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.

MATTHEW 26:73KJV
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Matthew 26:73 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:73 mean?

Matthew 26:73 describes how bystanders confronted Peter, insisting he was one of Jesus’ followers because his way of speaking gave him away. They recognized something about Peter—most likely his accent or manner of speech—that revealed his connection to Jesus and the group from Galilee.

In this moment, Peter is standing outside the high priest’s courtyard after Jesus’ arrest. The people around him notice that Peter’s speech sets him apart, and they use this as evidence that he is associated with Jesus. This verse sets up the tension for Peter’s third denial, highlighting how even his everyday words made it hard for him to hide his identity.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:73

  • λόγος (transliterated: lalia, shown as G2981): This word refers to speech, dialect, or manner of speaking. Here, it points to Peter’s regional accent, which marked him as a Galilean and linked him to Jesus’ group.
  • δῆλον (transliterated: delon, shown as G1212): This word is translated as “bewrayeth” (makes clear or reveals). It means to make something evident or obvious. The bystanders are saying that Peter’s speech makes his identity obvious, even if he tries to deny it.

Why Matthew 26:73 matters

  • This verse shows how closely people watched Jesus’ followers and how even small details, like an accent, could expose their connection to him.
  • Matthew 26:73 highlights the pressure Peter faced and how difficult it was for him to deny Jesus, even when he tried to blend in.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of Peter’s denial, showing the fulfillment of Jesus’ earlier prediction and the human struggle of fear and loyalty.

Where else these words appear

“speech” Greek G2981 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 14:70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
  • John 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
  • John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

“bewrayeth” Greek G1212 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
  • Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
  • 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

“while” Greek G3397 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
  • John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

“Surely” Greek G230 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
  • Luke 21:3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
  • John 7:40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.