King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:33 Mean?

Matthew 26:33 in the King James Version says “Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. offend... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. offended: or, though the faith of other men should be shaken and fail, yet mine will be firm and constant

Matthew 26:33 · KJV


Context

31

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

32

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

33

Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. offended: or, though the faith of other men should be shaken and fail, yet mine will be firm and constant

34

Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

35

Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter answered and said... Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended (ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν αὐτῷ· εἰ πάντες σκανδαλισθήσονται ἐν σοί, ἐγὼ οὐδέποτε σκανδαλισθήσομαι, apokritheis de ho Petros eipen autō· ei pantes skandalisthēsontai en soi, egō oudepote skandalisthēsomai)—Peter's self-confidence contradicts Jesus's direct prophecy. Never (οὐδέποτε, oudepote)—emphatic: 'not even once, absolutely never.'

Peter distinguishes himself from all men, claiming superior devotion. His pride blinds him to his own weakness. This overconfidence sets up his spectacular failure (v. 69-75), teaching that he that thinketh he standeth must take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). True strength acknowledges utter dependence on Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's personality throughout the Gospels shows impulsive boldness mixed with genuine devotion. As the group's informal spokesman, he often spoke first and most forcefully. His claim to surpass others in loyalty reflected both his passionate love for Jesus and his dangerous self-reliance before receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you been most vulnerable to spiritual failure—in moments of confidence or acknowledged weakness?
  2. What does Peter's overconfidence teach about the danger of comparing your faithfulness to others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἀποκριθεὶς1 of 15

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 15

and

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 15
G3588

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

Πέτρος4 of 15

Peter

G4074

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

εἶπεν5 of 15

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ6 of 15

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

Εἰ7 of 15
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

καὶ8 of 15
G2532

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

πάντες9 of 15

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σκανδαλισθήσομαι10 of 15

be offended

G4624

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

ἐν11 of 15

because

G1722

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

σοί12 of 15

of thee

G4671

to thee

ἐγὼ13 of 15

yet will I

G1473

i, me

οὐδέποτε14 of 15

never

G3763

not even at any time, i.e., never at all

σκανδαλισθήσομαι15 of 15

be offended

G4624

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 26:33 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 Matthew 26:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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