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 22:59KJV
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Luke 22:59 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:59 mean?

Luke 22:59 describes how, about an hour after Peter’s first denial, another person confidently insisted that Peter was with Jesus, pointing out that Peter was a Galilean. This verse shows the growing certainty among the bystanders that Peter was one of Jesus’ followers, based on his regional background.

In this scene, Peter is in the courtyard outside where Jesus is being questioned. The people around him are trying to identify him as a disciple of Jesus. The mention of Peter being a Galilean is important because Jesus and many of his followers were from Galilee, and Peter’s accent or appearance likely gave him away. This sets up the final denial that Jesus had predicted Peter would make.

The Greek behind Luke 22:59

  • The word "confidently affirmed" comes from διαβεβαιόομαι (diabebaioomai), which means to assert strongly or insist. This shows that the speaker was not just guessing but was sure about Peter’s identity.
  • The term "Galilaean" is Γαλιλαῖος (Galilaios), meaning someone from Galilee. Pointing out Peter’s origin was a way to connect him directly to Jesus, who was also known as a Galilean.
  • The phrase "of a truth" is ἐπ’ ἀληθείας (ep’ alētheias), which means "certainly" or "truly." This adds weight to the accusation, showing the speaker’s confidence.

Why Luke 22:59 matters

  • This verse highlights how Peter’s association with Jesus became more obvious to those around him, increasing the pressure on him and setting the stage for his third denial.
  • The identification of Peter as a Galilean shows how closely the followers of Jesus were watched and recognized, even by their speech or background.
  • Luke 22:59 connects to Jesus’ earlier prediction that Peter would deny him three times, showing how events unfolded exactly as Jesus had said.

Where else these words appear

“affirmed” Greek G1340 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 12:15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

“space” Greek G1339 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
  • Acts 27:28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

“Galilaean” Greek G1057 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
  • Luke 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
  • Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

“about” Greek G5616 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • Luke 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
  • Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.