Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:73

What does Matthew 26:73 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:73 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:73 means

A little while later, bystanders claim Peter is surely one of Jesus’ followers because his accent or speech gives him away. Their observation suggests that Peter’s manner of speaking or dialect betrays his Galilean origin, making him recognizable. This identification adds a social, linguistic angle to the accusation, showing how small details can expose a person’s associations. The verse deepens Peter’s vulnerability and presses him to escalate his denials further under mounting pressure.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And after a little while they that stood by came and said to Peter, Of a truth thou also art one of them; for thy speech maketh thee known.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And after a little while they that stood by came and said to Peter, Of a truth thou also art one of them; for thy speech maketh thee known.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And after a little time those who were near came and said to Peter, Truly you are one of them; because your talk is witness against you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And after a little those standing near having come, said to Peter, `Truly thou also art of them, for even thy speech doth make thee manifest.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after a little while, they came that stood by and said to Peter: Surely thou also art one of them. For even thy speech doth discover thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And after a little, those who stood [there], coming to [him], said to Peter, Truly thou too art of them, for also thy speech makes thee manifest.

Context

This follows the second denial and reflects the crowd's increasing certainty in identifying Peter. It leads directly to his final, vehement denial and the rooster's crow. For readers, the verse underscores how external signs—speech, accent—can undermine attempted self-preservation and prepare the path toward repentance.

v.72And again he denied with an oath, I know not the man.

v.73This passage

v.74Then began he to curse and to swear, I know not the man. And straightway the cock crew.

Cross references

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

  • Judges 12:6

    then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth; and he said Sibboleth; for he could not frame to pronounce it right: then they laid hold on him, and slew him at the fords of the Jordan. And there fell at that time of Ephraim forty and two thousand.

  • Nehemiah 13:24

    and their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people.

  • John 18:26

    One of the servants of the high priest, being a kinsman of him whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?

  • Luke 22:59

    And 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.

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