King James Version

What Does Luke 22:60 Mean?

Luke 22:60 in the King James Version says “And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:60 · KJV

Context

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.

62

And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. Peter's third denial is emphatic: anthrōpe, ouk oida ho legeis (ἄνθρωπε, οὐκ οἶδα ὃ λέγεις, 'man, I do not know what you say'). This transcends denying Jesus—Peter denies even understanding the accusation. He pretends total ignorance, as if the conversation itself is incomprehensible. The phrase parachrēma eti lalountos autou (παραχρῆμα ἔτι λαλοῦντος αὐτοῦ, 'immediately while he yet spoke') emphasizes divine timing—parachrēma (παραχρῆμα) means 'at that very moment.' Peter's mouth still forms denial when ephōnēsen alektōr (ἐφώνησεν ἀλέκτωρ, 'a rooster crowed').

The rooster's crow is God's alarm clock, awakening Peter to his sin. Jesus predicted this exact sequence: 'before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice' (v. 34). Every word fulfilled: three denials, before cock-crow. The rooster announces dawn—literally and spiritually. It ends Peter's night of darkness and begins his journey to restoration. The bird's cry is simultaneously condemnation (exposing sin) and grace (prompting repentance). Nature itself testifies against Peter, yet God uses creation to reclaim His fallen apostle.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish law prohibited keeping roosters in Jerusalem due to cleanliness regulations, but Roman soldiers and wealthy residents ignored this. The crowing likely came from the Roman garrison or nearby estates. Roosters typically crow around 3-4 AM, suggesting Jesus' trials lasted through the night. The 'cock-crow' (Greek alektōr, Hebrew tarnegol) marked the end of third watch, signaling approaching dawn. Jesus had warned Peter at midnight; by cock-crow Peter had denied Him thrice. The timing fulfilled prophecy precisely, showing God's sovereignty over even animal behavior.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Peter's denial of even understanding the accusation reveal about sin's progression?
  2. How does the rooster's crow function as both judgment and mercy?
  3. What 'alarms' does God use in your life to awaken you to spiritual danger?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
εἶπεν1 of 17

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 17

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 17
G3588

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

Πέτρος4 of 17

“Peter”

G4074

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

Ἄνθρωπε5 of 17

“Man”

G444

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

οὐκ6 of 17

“not”

G3756

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

οἶδα7 of 17

“I know”

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

ὃ8 of 17

“what”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

λέγεις9 of 17

“thou sayest”

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

καὶ10 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

παραχρῆμα11 of 17

“immediately”

G3916

at the thing itself, i.e., instantly

ἔτι12 of 17

“yet”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

λαλοῦντος13 of 17

“spake”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αὐτοῦ14 of 17

“while he”

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

ἐφώνησεν15 of 17

“crew”

G5455

to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

ὁ16 of 17
G3588

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

ἀλέκτωρ17 of 17

“the cock”

G220

a cock or male fowl

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 22:60 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 22:60 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:34John 18:27Matthew 26:74-75Mark 14:71-72

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