Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

MATTHEW 26:74KJV
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Matthew 26:74 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:74 mean?

Matthew 26:74 describes Peter denying Jesus for the third time by cursing and swearing that he does not know Jesus, and immediately after his denial, a rooster crows. This moment fulfills Jesus’ earlier prediction that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed.

In this verse, Peter is speaking to the people around him in the courtyard of the high priest, where Jesus is being questioned. Under pressure and fear of being associated with Jesus, Peter uses strong language—both cursing and swearing—to insist he has no connection to Jesus. The rooster’s crow signals that Peter has done exactly what Jesus said he would, marking a moment of deep regret and realization for Peter.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:74

  • The word for "curse" is καταναθεματίζειν (katanathematizein), which means to call down curses or to invoke a curse upon oneself or others. Here, it shows the intensity of Peter’s denial—he is not just denying, but forcefully distancing himself from Jesus.
  • The word for "swear" is ὀμνύειν (omnyein), meaning to take an oath. Peter is making a solemn declaration, likely to convince those questioning him that he is telling the truth.
  • The word for "immediately" is εὐθύς (euthys), which means right away or at once. This emphasizes how quickly the rooster crowed after Peter’s denial, highlighting the immediacy of the fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction.

Why Matthew 26:74 matters

  • This verse highlights the depth of Peter’s fear and desperation, showing that even the most devoted followers can falter under pressure.
  • The use of both cursing and swearing underscores how strongly Peter wanted to convince others he was not associated with Jesus, which makes his regret in the following verses even more poignant.
  • The immediate crowing of the rooster ties directly back to Jesus’ prophecy, reinforcing the accuracy of Jesus’ words and the unfolding of events just as He said they would happen.

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 14:68 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.

“swear” Greek G3660 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Matthew 23:22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
  • Hebrews 3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

“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.

“immediately” Greek G2112 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Mark 14:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.