Mark 14:68
But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
Mark 14:68 · King James Version
Meaning
When looking at the verse "But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew," we see the powerful symbolism of Peter's denial of Jesus. In this verse, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, as prophesied by Jesus earlier in the gospel of Matthew. The despair and regret that Peter feels after denying Jesus is encapsulated in this moment when the rooster crows. The rooster's crow serves as a reminder to Peter of his failure to stand by Jesus in his time of need. This moment is a turning point for Peter, leading him to repentance and eventually becoming a strong leader in the early Christian church. It is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature and the capacity for redemption and forgiveness.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of this verse where Peter denies knowing Jesus three times before the cock crows, it illustrates the human struggle with fear and weakness in the face of adversity. Peter's denial of Jesus portrays the frailty of the human condition and the capacity for even the most devoted followers to falter in their faith. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in one's beliefs, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Furthermore, the word study of Peter's denial reveals that his response of "I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest" highlights his lack of awareness and comprehension of the gravity of the situation. This lack of understanding further emphasizes the human tendency to react out of fear and self-preservation, rather than standing firm in faith. The crowing of the cock symbolizes the fulfillment of Jesus' prediction that Peter would deny him before the cock crowed, underscoring the inevitability of human fallibility and the need for redemption and forgiveness.
Mark 14:68 in other translations
American Standard Version
But he denied, saying, I neither know, nor understand what thou sayest: and he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
World English Bible
But he denied it, saying, “I neither know, nor understand what you are saying.” He went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed.
Douay-Rheims
But he denied, saying: I neither know nor understand what thou sayest. And he went forth before the court; and the cock crew.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But he denied it, saying, I knowe him not, neither wot I what thou saiest. Then he went out into the porche, and the cocke crewe.