But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The casual address "Woman" here, rather than being a term of respect or even simple address, likely carries a dismissive and somewhat contemptuous tone. It highlights how Peter, caught off guard and fearful, is trying to distance himself from Jesus with a casual, almost flippant, reply.
But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments after Jesus was arrested and brought to the high priest's house, Peter, trying to stay close but still somewhat hidden, is warming himself by a fire in the courtyard. As he sits there, a servant girl recognizes him and points him out, accusing him of being with Jesus, which leads to his first denial.
Peter, the bold one, the one who swore he’d die with Jesus, crumbles under pressure. How could this happen?
It's easy to feel strong in our faith when things are calm. But the moments we least expect can reveal our deepest vulnerabilities. Peter, who was ready to fight with a sword just hours before, is now terrified by a servant girl's accusation.
A Shadow of Fear
His denial wasn't just a simple 'no.' It was a desperate attempt to save himself, born from fear. He was 'consistently inconsistent,' as one scholar put it, showing that even the most devoted can falter when tested by ordinary circumstances, not just grand battles.
A simple glance from Jesus changes everything for Peter. What makes that look so powerful?
When Peter denies Jesus, the Lord turns and looks at him. This wasn't just any look; it was a look filled with profound meaning.
More Than a Glance
It was a look that conveyed: 'Do you not know me, Peter?' It was a chiding, a gentle rebuke, but also filled with immense compassion. It reminded Peter of his promises and his love for Jesus. This powerful, 'significant look' pierced Peter's heart, not just by its gaze, but by the accompanying grace of God that began to stir repentance within him.
Peter's denial escalates quickly. What does his eventual weeping reveal?
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Peter’s denial wasn’t a one-time event. Each accusation pushed him further, leading him to swear and curse that he didn't know Jesus. This descent shows how one sin can spiral into deeper ones when we aren't anchored in God.
The Weight of Regret
But the story doesn't end in denial. The turning point, marked by Christ’s look, leads to Peter going out and weeping bitterly. This isn't just sadness; it's deep, profound repentance. It shows that even after a terrible fall, genuine sorrow for sin and a turning back to God are possible.
Understand the original words
oida · Greek Verb
A state of having personal knowledge or experience of someone or something; in the biblical context, it often implies a relational or covenantal intimacy.
arneomai · Greek Verb
To disown, renounce, or refuse to acknowledge an association with someone; in a spiritual context, it signifies a failure to confess Christ before others.
Peter's denial in the face of fear highlights the intense pressure and danger early followers faced as Jesus was arrested and put on trial.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Following his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was taken for a series of hurried trials before Jewish leaders and then the Roman governor.
c. AD 30
Peter's Denials
While Jesus was being questioned, Peter, who had followed his Master, was repeatedly confronted and three times denied knowing Jesus out of fear.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion
After his trials, Jesus was condemned and crucified by the Roman authorities, a brutal and public execution.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Resurrection
According to Christian belief, Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, appearing to his followers.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Jesus' disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering them to boldly preach the Gospel.
c. AD 40s-60s
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The early Christian church spread rapidly but faced increasing opposition and persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities.
This passage directly parallels Peter's denial in Luke, highlighting the fear and pressure that led him to disown Jesus.
John 18:25This account from John's Gospel shows another instance of Peter denying Jesus, emphasizing the pattern of his temporary failure under duress.
Mark 14:69Mark's Gospel describes Peter's denial, emphasizing the escalating pressure and his repeated attempts to distance himself from Jesus.
1 Samuel 15:22This passage speaks to the importance of obedience over sacrifice, which implicitly relates to Peter's failure to remain steadfast and obedient to Jesus' calling in his moment of crisis.
Proverbs 28:13This proverb speaks about confessing and forsaking sins for mercy, a theme that Peter would later embody after his denial when he repented and was restored.
pooleLuke 22:57: "And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not."
See Poole on "Luke 22:54"
clarkeLuke 22:57: "And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not."
And he denied him - See the notes on Matthew 26:58 , Matthew 26:69 , etc.
The casual address "Woman" here, rather than being a term of respect or even simple address, likely carries a dismissive and somewhat contemptuous tone. It highlights how Peter, caught off guard and fearful, is trying to distance himself from Jesus with a casual, almost flippant, reply.
Just moments after Jesus was arrested and brought to the high priest's house, Peter, trying to stay close but still somewhat hidden, is warming himself by a fire in the courtyard. As he sits there, a servant girl recognizes him and points him out, accusing him of being with Jesus, which leads to his first denial.
Just moments after Jesus was arrested and brought to the high priest's house, Peter, trying to stay close but still somewhat hidden, is warming himself by a fire in the courtyard. As he sits there, a servant girl recognizes him and points him out, accusing him of being with Jesus, which leads to his first denial.
"But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.”" — The casual address "Woman" here, rather than being a term of respect or even simple address, likely carries a dismissive and somewhat contemptuous tone. It highlights how Peter, caught off guard and…
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Last reviewed October 2026