Devine Scripture

Mark 14:71

What does Mark 14:71 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:71 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:71 means

Peter begins to curse and swear, declaring, “I know not this man of whom ye speak.” He distances himself from Jesus with vehement oaths and depersonalizing language—“this man.” Fear drives him to deny not only association but knowledge. His speech, once bold in promises, now protects self at any cost. This is the low point of his failure. Yet even here, grace is near. The coming cockcrow will pierce his fog, and remembrance will break his heart open to repentance. Peter’s collapse shows the necessity of the cross for even the most devoted disciple.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But, with curses and oaths, he said, I have no knowledge of the man about whom you are talking.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he began to anathematize, and to swear--`I have not known this man of whom ye speak;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he began o curse and to swear, saying: I know not this man of whom you speak.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Under intensified challenge, Peter escalates his denial with oaths and curses. This third and strongest repudiation completes the pattern Jesus predicted. Immediately, the second cockcrow will sound in the next verse. The narrative will end the chapter with Peter’s remembrance of Jesus’ words and his weeping. The juxtaposition with Jesus’ faithful confession inside highlights the Savior’s steadfastness contrasted with the disciple’s failure—a failure that will be met by resurrection mercy.

v.70But he again denied it. And after a little while again they that stood by said to Peter, Of a truth thou art one of them; for thou art a Galilæan.

v.71This passage

v.72And straightway the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word, how that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

Cross references

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

  • Jeremiah 17:9

    The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?

  • 2 Kings 8:12

    And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strongholds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash in pieces their little ones, and rip up their women with child.

  • 2 Kings 10:32

    In those days Jehovah began to cut off from Israel: and Hazael smote them in all the borders of Israel;

  • 1 Corinthians 10:12

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

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