King James Version

What Does Mark 14:29 Mean?

Mark 14:29 in the King James Version says “But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

Mark 14:29 · KJV


Context

27

And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. offended: or, scandalized, or, shall stumble

28

But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

29

But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.

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.

31

But he spake the more vehemently , If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. Peter's boast contains tragic irony. The intensive conjunction ἀλλά (alla, "but") signals strong contradiction—Peter pits his assessment against Jesus' prophetic word. The phrase yet will not I (ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐγώ, all' ouk egō) emphasizes the pronoun, suggesting Peter considers himself superior to other disciples in loyalty.

This exemplifies the danger of self-confidence. Peter trusted his intention rather than recognizing human weakness. The contrast between πάντες (pantes, "all") and ἐγώ (egō, "I") reveals Peter's pride—he exempts himself from Jesus' prophetic word. Yet Jesus' response (v. 30) doesn't reject Peter but specifies the precise nature of his coming failure, demonstrating both omniscience and redemptive purpose in allowing the fall.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Jewish culture, public denial of one's teacher (rabbi) constituted ultimate betrayal and brought severe dishonor. Peter's later restoration (John 21:15-17) required threefold confession to counteract threefold denial. Early church tradition holds that Peter's humiliation produced the humble servant-leadership exemplified in his epistles (1 Peter 5:5-6).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Peter's self-confidence despite Jesus' direct warning teach about the danger of trusting our own strength?
  2. How does comparing yourself favorably to other Christians reveal the same pride Peter displayed?
  3. In what areas of your Christian walk might you be trusting your intentions rather than God's sustaining grace?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
1 of 12
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 12

But

G1161

but, and, etc

Πέτρος3 of 12

Peter

G4074

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

ἔφη4 of 12

said

G5346

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

αὐτῷ5 of 12

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

καὶ6 of 12

Although

G2532

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

Εἰ7 of 12
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

πάντες8 of 12

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σκανδαλισθήσονται9 of 12

shall be offended

G4624

to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)

ἀλλ'10 of 12

yet

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὐκ11 of 12

will not

G3756

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

ἐγώ12 of 12

I

G1473

i, me


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 14:29 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 Mark 14:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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