Luke 22 61

Luke 22:61 kjv

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Luke 22:61 nkjv

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."

Luke 22:61 niv

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."

Luke 22:61 esv

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times."

Luke 22:61 nlt

At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord's words flashed through Peter's mind: "Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me."

Luke 22 verses

Luke 22 61 Meaning

Luke 22:61 describes a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, where Jesus, amidst His own trial and suffering, turns and looks directly at Peter, who has just denied Him for the third time. This profound, unspoken exchange triggers Peter's immediate recollection of Jesus' earlier prophecy concerning his threefold denial before the rooster crows. The verse underscores Jesus' perfect foreknowledge and Peter's stark realization of his abject failure, initiating his process of repentance. It reveals a compassionate, confronting divine gaze that cuts through Peter's defenses to his conscience, leading to bitter remorse.

Luke 22 61 Context

Luke 22:61 takes place amidst Jesus' illegal nighttime trial before the high priest and the Jewish Sanhedrin. While Jesus endures unjust interrogation and mockery inside the high priest's house, Peter is outside in the courtyard, attempting to blend in among the servants and guards. Earlier, at the Last Supper, Jesus had specifically warned Peter of his impending denial (Lk 22:31-34), to which Peter, with characteristic overconfidence, had declared his readiness to die for Jesus (Lk 22:33). Just before verse 61, Peter has vociferously denied knowing Jesus for the third time, immediately after which a rooster crows, fulfilling Jesus' precise prophecy (Lk 22:60). The physical and emotional proximity of Peter to Jesus, yet his complete repudiation of Him, creates the poignant backdrop for this impactful gaze. This moment contrasts Peter's profound human weakness and fear with Jesus' perfect divine foreknowledge and unwavering commitment, even in suffering.

Luke 22 61 Word analysis

• And the Lord (Ὁ Κύριος - Ho Kyrios): The use of "the Lord" is significant. It's not just "Jesus" but emphasizes His divine authority and position as Master and prophesied Messiah, even in His state of arrest and humiliation. This title often signifies the full identity and authority of Jesus as God.
• turned (στραφεὶς - strapheis): Implies a deliberate, intentional movement. Amidst His own torment, Jesus makes a conscious choice to orient Himself physically towards Peter. This turning indicates a direct focus, a personal engagement despite the chaotic circumstances.
• and looked upon (ἐνέβλεψεν - eneblepsen): This is a stronger verb than simply "saw" (eidon). It conveys a deep, penetrating gaze, a fixing of the eyes upon someone with intense attention or meaning. This look, silent yet eloquent, carried profound implications of knowledge, sorrow, disappointment, and unwavering love, communicating without a single word.
• Peter (Πέτρος - Petros): The specific naming emphasizes the personal nature of this encounter. Peter, the rock-disciple, who vowed allegiance, now stands exposed in his failure. The look is specifically directed at the one who needs to remember.
• And Peter remembered (ὑπεμνήσθη - hypemnesthe): This signifies an immediate, triggered recall, often implying a powerful mental shock or realization. The gaze instantly brought to mind Jesus' previous warning. This remembering is critical; it’s not just recollection, but a dawning of profound truth and self-recognition of failure.
• the word of the Lord (τοῦ ῥήματος τοῦ Κυρίου - tou rhēmatos tou Kyriou): "Rhema" refers to a spoken word or utterance, specifically the prophecy spoken by Jesus. It highlights the divine, prophetic nature of Jesus' earlier warning and the precision of its fulfillment. Peter remembered Jesus’ very specific words.
• how he had said unto him (ὡς εἶπεν αὐτῷ - hōs eipen autō): This phrase reaffirms the direct and personal nature of Jesus’ initial prophecy to Peter, emphasizing that Peter had been personally forewarned.
• Before the cock crow (Πρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι - Prin alektora phōnēsai): Refers to the specific and literal sign of the prophecy's fulfillment. The rooster's crow signaled a definite time, typically the third watch of the night, marking the precise moment of Peter's complete denial.
• thou shalt deny me thrice (ἀπαρνήσῃ με τρίς - aparneomai me tris): "Aparneomai" means to disclaim, to deny absolutely, or to repudiate completely, especially with a negative connotation of rejecting one's master or association. The "thrice" emphasizes the repeated and complete repudiation, perfectly matching the prophecy’s precise detail.

Luke 22 61 Bonus section

• The power of Jesus’ "look" is reminiscent of divine encounters in the Old Testament, where God's gaze brings either judgment or profound revelation (e.g., Lk 20:17 - Jesus looking at the religious leaders after the parable of the wicked tenants, perhaps implying knowing their hearts and intent).
• Peter's immediate, "bitter weeping" in the subsequent verse (Lk 22:62) underscores the depth of his regret and signals genuine metanoia (change of heart and mind leading to repentance), contrasting it with a superficial sorrow.
• This entire incident highlights the stark difference between outward self-confidence (Peter’s earlier boast) and true spiritual strength which comes from reliance on Christ. Peter’s fall taught him humility, essential for his future leadership role.
• The irony is profound: Peter, who pledged to die for Jesus, denied Him at the prompting of mere servants, while Jesus, deserted by all, courageously faced His accusers.
• The timing of the rooster's crow serving as a direct, tangible cue from creation itself for the fulfillment of prophecy emphasizes the precision and undeniable nature of God's Word.

Luke 22 61 Commentary

Luke 22:61 is a concise yet immensely powerful verse that captures the culmination of Peter’s public betrayal and the commencement of his spiritual restoration. Jesus’ look at Peter is a wordless sermon, an encounter between perfect foreknowledge and abject human frailty. It is not a look of condemnation or anger, but rather of penetrating sorrow, enduring love, and prophetic fulfillment. This divine gaze cut through Peter’s fear and self-deception, allowing the prophetic word, previously dismissed in his confidence, to fully land in his heart. The moment of memory, ignited by the crowing rooster and confirmed by Jesus’ look, shatters Peter's self-assuredness and reveals his profound spiritual nakedness. This brokenness is not the end but the necessary prelude to repentance and, ultimately, Peter’s glorious restoration as the "rock" upon whom the Church would be built. It stands as a testament to Jesus' sovereignty, His compassion for His faltering disciples, and the transformative power of acknowledging one's sin in the light of divine truth.