Mark 14:72
And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Mark 14:72 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Gospel of Mark recounts the moment when Peter realizes that he has denied Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted. The crowing of the rooster serves as a poignant reminder of Peter's betrayal. The verse highlights Peter's deep sense of remorse and regret as he recalls Jesus' words. The act of weeping demonstrates Peter's profound sorrow and repentance for his actions. This moment not only showcases Peter's vulnerability and humanity but also serves as a powerful lesson on the consequences of denying one's faith. It reminds readers of the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and the need for forgiveness and redemption in the face of failure. The verse conveys a message of humility, contrition, and the capacity for spiritual growth through acknowledging and seeking forgiveness for one's mistakes.
Theological Overview
Within this passage, we see Peter experiencing a moment of deep remorse and sorrow after he realizes that he has fulfilled Jesus' prediction of denying Him three times before the rooster crows twice. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights Peter's humanity and his fallibility, despite being one of Jesus' closest disciples. Despite Peter's sincere intentions, fear and weakness overcame him in the face of danger, leading to his denial of Jesus. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of staying steadfast in faith and the consequences of allowing fear to dictate our actions. Furthermore, this passage highlights Jesus' foreknowledge of Peter's denial, showcasing His divine omniscience. Through Peter's sorrow and repentance, we see the gravity of his mistake and the powerful emotions that drive him to tears. Ultimately, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the frailty of human nature and the importance of seeking forgiveness and redemption in the face of our failures.
Mark 14:72 in other translations
American Standard Version
And straightway the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word, how that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
World English Bible
The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the word, how that Jesus said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” When he thought about that, he wept.
Douay-Rheims
And immediately the cock crew again. And Peter remembered the word that Jesus had said unto him: Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt thrice deny me. And he began to weep,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the seconde time the cocke crewe, and Peter remembred the woorde that Iesus had saide vnto him, Before the cocke crowe twise, thou shalt denie me thrise, and waying that with himselfe, he wept.