King James Version

What Does Luke 22:58 Mean?

Luke 22:58 in the King James Version says “And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.”

Luke 22:58 · KJV

Context

56

But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

57

And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

58

And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

59

And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

60

And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. Peter's second denial comes quickly—meta brachy (μετὰ βραχύ, 'after a short time'), perhaps minutes. A different accuser, heteros (ἕτερος, 'another' of different kind), identifies Peter. The accusation kai sy ex autōn ei (καὶ σὺ ἐξ αὐτῶν εἶ, 'you also are of them') groups Peter with Jesus' followers—'them,' the despised Galilean sect. Peter's response is curt: anthrōpe, ouk eimi (ἄνθρωπε, οὐκ εἰμί, 'man, I am not'). The address anthrōpe (ἄνθρωπε) is more dismissive than gynai—equivalent to 'fellow' or 'friend,' creating distance.

The second denial comes easier than the first—sin's progression. Having lied once, the second lie flows naturally. Peter doesn't elaborate or explain; he simply contradicts. The verb eimi (εἰμί, 'I am') is the same Jesus uses for divine self-identification (John 8:58, 'Before Abraham was, I AM'). Peter denies the 'I am' of discipleship while Jesus inside affirms the 'I AM' of deity. The contrast couldn't be starker: Jesus confesses truth unto death; Peter denies truth to preserve life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The rapid succession of denials (three within perhaps an hour) shows mob psychology at work—once Peter is identified, others join the accusation. Matthew 26:71 places the second denial at the gateway, suggesting Peter tried to leave but was stopped. Mark 14:69-70 indicates the same servant girl from the first denial alerted others. Peter found himself trapped—leaving would confirm guilt, staying meant continued interrogation. His denials bought time but compounded guilt.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the second lie come more easily than the first? How does sin create momentum?
  2. What drives Peter to lie to multiple people rather than simply leave the courtyard?
  3. How does Peter's repeated 'I am not' contrast with Jesus' willingness to confess truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μετὰ2 of 19

“after”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

βραχὺ3 of 19

“a little while”

G1024

short (of time, place, quantity, or number)

ἕτερος4 of 19

“another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

ἰδὼν5 of 19

“saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

αὐτῶν6 of 19

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἔφη7 of 19

“and said”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

Καὶ8 of 19

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σὺ9 of 19

“Thou”

G4771

thou

ἐξ10 of 19

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτῶν11 of 19

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἶ12 of 19

“art”

G1488

thou art

ὁ13 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ14 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

Πέτρος15 of 19

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

εἴπεν,16 of 19

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἄνθρωπε17 of 19

“Man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

οὐκ18 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰμί19 of 19

“I am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 22:58 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 22:58 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:71-72Mark 14:69-70John 18:25

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