But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

MARK 14:31KJV
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Mark 14:31 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:31 mean?

Mark 14:31 shows Peter insisting even more strongly that he would never deny Jesus, even if it meant dying with him, and the other disciples all say the same thing. This verse highlights the disciples’ confidence in their loyalty to Jesus, right before events unfold that will test that claim.

Peter is speaking to Jesus during the Last Supper, after Jesus has just predicted that all his followers will fall away. The verse shows Peter’s passionate response, using intense language to promise unwavering faithfulness. The other disciples echo Peter’s words, showing a united front, though the story soon reveals their human weakness.

The Greek behind Mark 14:31

  • The word translated “vehemently” comes from two Greek words: ἐκ (ek, “out of”) and περισσῶς (perissōs, “exceedingly” or “abundantly”). Together, they emphasize that Peter’s denial of weakness is not just strong, but overflowing—he is going above and beyond to insist he will not fail.
  • The phrase “I will not deny thee in any wise” uses οὐ μή (ou mē, “not at all” or “never”), a double negative in Greek that makes Peter’s statement as forceful as possible. He is saying there is absolutely no way he would deny Jesus.
  • The word ὁμοίως (hōmoios, “likewise”) shows that the other disciples are not just agreeing, but matching Peter’s intensity in their promises.

Why Mark 14:31 matters

  • Mark 14:31 highlights the gap between the disciples’ intentions and what they are actually able to do when tested, setting up the dramatic events that follow.
  • The verse shows how human confidence can be sincere but still fall short, helping readers understand the disciples’ later actions in context.
  • This moment connects to the wider theme in Mark’s Gospel of misunderstanding and failure among Jesus’ closest followers, making Jesus’ forgiveness and restoration later on even more significant.

Where else these words appear

“with” Greek G4880 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 7:3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
  • 2 Timothy 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

“vehemently” Greek G4053 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
  • Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

“deny” Greek G533 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • Luke 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

“Likewise” Greek G5615 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
  • Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
  • 1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;