Matthew 26:35
What does Matthew 26:35 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 26:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 26:35 means
Peter doubles down, saying he would even die with Jesus rather than deny him; all disciples echo similar vows. Their collective affirmation underscores loyalty in principle. Yet it also underscores their failure to grasp the pressures to come. The verse records sincere devotion but also tragic blindness—their words will soon be proven unreliable. The repetition of this vow by all disciples heightens the pathos of their upcoming desertion and reinforces the human tendency to overstate fidelity when untested.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Peter saith unto him, Even if I must die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Peter saith unto him, Even if I must die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Peter says to him, Even if I am put to death with you, I will not be false to you. So said all the disciples.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Peter saith to him, `Even if it may be necessary for me to die with thee, I will not deny thee;' in like manner also said all the disciples.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Peter saith to him: Yea, though I should die with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner said all the disciples.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Peter says to him, If I should needs die with thee, I will in no wise deny thee. Likewise said all the disciples also.
Context
This verse follows Jesus’ prediction of denial and shows the disciples’ unwavering declarations. Their promises create dramatic irony, given the imminent fulfillment of Jesus’ words. The scene emphasizes the disciples’ earnestness and sets up their subsequent collapse, highlighting the moral of dependence on Christ rather than self-confidence.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 20:22
But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able.
- Exodus 19:8
And all the people answered together, and said, All that Jehovah hath spoken we will do. And Moses reported the words of the people unto Jehovah.
- Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
- John 13:37
Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.
- Proverbs 28:14
Happy is the man that feareth alway; But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
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