Matthew 26:70

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

Matthew 26:70 is part of the narrative describing Jesus’ arrest and Peter’s denial. To understand the verse in its context, let’s examine the surrounding verses as well.

Matthew 26:69-75 (KJV) provides the broader context:

“Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 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. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 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 betrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 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.”

In this passage, Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, denies knowing Jesus multiple times. The events take place shortly after Jesus’ arrest, and Peter is in the courtyard of the high priest’s palace. He encounters several individuals who recognize him as a follower of Jesus, but Peter vehemently denies any association with Jesus.

Matthew 26:70 specifically records Peter’s denial, where he says, “I know not what thou sayest.” Peter essentially disowns any knowledge of Jesus or understanding of the situation being presented to him. This demonstrates his fear and attempts to distance himself from Jesus to avoid any potential trouble or persecution.

Peter’s denials are significant because they fulfill Jesus’ earlier prophecy. In Matthew 26:34, Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. After the third denial, the rooster crows, and Peter realizes the fulfillment of Jesus’ words, leading him to deeply regret his actions and weep bitterly.

This passage serves as a reminder of the weakness and fallibility of human nature, even in the lives of Jesus’ closest followers. It highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in one’s faith and the need for repentance and forgiveness when we fail.

Overall, Matthew 26:70 presents a pivotal moment in Peter’s story, demonstrating his denial of Jesus, which he later deeply regrets. It invites us to reflect on our own commitment to Christ and consider the importance of remaining faithful in times of difficulty.