King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:72 Mean?

Matthew 26:72 in the King James Version says “And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.”

Matthew 26:72 · KJV

Context

70

But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

71

And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

72

And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

73

And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee .

74

Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man (καὶ πάλιν ἠρνήσατο μετὰ ὅρκου ὅτι Οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον)—Peter's second denial escalated: πάλιν ('again') he denied (ἀρνέομαι), but now μετὰ ὅρκου ('with an oath'). An ὅρκος (oath) invoked God as witness to truth—ironically, Peter swore by God while denying God's Son. The phrase Οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον ('I do not know the man') depersonalizes Jesus—not 'I don't know Jesus' but 'I don't know the man,' treating Christ as a stranger. This fulfilled Jesus's prediction: 'you will deny Me three times' (26:34).

The oath's addition shows sin's progressive nature—first denial was evasive ('I don't know what you mean'), second was explicit with oath ('I don't know the man'). Each sin unprepented makes the next easier and worse. Peter's oath violated Jesus's teaching against swearing (5:33-37), compounding his sin. Yet even this wasn't final—Luke 22:32 records Jesus's prayer: 'I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.' Peter's faith wavered but didn't fail utterly, demonstrating preservation of saints through Christ's intercession.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Oaths were common in Jewish culture for affirming truth (Genesis 21:23-24; 1 Samuel 20:3). Mishnaic law developed elaborate oath distinctions. Peter's oath-reinforced denial shows desperation—as pressure increased, denials intensified. The phrase 'the man' (ὁ ἄνθρωπος) rather than 'Jesus' attempted to distance Peter from Christ by using generic language. This psychological distancing technique (depersonalization) reveals the self-deceptive nature of sin—we minimize wrongdoing through euphemism and abstraction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sin's progressive nature (Peter's escalating denials) warn you to repent at first compromise rather than continuing?
  2. When have you depersonalized Jesus ('the man,' 'the historical figure') to avoid personal commitment to Him as Lord?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

πάλιν2 of 10

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἠρνήσατο3 of 10

“he denied”

G720

to contradict, i.e., disavow, reject, abnegate

μεθ'4 of 10

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὅρκου5 of 10

“an oath”

G3727

a limit, i.e., (sacred) restraint (specially, an oath)

ὅτι6 of 10
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Οὐκ7 of 10

“not”

G3756

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

οἶδα8 of 10

“I do”

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

τὸν9 of 10
G3588

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

ἄνθρωπον10 of 10

“the man”

G444

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

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 26:72 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 Matthew 26:72 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 8:17Malachi 3:5Acts 5:3-4Zechariah 5:3-4Isaiah 48:1Matthew 26:74

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