But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

MARK 14:68KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 14:68 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:68 mean?

Mark 14:68 describes Peter denying that he knows Jesus when questioned, insisting he does not understand what is being said, and then stepping out onto the porch as a rooster crows. This is the first of Peter’s three denials, happening just as Jesus had predicted.

In this scene, Peter is outside the high priest’s house while Jesus is on trial inside. A servant girl recognizes Peter as a follower of Jesus, but Peter responds by denying any knowledge of Jesus or understanding of her accusation. The detail about the rooster crowing signals the fulfillment of Jesus’ earlier warning that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed twice.

The Greek behind Mark 14:68

  • ἠρνήσατο (ērnēsato, "denied"): This word means to strongly reject or disown. Peter’s denial is not a mild avoidance but a firm and public refusal to be associated with Jesus.
  • οὐκ οἶδα (ouk oida, "I know not"): The Greek phrase carries a sense of complete ignorance or disassociation, emphasizing Peter’s claim that he has no connection to Jesus.
  • προαύλιον (proaulion, "porch"): This term refers to an outer courtyard or entryway. Peter’s movement to the porch shows his attempt to distance himself from the situation, both physically and socially.
  • ἀλέκτωρ (alektōr, "cock"): The mention of the rooster crowing is a specific detail that ties directly to Jesus’ earlier prophecy, marking the moment and adding dramatic weight to Peter’s denial.

Why Mark 14:68 matters

  • Mark 14:68 highlights the fear and pressure Peter experiences, showing that even Jesus’ closest followers can falter under stress.
  • The verse connects directly to Jesus’ prediction about Peter’s denials, emphasizing the accuracy of Jesus’ words and the unfolding of events just as He said.
  • This moment sets up Peter’s journey through failure and eventual restoration, a key theme in the Gospel narrative about forgiveness and human weakness.

Where else these words appear

“cock” Greek G220 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
  • Mark 14:30 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.
  • Luke 22:60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

“I” Greek G1987 · used in 14 verses

  • Acts 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
  • Acts 19:25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
  • Acts 26:26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

“denied” Greek G720 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 18:27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
  • Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

“crew” Greek G5455 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 20:32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
  • Luke 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
  • John 9:18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.