King James Version

What Does Mark 14:71 Mean?

Mark 14:71 in the King James Version says “But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.”

Mark 14:71 · KJV

Context

69

And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.

70

And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.

71

But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

72

And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept. when: or, he wept abundantly, or, he began to weep

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter's third denial: 'he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak' (ἤρξατο ἀναθεματίζειν καὶ ὀμνύναι ὅτι Οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον τοῦτον ὃν λέγετε). The verbs 'curse' (anathematizein, ἀναθεματίζειν, invoking curses on himself) and 'swear' (omnynai, ὀμνύναι, taking oaths) show escalating vehemence. Peter called down curses to prove he didn't know Jesus—the ultimate denial. This fulfilled Jesus' prediction (v. 30). The phrase 'this man' (ton anthrōpon touton, τὸν ἄνθρωπον τοῦτον) distanced Peter from Jesus—not 'my Lord' but 'this man.' Peter's fall from bold confession ('Thou art the Christ,' Mark 8:29) to cursing denial shows human weakness. Yet Jesus' earlier prayer (Luke 22:32, 'I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not') sustained him. Peter wept bitterly (v. 72), repented, and was restored (John 21:15-19).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's three denials occurred in high priest's courtyard during Jesus' trial. The progression: first denial to servant girl (vv. 66-68), second to others (v. 69-70), third with curses and oaths (v. 71). Luke records Jesus looking at Peter after the denial (Luke 22:61), prompting bitter weeping. Peter's restoration occurred after resurrection when Jesus three times asked 'Lovest thou me?' (John 21:15-17), reversing three denials. Early church knew of Peter's denial—Mark (likely writing Peter's testimony) didn't hide it, showing honest acknowledgment of sin. Peter's failure and restoration became paradigm for Christian experience: genuine believers can fall grievously yet are sustained by Christ's intercession and grace. Peter later wrote: 'The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly' (2 Peter 2:9)—likely reflecting on personal experience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Peter's progression from confident boasting to cursing denial teach about human weakness and need for divine sustaining grace?
  2. How does Peter's restoration after denial demonstrate that genuine saving faith perseveres despite grievous falls?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ὁ1 of 14
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 14

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἤρξατο3 of 14

“he began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

ἀναθεματίζειν4 of 14

“to curse”

G332

to declare or vow under penalty of execration

καὶ5 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ὀμνύειν6 of 14

“to swear”

G3660

to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath

ὅτι7 of 14

“saying I know”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Οὐκ8 of 14

“not”

G3756

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

οἶδα9 of 14
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

τὸν10 of 14
G3588

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

ἄνθρωπον11 of 14

“man”

G444

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

τοῦτον12 of 14

“this”

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

ὃν13 of 14

“of whom”

G3739

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

λέγετε14 of 14

“ye speak”

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

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 14:71 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 14:71 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:122 Kings 10:32Jeremiah 17:92 Kings 8:12-15

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