King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:74 Mean?

Matthew 26:74 in the King James Version says “Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 26:74 · KJV

Context

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.

75

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man (τότε ἤρξατο καταθεματίζειν καὶ ὀμνύειν ὅτι Οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον)—Peter's third denial reached maximum intensity. The verb καταθεματίζω (katathematizō, 'to curse, to invoke curses, to bind oneself by oath') and ὀμνύω (omnyō, 'to swear, to take oath') show Peter calling down curses on himself if lying—'May God curse me if I'm lying!' He repeated Οὐκ οἶδα τὸν ἄνθρωπον ('I do not know the man'), his most vehement denial. This violated Jesus's teaching (5:33-37) and showed how far Peter fell—from sword-wielding defender (v. 51) to curse-swearing denier.

And immediately the cock crew (καὶ εὐθέως ἀλέκτωρ ἐφώνησεν)—The instant (εὐθέως, immediately) Peter finished denying, the rooster (ἀλέκτωρ) crowed (φωνέω). This fulfilled Jesus's specific prediction (26:34): 'before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' The cock-crow was simultaneously natural event and divine sign—God's creation rebuked Peter's denial. Luke 22:61 adds 'the Lord turned and looked at Peter'—Jesus, in midst of His trial, glanced at denying Peter. That look, plus cock-crow, broke Peter's heart.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roosters crow at various times but especially near dawn. Roman military practice divided night into four watches; the third watch (midnight-3 AM) was called 'cock-crowing' (ἀλεκτοροφωνία). The crowing occurred in Jerusalem though rabbinic tradition later forbade keeping fowl in Jerusalem (due to cleanliness laws), suggesting either the law wasn't yet enforced or applied only to certain areas. The cock-crow's timing—immediately after the third denial—demonstrated Jesus's omniscience and providential orchestration even of animal behavior.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Peter's progression from evasion to oaths to cursing illustrate sin's downward spiral when not immediately repented?
  2. What 'cock-crows' (sudden reminders of Christ's Word) has God used to awaken you from spiritual compromise?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
τότε1 of 14

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἤρξατο2 of 14

“began he”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

καταναθεματίζειν3 of 14

“to curse”

G2653

to imprecate

καὶ4 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ὀμνύειν5 of 14

“to swear”

G3660

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

ὅτι6 of 14

“saying”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Οὐκ7 of 14

“not”

G3756

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

οἶδα8 of 14

“I know”

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 14
G3588

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

ἄνθρωπον10 of 14

“the man”

G444

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

καὶ11 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

εὐθέως12 of 14

“immediately”

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἀλέκτωρ13 of 14

“the cock”

G220

a cock or male fowl

ἐφώνησεν14 of 14

“crew”

G5455

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

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 26:74 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 26:74 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 3:19Matthew 10:281 Corinthians 16:22John 18:27Acts 23:12-14Mark 14:71-72

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