Luke 22:60

What does Luke 22:60 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 22:60 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 22:60 means

Peter answers, “Man, I know not what thou sayest.” As he speaks, the cock crows. The third denial completes the pattern foretold by Jesus. The wording suggests confusion and evasion—he disclaims understanding, not merely association. The rooster’s cry is heaven’s appointed alarm clock, ringing at the exact moment to pierce Peter’s self-deception. Fulfillment is precise, demonstrating Jesus’ prophetic knowledge and sovereign timing. The fall is complete, but so is the setup for mercy. The verse captures the nadir of Peter’s failure and the turning point that will lead to tears of repentance. It warns of how fear can drive us to deny truth, yet assures us that God can interrupt our downward course with convicting grace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Peter said, Man, I have no knowledge of these things of which you are talking. And straight away, while he was saying these words, there came the cry of a cock.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Peter said, `Man, I have not known what thou sayest;' and presently, while he is speaking, a cock crew.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he was yet speaking, [the] cock crew.

Context

After about an hour and a clear accusation, Peter utters his third denial. Immediately the rooster crows, exactly as Jesus had predicted earlier that evening. In the next verse, Jesus, being led or present within sight, turns and looks at Peter. That look triggers Peter’s memory of the prophecy and the realization of his sin. He then goes out and weeps bitterly. The narrative will then return to Jesus’ mistreatment by those holding Him.

v.59And after the space of about one hour another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this man also was with him; for he is a Galilæan.

v.60This passage

v.61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, Before the cock crow this day thou shalt deny me thrice.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 26:74

    Then began he to curse and to swear, I know not the man. And straightway the cock crew.

  • Mark 14:71

    But he began to curse, and to swear, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

  • Luke 22:34

    And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, until thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

  • John 18:27

    Peter therefore denied again: and straightway the cock crew.

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