Application

Peter's denial serves as a stark reminder of human fallibility, even among those deeply committed to faith. It teaches us:

  • Humility: We should never overestimate our own strength or resolve, but instead rely on God's grace.
  • Vigilance: In times of spiritual testing, our resolve can be challenged, underscoring the need for constant prayer and spiritual preparedness, a lesson Peter tragically learned after failing to watch and pray with Jesus earlier.
  • God's Grace: Despite this profound failure, Peter later experienced deep repentance and eventual restoration, demonstrating God's unfailing mercy and willingness to forgive those who genuinely turn back to Him.
  • The Power of Our Words: Our speech, like Peter's, can reveal much about us—our beliefs, our character, and our allegiances. It underscores the importance of mindful communication.
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Cross-References

  • Judges 12:6 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

  • Luke 22:59 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Nehemiah 13:24 (2 votes)

    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.