King James Version

What Does Mark 14:72 Mean?

Mark 14:72 in the King James Version says “And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twic... — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 14:72 · KJV


Context

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Immediately after Peter's denial, 'the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him... And when he thought thereon, he wept' (ἐκ δευτέρου ἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν. καὶ ἀνεμνήσθη ὁ Πέτρος τὸ ῥῆμα ὡς εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς... καὶ ἐπιβαλὼν ἔκλαιεν). The rooster's crow triggered memory of Jesus' prediction (v. 30). Peter 'called to mind' (anemnēsthē, ἀνεμνήσθη, remembered) Jesus' word and broke down weeping (eklaien, ἔκλαιεν, imperfect tense indicating sustained weeping). This immediate repentance distinguishes Peter from Judas—both betrayed Jesus, but Peter repented while Judas despaired (Matthew 27:3-5). Peter's tears were godly sorrow producing repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Jesus' prediction came true precisely, demonstrating His foreknowledge. Yet prediction included restoration—'when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren' (Luke 22:32). Peter's failure wasn't final; grace triumphed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish law required second cock-crow (around 3 AM) before morning sacrifices. Jesus had predicted denial 'before the cock crow twice' (v. 30). The precision demonstrates Jesus' foreknowledge and sovereignty—even Peter's sin occurred within divine plan. Luke records Jesus looking at Peter after denial (Luke 22:61), a glance that pierced his heart. Peter fled weeping, unlike Judas who sought religious leaders to return blood money before hanging himself (Matthew 27:3-5). The difference: Peter experienced godly sorrow leading to repentance; Judas experienced worldly sorrow leading to death (2 Corinthians 7:10). Peter's tears became foundational experience—he who denied became bold proclaimer (Acts 2:14-41; 4:8-12). His epistles emphasize perseverance, holiness, and God's grace sustaining believers through trials (1 Peter 1:3-9; 2 Peter 1:3-11). Personal failure deepened ministry effectiveness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes Peter's repentant weeping from Judas' despairing remorse?
  2. How does Peter's restoration after denial provide hope for Christians who fall into grievous sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἐκ2 of 27

the

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

δευτέρου3 of 27

second time

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

ἀλέκτορα4 of 27

the cock

G220

a cock or male fowl

φωνῆσαι5 of 27

crew

G5455

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

καὶ6 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἀνεμνήσθη7 of 27

called to mind

G363

to remind; (reflexively) to recollect

8 of 27
G3588

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

Πέτρος9 of 27

Peter

G4074

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

τοῦ10 of 27
G3588

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

ῥήματος11 of 27

the word

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

οὖ12 of 27

that

G3739

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

εἶπεν13 of 27

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ14 of 27

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

15 of 27
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς16 of 27

Jesus

G2424

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

ὅτι17 of 27
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Πρὶν18 of 27

Before

G4250

before

ἀλέκτορα19 of 27

the cock

G220

a cock or male fowl

φωνῆσαι20 of 27

crew

G5455

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

δὶς21 of 27

twice

G1364

twice

ἀπαρνήσῃ22 of 27

thou shalt deny

G533

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

με23 of 27

me

G3165

me

τρίς·24 of 27

thrice

G5151

three times

καὶ25 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἐπιβαλὼν26 of 27

when he thought thereon

G1911

to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal

ἔκλαιεν27 of 27

he wept

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)


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 14:72 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 14:72 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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