But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter's response isn't just a simple denial; by calling the maid "Woman," he's essentially dismissing her with a tone of disdain, trying to create distance and dismiss her accusation with contempt. This reveals a desperate attempt to sound authoritative and unaffected, a sharp contrast to the fearful coward he's become.
But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just been arrested and is being interrogated by the high priest. Peter, who had sworn his loyalty to Jesus, is now warming himself by a fire outside and is questioned by a servant girl about his association with Jesus, leading to his denial.
One seemingly small lie can quickly spiral into a deep pit of regret. How does fear lead us to betray what we hold dear?
Peter's denial wasn't a pre-meditated act of malice; it was a moment of profound fear taking hold.
The First Crack
When a servant girl questioned him, Peter's initial response was a simple denial: 'Woman, I do not know him.' This wasn't the bold declaration of a disciple, but a fearful attempt to distance himself from Jesus.
Escalating Betrayal
The commentary highlights how one denial often leads to another, and then to more desperate measures. Peter's fear, once unleashed, pushed him further. He would eventually deny Jesus with an oath, and even curses, as the pressure mounted.
This shows us that when we compromise our convictions out of fear, it's rarely a one-time event. The first step onto that slippery slope makes the next steps that much easier, and the consequences, far more devastating.
Denying Christ wasn't just a private failure; it happened 'before them all.' What does the public nature of Peter's sin reveal about its gravity?
Peter's denial was not whispered in a corner; it was a public disavowal of Jesus.
Denied Before Many
Luke records that Peter denied Jesus 'before them all.' This wasn't a secret lapse; it was a performance for the crowd gathered in the high priest's courtyard. The commentaries emphasize that this public nature aggravated his sin.
The Ripple Effect
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When someone in a position of leadership or prominence denies their faith, it has a ripple effect. It can discourage others who are wavering and give ammunition to those who oppose Christ. Peter's failure, witnessed by many, was a heavy blow not just to himself, but potentially to the witness of the early movement.
This is a sobering reminder that our actions, especially our failures, are often seen. What we do in the public square carries a unique weight and can impact many.
In the midst of his failure, Peter received a look from Jesus. What power lies in that single, piercing glance?
Amidst Peter's betrayal, Jesus offered not condemnation, but a look that led to repentance.
The Look That Cuts Deep
Luke mentions that 'the Lord turned and looked at Peter.' The commentaries suggest this was a look filled with conviction, chiding, expostulation, and profound compassion. It wasn't a look of simple anger, but one that pierced Peter's heart and brought his sin into sharp focus.
A Turning Point
This look, coupled with the crowing of the rooster, served as a powerful catalyst for Peter's repentance. It reminded him of Jesus' prophecy and the depth of his failure. It was the divine intervention that broke through Peter's fear and denial, prompting him to 'go out and weep bitterly.'
This shows us that even in our worst moments, Christ's gaze is upon us—not to crush us, but to draw us back to Himself through His unwavering love and understanding.
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 occurs in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' arrest, a moment of intense fear and confusion for the disciples. Understanding this context highlights not just Peter's failure, but also the profound grace of his later restoration, which is a central theme in Luke's Gospel.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Arrested in Gethsemane
Following the Last Supper and Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus with a kiss, leading to his arrest by the temple guard and Roman soldiers.
c. AD 30
Jesus Brought Before the High Priest
Jesus is taken to the house of the high priest, Caiaphas, where a preliminary hearing takes place. The disciples, including Peter, are scattered and fearful.
c. AD 30
Peter's Denials
While Jesus is being interrogated inside, Peter waits in the courtyard. He is recognized and questioned by servants and others, leading to his three denials of knowing Jesus.
c. AD 30
The Rooster Crows
After Peter's third denial, a rooster crows, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy. This sound, combined with a significant look from Jesus, causes Peter to remember his earlier words.
c. AD 30
Peter's Remorse and Repentance
Overcome with grief and shame, Peter leaves the courtyard and weeps bitterly, deeply regretting his denial of Jesus.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is subsequently tried, condemned, crucified, and then resurrected three days later, marking the central event of Christian faith.
c. AD 40s-60s
Gospel of Luke Written
The Gospel of Luke, a carefully researched account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection, is written for a Gentile audience. This includes Peter's dramatic failure and subsequent restoration.
This passage describes Peter's second denial, showing a progression from a simple 'I do not know him' to adding an oath, highlighting the escalating nature of his unfaithfulness.
John 18:25This account from John's Gospel shows another instance of Peter's denial, emphasizing the persistent questioning he faced from those present, which led to his repeated denials.
Matthew 26:69-70This passage details the initial accusation against Peter by a servant girl and his first denial, providing the immediate context for the event described in Luke.
Luke 22:61This verse immediately follows Peter's denial and describes Jesus turning to look at Peter, a pivotal moment that leads to Peter's remembrance and repentance.
Galatians 2:11-13This passage by Paul recounts Peter's hypocrisy in Antioch, showing that even after his denial and restoration, Peter's weakness in social pressure could still manifest, illustrating a pattern of human frailty.
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.
Peter's response isn't just a simple denial; by calling the maid "Woman," he's essentially dismissing her with a tone of disdain, trying to create distance and dismiss her accusation with contempt. This reveals a desperate attempt to sound authoritative and unaffected, a sharp contrast to the fearful coward he's become.
Jesus has just been arrested and is being interrogated by the high priest. Peter, who had sworn his loyalty to Jesus, is now warming himself by a fire outside and is questioned by a servant girl about his association with Jesus, leading to his denial.
Jesus has just been arrested and is being interrogated by the high priest. Peter, who had sworn his loyalty to Jesus, is now warming himself by a fire outside and is questioned by a servant girl about his association with Jesus, leading to his denial.
"But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.”" — Peter's response isn't just a simple denial; by calling the maid "Woman," he's essentially dismissing her with a tone of disdain, trying to create distance and dismiss her accusation with contempt. T…
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Last reviewed October 2026