King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:35 Mean?

Matthew 26:35 in the King James Version says “Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 26:35 · KJV


Context

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.

36

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

37

And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee (λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος· κἂν δέῃ με σὺν σοὶ ἀποθανεῖν, οὐ μή σε ἀπαρνήσομαι, legei autō ho Petros· kan deē me syn soi apothanein, ou mē se aparnēsomai)—Peter's second protest intensifies his claim: he'd rather die than deny. The double negative οὐ μή (ou mē) is emphatic: 'absolutely not, by no means.' His sincerity is genuine, but self-knowledge is absent.

Likewise also said all the disciples—The entire group joins Peter's overconfident pledge, creating corporate self-deception. Within hours, all the disciples forsook him, and fled (v. 56). Their bold words crumble before a servant girl's question. The lesson: good intentions without Spirit-power produce spectacular failure.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish martyrdom traditions (Maccabean period) celebrated those who chose death over apostasy. Peter and the disciples genuinely believed they possessed such courage. They didn't yet understand that loyalty to Christ required supernatural empowerment—which would come at Pentecost (Acts 2), transforming these same cowards into bold witnesses willing to actually die.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between Peter's self-generated courage and Spirit-empowered boldness after Pentecost?
  2. How do you cultivate realistic self-assessment that acknowledges your dependence on Christ's strength?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
λέγει1 of 20

said

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

αὐτῷ2 of 20

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

3 of 20
G3588

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

Πέτρος4 of 20

Peter

G4074

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

Κἂν5 of 20

Though

G2579

and (or even) if

δέῃ6 of 20

should

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

με7 of 20

I

G3165

me

σὺν8 of 20

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

σοὶ9 of 20

thee

G4671

to thee

ἀποθανεῖν10 of 20

die

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

οὐ11 of 20
G3756

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

μή12 of 20
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

σε13 of 20

thee

G4571

thee

ἀπαρνήσομαι14 of 20

not deny

G533

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

ὁμοίως15 of 20

Likewise

G3668

similarly

καὶ16 of 20

also

G2532

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

πάντες17 of 20

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ18 of 20
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ19 of 20

the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

εἶπον20 of 20

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)


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 26:35 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 26:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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