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Matthew 26:75

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.

Matthew 26:75 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, Peter is experiencing a moment of profound realization and regret. Jesus had foretold that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed, and as he hears the rooster crow, he remembers Jesus' words and the gravity of his actions sinks in. Peter's denial of Jesus, despite his earlier claims of unwavering loyalty, was a moment of weakness and fear. The knowledge that he has failed his beloved teacher and friend leads Peter to weep bitterly in remorse.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the fallibility of human nature and the overwhelming emotions that can accompany moments of moral failing. It also highlights the importance of self-awareness and accountability in the face of our own shortcomings. Despite Peter's mistake, his tears show a deep sense of repentance and a desire to make amends for his actions. This moment of vulnerability and regret ultimately contributes to Peter's growth and serves as a lesson for readers to reflect on their own actions and strive for forgiveness and redemption.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see Peter going through a moment of intense emotional turmoil as he recalls Jesus's prophecy of his denial. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the theme of human weakness and the consequences of turning away from one's faith. Despite Peter's strong declaration of loyalty to Jesus earlier in the Gospel, he ultimately succumbs to fear and denies his relationship with Christ. This moment serves as a reminder of the frailty of human nature and the need for repentance and forgiveness. The word studies on phrases like "wept bitterly" offer a deeper understanding of Peter's profound sorrow and regret over his actions. The imagery of Peter's tears communicates the depth of his remorse, illustrating the emotional impact of his denial. Overall, this verse presents a powerful message about the complexities of faith, the reality of human fallibility, and the importance of acknowledging one's mistakes and seeking reconciliation.

Matthew 26:75 in other translations

American Standard Version

And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

World English Bible

Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and wept bitterly.

Douay-Rheims

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus which he had said: Before the cock crow, thou wilt deny me thrice. And going forth, he wept bitterly.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Then Peter remembred the wordes of Iesus, which had sayde vnto him, Before the cocke crowe thou shalt denie me thrise. So he went out, and wept bitterly.