Matthew 26:74
Then beganne hee to curse and to sweare, saying, I know not the man. And immediatly the cocke crew. Matthew 26:74 (KJV)
Then began he to curse and to swear,
saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. Matthew 26:74 (KJV)
In the preceding verses Jesus had been arrested and taken before the high priest and the council. Meanwhile Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, watching what was happening. As he waited, three different people recognized him as one of Jesus’ disciples and associated him with Jesus.
The first denial occurred in verse 70, the second in verse 72, and the third denial—recorded in verse 74—finds Peter “began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man.” In his fear and anxiety Peter denied Jesus for the third time, using strong language and oaths to distance himself from Jesus.
Immediately after Peter’s third denial “the cock crew.” This detail is significant because Jesus had earlier predicted that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed (Matthew 26:34). The crowing of the rooster served as a reminder to Peter of Jesus’ prophetic words and the fulfillment of His prediction.
The event highlights the weakness of Peter’s faith in that moment. Despite his earlier declaration of loyalty and commitment to Jesus, he succumbed to fear and denied knowing Him. Peter’s denial not only revealed his human frailty but also demonstrated the accuracy of Jesus’ foreknowledge.
However the story does not end in despair. After the resurrection Jesus appeared to His disciples and specifically addressed Peter, reinstating him and commissioning him to care for His flock (John 21:15‑17). This act of grace and restoration demonstrates the depth of Jesus’ love and forgiveness even for those who have faltered.
In summary Matthew 26:74 captures the heartbreaking moment when Peter denies Jesus for the third time, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier prediction. The verse serves as a reminder of Peter’s weakness and the human struggle with faith, while also foreshadowing the grace and restoration that Jesus offers to all who repent and turn back to Him.
