Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:70

What does Matthew 26:70 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:70 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:70 means

Peter denies knowing what the maid speaks of, claiming ignorance. His immediate denial signals fear and a desire for self-preservation, even at the cost of truth. The phrase 'I know not what thou sayest' is evasive, distancing himself from Jesus. The verse captures the tragic human response: when pressed, Peter abandons honesty to avoid association with the condemned. It foreshadows deeper denials and emphasizes the failure of verbal resolve under threat.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he said before them all that it was false, saying, I have no knowledge of what you say.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he denied before all, saying, `I have not known what thou sayest.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This denial follows the maid’s accusation and is the first instance of Peter’s predicted betrayal by speech. It contrasts his earlier vows and highlights his quick collapse under social pressure. For readers, the verse begins the process of Peter's breakdown and sets the stage for subsequent, more severe denials.

v.69Now Peter was sitting without in the court: and a maid came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilæan.

v.70This passage

v.71And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and saith unto them that were there, This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 26:58

    But Peter followed him afar off, unto the court of the high priest, and entered in, and sat with the officers, to see the end.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:12

    Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

  • Romans 11:20

    Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

  • Matthew 26:51

    And behold, one of them that were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.

  • Proverbs 29:25

    The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.

  • Isaiah 57:11

    And of whom hast thou been afraid and in fear, that thou liest, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of long time, and thou fearest me not?

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