King James Version

What Does Mark 14:30 Mean?

Mark 14:30 in the King James Version says “And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou sh... — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 14:30 · KJV


Context

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.

32

And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. Jesus responds to Peter's boast with devastating specificity. The double time marker—this day, even in this night (σήμερον ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτί, sēmeron tautē tē nykti)—emphasizes immediacy: not someday, but tonight. The cock-crow detail proves Jesus' foreknowledge and provides Peter an unmistakable confirmation marker.

The verb ἀπαρνέομαι (aparneomai, "deny") means to utterly disown, the same word used for denying Christ before persecutors (Matthew 10:33). The threefold denial (τρίς, tris) contrasts with Peter's threefold confession at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:16). Yet even this prophesied failure serves redemptive purposes: Peter's restoration required him first to know his own weakness, producing the humility necessary for apostolic ministry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman timekeeping divided night into four watches; cock-crow marked approximately 3 AM. Roosters were common in Jerusalem despite rabbinic restrictions in some quarters. Mark's detail "twice" (unique among Gospels) suggests eyewitness precision, likely from Peter's own testimony to Mark. Ancient church tradition universally identified Mark's Gospel as containing Peter's reminiscences.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' specific prediction demonstrate both His divine omniscience and His grace in forewarning Peter?
  2. What does Peter's failure despite direct warning teach about human nature apart from God's sustaining grace?
  3. How might God be using your awareness of past failures to produce humble dependence rather than self-confident presumption?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

And

G2532

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

λέγω2 of 22

I say

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

αὐτῷ3 of 22

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

4 of 22
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 22

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Ἀμὴν6 of 22

Verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω7 of 22

I say

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

σοι8 of 22

unto thee

G4671

to thee

ὅτι9 of 22

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

σήμερον10 of 22

this day

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

ἐν11 of 22

even in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ12 of 22
G3588

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

νυκτὶ13 of 22

night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

ταύτῃ14 of 22
G3778

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

πρὶν15 of 22

before

G4250

before

16 of 22
G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

δὶς17 of 22

twice

G1364

twice

ἀλέκτορα18 of 22

the cock

G220

a cock or male fowl

φωνῆσαι19 of 22

crow

G5455

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

τρίς20 of 22

thrice

G5151

three times

ἀπαρνήσῃ21 of 22

thou shalt deny

G533

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

με22 of 22

me

G3165

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 14:30 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 14:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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