Matthew 26:34
What does Matthew 26:34 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 26:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 26:34 means
Jesus tells Peter plainly that before the rooster crows that night, Peter will deny him three times. The prediction is specific and precise: it names the timeframe and frequency, removing any ambiguity. It serves as both a sober warning and a demonstration of Jesus’ knowledge of future events. The verse highlights Peter’s forthcoming spiritual collapse and frames it as a lesson about human weakness and the need for grace. It also underlines Jesus’ prophetic authority even in intimate matters.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you that this night, before the hour of the cock's cry, you will say three times that you have no knowledge of me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus said to him, `Verily I say to thee, that, this night, before cock-crowing, thrice thou wilt deny me.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus said to him: Amen I say to thee that in this night before the cock crow, thou wilt deny me thrice.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus said to him, Verily I say to thee, that during this night, before [the] cock shall crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Context
This verse directly follows Peter’s boast and provides the solemn counterpoint. It sets the trajectory for the garden, arrest, trials, and Peter’s denials by giving a timestamp. For readers, the verse creates tension and foreshadows Peter’s failure, emphasizing the contrast between human self-confidence and Jesus’ penetrating insight.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 14:30
And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou to-day, even this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice.
- 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 13:38
Jesus answereth, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
- Matthew 26:75
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.
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