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

MATTHEW 26:34KJV
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Matthew 26:34 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:34 mean?

Matthew 26:34 records Jesus telling Peter that, before the rooster crows that very night, Peter will deny knowing Jesus three times. This is a clear prediction by Jesus that Peter, despite his earlier bold promises, will soon disown Him repeatedly.

In this scene, Jesus (G2424) is speaking directly to Peter during the Last Supper, just after Peter insists he would never fall away. Jesus uses strong language—"Verily" (G281), meaning "truly"—to emphasize the certainty of His statement. The verse sets up a moment of painful honesty, showing that even the most devoted followers can falter under pressure.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:34

  • "Verily" (ἀμὴν, amēn, G281): This word is often understood as a solemn affirmation, stressing that what Jesus is about to say is absolutely true and trustworthy.
  • "Deny" (ἀπαρνέομαι, aparneomai, G533): This Greek word means to completely disown or repudiate someone. Jesus is not just predicting a minor slip, but a strong, repeated disavowal.
  • "Thrice" (τρίς, tris, G5151): The use of "three times" underlines the seriousness and completeness of Peter's denial, not just a single moment of weakness.

Why Matthew 26:34 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus knew exactly what would happen, showing His foreknowledge and the accuracy of His predictions.
  • The detail about the rooster crowing ties the prophecy to a specific, memorable event, making Peter’s denial unmistakable and vivid for both Peter and the reader.
  • Matthew 26:34 sets up a dramatic contrast between Peter’s intentions and his actions, highlighting human weakness and the need for grace, which becomes a key theme in the following narrative.

Where else these words appear

“cock” Greek G220 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
  • Mark 14:68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
  • Luke 22:60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

“thrice” Greek G5151 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
  • 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.
  • Acts 10:16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

“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 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 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

“before” Greek G4250 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
  • John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.