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.

MATTHEW 26:75KJV
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Matthew 26:75 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:75 mean?

Matthew 26:75 describes the moment when Peter suddenly remembers that Jesus had predicted he would deny knowing Him three times before the rooster crowed. Realizing he has done exactly what Jesus said, Peter leaves the place and breaks down in deep, bitter weeping.

This verse takes place just after Peter’s third denial of Jesus in the courtyard during Jesus’ trial. Peter is one of Jesus’ closest followers, and the verse highlights his shock and grief as he recognizes his failure to stand by Jesus, just as Jesus had warned him earlier that night.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:75

  • ἐμνήσθη (emnēsthē, "remembered"): This word means more than just recalling a fact; it often carries the sense of something suddenly coming to mind with emotional weight, which fits Peter’s strong reaction.
  • ἔξω (exō, "out") and ἐξελθὼν (exelthōn, "went out"): The use of both words emphasizes Peter’s physical departure from the scene, underlining his need to separate himself after realizing what he had done.
  • ἔκλαυσεν πικρῶς (eklausen pikrōs, "wept bitterly"): The Greek word πικρῶς (pikrōs) means "bitterly" or "with intense pain," showing that Peter’s sorrow was not just sadness but deep anguish.

Why Matthew 26:75 matters

  • Matthew 26:75 clears up any idea that Peter’s denial was casual or unfeeling; the verse shows his immediate and overwhelming remorse.
  • The verse connects back to Jesus’ earlier warning, showing that Jesus’ words were fulfilled exactly and highlighting His foreknowledge.
  • This moment sets up Peter’s later restoration and leadership, showing that even those closest to Jesus can fail but also deeply repent.

Where else these words appear

“bitterly” Greek G4090 · used in 2 verses

“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.

“thrice” Greek G5151 · 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.
  • 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.