Matthew 26 70

Matthew 26:70 kjv

But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

Matthew 26:70 nkjv

But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying."

Matthew 26:70 niv

But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.

Matthew 26:70 esv

But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean."

Matthew 26:70 nlt

But Peter denied it in front of everyone. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.

Matthew 26 verses

Matthew 26 70 Meaning

This verse details Peter's first denial of Jesus, fulfilling a prophecy spoken by Jesus earlier that night. Under pressure and questioned about his association with Jesus, Peter publicly declared that he did not know what the questioner was talking about, emphatically disavowing any connection with Jesus. This act reflects human fear, weakness, and a temporary abandonment of loyalty in the face of imminent danger and social pressure.

Matthew 26 70 Context

Matthew chapter 26 vividly describes the final hours of Jesus before His crucifixion, encompassing His anointing, Judas' betrayal, the Last Supper, the institution of communion, the anguish in Gethsemane, His arrest, and the illegal trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin. Amidst these escalating events, Peter, one of Jesus' most devoted disciples, follows Jesus to the courtyard of the High Priest, Caiaphas. This verse specifically marks the beginning of Peter's fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. Having earlier boldly declared he would never abandon Jesus, Peter now finds himself isolated, fearful, and exposed, leading to his first public denial as confronted by a servant girl.

Matthew 26 70 Word analysis

• But he denied: The Greek word is ērnēsato (ᾐρνήσατο), from arneomai (ἀρνέομαι). This verb means "to deny, to reject, to refuse, to disown, to renounce." It's a strong and decisive term, indicating an outright disassociation and refusal to acknowledge the truth. It's more than simply saying "no"; it implies a renunciation of one's allegiance or connection. Peter's action here is an active repudiation of his relationship with Jesus, a significant shift from his earlier boasts of loyalty.
• before them all: The Greek phrase is emprosthen pantōn (ἔμπροσθεν πάντων). Emprosthen means "before, in the presence of," and pantōn means "all." This emphasizes the public nature of the denial. Peter did not deny Jesus in private or equivocate silently; he did so openly, where others could witness. This public act of disavowal fulfills the explicit prediction that Peter would "deny me" rather than just implicitly desert. The public setting heightened the pressure on Peter and made his denial more stark.
• saying: The Greek word is legōn (λέγων), a common participle meaning "saying" or "speaking." It introduces direct speech.
• I know not: The Greek phrase is Ouk oida (οὐκ οἶδα). Ouk is a strong negative particle meaning "not" or "no." Oida means "I know, I understand, I perceive." This is a direct, categorical denial of knowledge. Peter is not merely saying he is unaware of specific details, but rather is claiming a total lack of knowledge or acquaintance concerning the accusation being made about his association with Jesus. It's a feigned ignorance used as a defensive mechanism.
• what thou sayest: The Greek phrase is ho legeis (ὃ λέγεις). Ho is a relative pronoun ("that which," "what"), and legeis is "you say." Combined with "I know not," Peter effectively said, "I have no idea what it is you are saying," or "I don't understand your accusation." This phrasing is an evasive maneuver. Instead of directly addressing the claim of being with Jesus, Peter deflects by feigning ignorance of the entire premise of the accusation. It's a verbal tactic to create distance and deny culpability, indicating Peter's fear and desperation to avoid association and its potential consequences.

Matthew 26 70 Bonus section

• The Psychological Aspect: Peter's actions here perfectly illustrate the "flight or fight" response under extreme duress. His boasts of loyalty were superseded by an instinct for self-preservation in a hostile environment, highlighting the deep psychological impact of fear.
• Foreshadowing Restoration: While a moment of failure, Peter's denial, coupled with Jesus' prophetic knowledge of it, implicitly pointed to God's foreknowledge and grace. The profound regret Peter felt after his three denials would pave the way for his transformation from a man driven by fear to a pillar of the early Church, underscoring that God can use even our greatest failures for His purposes after genuine repentance.
• A Universal Caution: This incident serves as an eternal caution against overconfidence in one's own spiritual strength. Peter's denial reminds all believers that faithfulness requires constant dependence on divine grace and a sober assessment of one's own susceptibility to temptation and fear. It echoes the need for watchfulness and prayer as Jesus Himself had instructed in Gethsemane.

Matthew 26 70 Commentary

Matthew 26:70 stands as a poignant moment of human frailty within the dramatic account of Jesus' arrest and trial. Peter, who hours earlier boldly proclaimed his readiness to die for Jesus, succumbs to the intense fear of exposure and identification with the accused Son of God. His denial, made "before them all" and with the emphatic statement "I know not what thou sayest," highlights the gap between zealous profession and genuine fortitude in the face of pressure. This specific denial, being the first, sets a tone of betrayal not by Judas's overt act but by Peter's fear-driven disavowal, yet ultimately serves to underline divine sovereignty in fulfilling prophecy and setting the stage for Peter's profound repentance and ultimate restoration. It offers a crucial lesson in humility and the dangers of self-reliance, revealing that even the most fervent followers are susceptible to falling when their trust wavers under trial.