King James Version

What Does Luke 22:59 Mean?

Luke 22:59 in the King James Version says “And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: fo... — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 22:59 · KJV


Context

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.

61

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Peter's third accusation comes diastaseēs hōsei hōras mias (διαστάσης ὡσεὶ ὥρας μιᾶς, 'about one hour having passed'), giving time for tension to build. The accuser diischurizeto (διϊσχυρίζετο, 'confidently affirmed, insisted strongly')—this is no passing comment but forceful assertion. The phrase ep' alētheias kai houtos met' autou ēn (ἐπ' ἀληθείας καὶ οὗτος μετ' αὐτοῦ ἦν, 'in truth this one also was with him') uses legal language—ep' alētheias (ἐπ' ἀληθείας) means 'speaking truth, certainly.' The evidence: kai gar Galilaios estin (καὶ γὰρ Γαλιλαῖός ἐστιν, 'for indeed he is a Galilean').

Peter's accent betrayed him. Galilean Hebrew had distinct pronunciation—they slurred gutturals and had dialectical variations. Matthew 26:73 notes 'thy speech bewrayeth thee.' Despite trying to blend in, Peter's northern origins were audible. The phrase houtos (οὗτος, 'this fellow') is contemptuous—the accuser groups Peter with despised Galileans, rustic provincials. Galileans were stereotyped as ignorant, revolutionary, and unorthodox (John 7:52). But Peter's Galilean identity was his glory—the Galilean Jesus called him, transformed him, and would restore him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The hour's delay allowed Jesus' trial inside to progress, increasing tension outside. Galileans were viewed with suspicion in Jerusalem—Judas of Galilee led a revolt in 6 AD (Acts 5:37), making all Galileans potential insurrectionists. Jesus' movement was seen as another Galilean uprising. That all the apostles except Judas Iscariot were Galilean confirmed prejudices. Peter's accent would have been unmistakable—like a rural southerner in New York or a Scotsman in London. Linguistic identity couldn't be hidden.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Peter's inability to hide his Galilean identity teach about denying Christ?
  2. How does the hour's delay intensify pressure and test Peter's resolve?
  3. Why does God sometimes let our identity markers (accent, appearance) prevent us from blending with the world?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

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

διαστάσης2 of 20

the space

G1339

to stand apart, i.e., (reflexively) to remove, intervene

ὡσεὶ3 of 20

about

G5616

as if

ὥρας4 of 20

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

μιᾶς5 of 20
G1520

one

ἄλλος6 of 20

after another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

τις7 of 20
G5100

some or any person or object

διϊσχυρίζετο8 of 20

confidently affirmed

G1340

to stout it through, i.e., asservate

λέγων,9 of 20

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἐπ10 of 20

Of

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἀληθείας11 of 20

a truth

G225

truth

καὶ12 of 20

And

G2532

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

οὗτος13 of 20

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

μετ'14 of 20

with

G3326

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

αὐτοῦ15 of 20

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

ἦν16 of 20

was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

καὶ17 of 20

And

G2532

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

γὰρ18 of 20

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Γαλιλαῖός19 of 20

a Galilaean

G1057

galilean or belonging to galilea

ἐστιν20 of 20

he is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are


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 22:59 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 22:59 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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