King James Version

What Does Luke 22:61 Mean?

Luke 22:61 in the King James Version says “And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 22:61 · KJV


Context

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.

63

And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse contains one of Scripture's most powerful moments: ho kyrios strapheis eneblepsen tō Petrō (ὁ κύριος στραφεὶς ἐνέβλεψεν τῷ Πέτρῳ, 'the Lord having turned, looked at Peter'). Jesus, in custody, being moved from one area to another, sees Peter across the courtyard. The verb emblepō (ἐμβλέπω) means penetrating gaze, not casual glance. No words pass, yet volumes communicate. This is not angry condemnation but sorrowful love—the look that breaks and heals simultaneously.

That look triggered memory: hypemnēsthē ho Petros tou rhēmatos tou kyriou (ὑπεμνήσθη ὁ Πέτρος τοῦ ῥήματος τοῦ κυρίου, 'Peter remembered the word of the Lord'). The verb hypomimnēskō (ὑπομιμνῄσκω) means to call to mind, remind forcefully. Jesus' prediction floods back: 'Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.' Peter's arrogant protest—'I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death' (v. 33)—now mocks him. Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. The Lord's look says: 'I told you this would happen. I know you completely. And I love you still.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

For Jesus to 'turn and look' at Peter suggests visibility between interrogation area and courtyard. Archaeological discoveries at Jerusalem reveal homes with open courtyards visible from interior rooms. Early church tradition held that this look of Jesus haunted and healed Peter for life. It led to immediate repentance (v. 62), eventual restoration (John 21), and decades of faithful ministry ending in martyrdom. Church historians record Peter was crucified upside down in Rome (c. 64-68 AD), requesting that position because he felt unworthy to die like his Lord.

Reflection Questions

  1. What did Jesus communicate in that wordless look across the courtyard?
  2. How does Jesus' look combine both grief over Peter's sin and love for Peter's soul?
  3. What does Peter's remembering Jesus' words teach about Scripture's role in repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

And

G2532

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

στραφεὶς2 of 25

turned

G4762

to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)

3 of 25
G3588

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

κυρίου4 of 25

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐνέβλεψεν5 of 25

and looked upon

G1689

to look on, i.e., (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly

τῷ6 of 25
G3588

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

Πέτρος7 of 25

Peter

G4074

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

καὶ8 of 25

And

G2532

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

ὑπεμνήσθη9 of 25

remembered

G5279

to remind quietly, i.e., suggest to the (middle voice, one's own) memory

10 of 25
G3588

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

Πέτρος11 of 25

Peter

G4074

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

τοῦ12 of 25
G3588

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

λόγου13 of 25

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ14 of 25
G3588

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

κυρίου15 of 25

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ὡς16 of 25

how

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

εἶπεν17 of 25

he had said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ18 of 25

unto 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

ὅτι19 of 25

Before

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Πρὶν20 of 25
G4250

before

ἀλέκτορα21 of 25

the cock

G220

a cock or male fowl

φωνῆσαι22 of 25

crow

G5455

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

ἀπαρνήσῃ23 of 25

thou shalt deny

G533

to deny utterly, i.e., disown, abstain

με24 of 25

me

G3165

me

τρίς25 of 25

thrice

G5151

three times


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 22:61 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 22:61 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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