Bible Strands
Matthew 26:34
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to Peter immediately after Peter's vow of unwavering loyalty during the Last Supper. The declaration occurs in the upper room on the night of the betrayal.
The words — The text records Jesus using amēn (Amen) followed by legō (I say) to introduce a binding declaration. The verb ephē (was saying) frames the statement as a firm, ongoing pronouncement directed to him (autō).
The thread — This prophecy appears in parallel accounts at Luke 22:34 and John 13:38, and is explicitly recalled by Peter in Matthew 26:75 when he weeps after the denial. The identical timing and threefold denial link these passages.
Why it lands — The text states that a specific human denial will occur before a specific natural event. It requires the reader to acknowledge that declared certainty does not dictate future action.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Cross-references
- John 13:38 “Will you lay down your life for Me?” Jesus replied. “Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.
- Luke 22:34 But Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”
- Matthew 26:75 Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
- Mark 14:30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”