And he went out and wept bitterly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What’s powerful here is the sheer depth of Peter’s sorrow. The Greek emphasizes not just crying, but a profound, repeated lament, suggesting a total breakdown after the realization of his failure. It’s a raw, exposed grief, implying he fled not just from the situation, but from himself and his own actions.
And he went out and wept bitterly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments before, Peter had publicly denied Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted. As the cock crowed and Jesus' words—and a significant look from Jesus—came back to Peter, he was overwhelmed with shame and grief. He fled the scene of his failure and betrayal, weeping bitterly in his sorrow and regret.
Peter's denial was followed by a moment of profound sorrow. What did those bitter tears signify?
The verse emphasizes the intensity of Peter's regret. The Greek words used suggest not just shedding tears, but a deep, loud, and prolonged weeping. This wasn't a casual sadness; it was an outpouring of anguish.
The Depth of His Grief
This intense grief shows the immense value Peter placed on his relationship with Jesus, and the devastating realization of how he had betrayed that bond.
A single look from Jesus turned Peter's world upside down. How could one glance have such power?
The Gospels (particularly Luke and Mark) tell us that as Peter was weeping, Jesus 'turned and looked at Peter.' This look was far more than an ordinary glance. It was a pivotal moment, piercing Peter's denial and bringing him to true repentance.
The Power of Christ's Gaze
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This interaction shows that our failures don't always lead to abandonment, but can be met with a loving, convicting gaze from Christ that calls us back to Him.
Understand the original words
klaiō · Greek Verb
To experience deep sorrow, grief, or contrition, often as a result of realizing one's sin or separation from God. In a spiritual context, it is the outward expression of a repentant heart.
Peter's profound grief after denying Jesus highlights the devastating impact of our failures, but also the Lord's powerful, convicting gaze that leads to repentance.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Arrest
After the Last Supper, Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.
c. AD 30
Peter's Denials
While Jesus is being questioned, Peter denies knowing him three times in the courtyard of the high priest's house.
c. AD 30
Jesus Looks at Peter
Jesus, likely while being questioned by the Sanhedrin, turns and looks at Peter, who is nearby.
c. AD 30
The Cock Crows
A rooster crows, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy to Peter.
c. AD 30
Peter's Bitter Repentance
Overcome with grief and shame, Peter flees and weeps uncontrollably.
Adam's immediate regret and sense of shame after disobeying God mirrors Peter's profound sorrow and self-awareness after denying Jesus.
Psalm 51:3-4This psalm's expression of deep sorrow and confession over sin finds a powerful echo in Peter's bitter weeping, acknowledging his transgression against God.
Jeremiah 3:12-13The call for unfaithfulness to return to God with confession and acknowledgment of sin parallels Peter's repentance and sorrow over his betrayal.
Matthew 26:75This parallel account in Matthew highlights the same moment of deep remorse and the remembrance of Jesus' words that led to Peter's bitter tears.
John 21:15-17Jesus' tender restoration of Peter, asking him three times if he loved Him, directly addresses the three denials and offers forgiveness after Peter's weeping.
pooleLuke 22:62: "And Peter went out, and wept bitterly."
See Poole on "Luke 22:54"
clarkeLuke 22:62: "And Peter went out, and wept bitterly."
And Peter went out - The word Peter is omitted by BDKLM, and many other good MSS., with some of the ancient versions. Griesbach leaves it out of the text.
What’s powerful here is the sheer depth of Peter’s sorrow. The Greek emphasizes not just crying, but a profound, repeated lament, suggesting a total breakdown after the realization of his failure. It’s a raw, exposed grief, implying he fled not just from the situation, but from himself and his own actions.
Just moments before, Peter had publicly denied Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted. As the cock crowed and Jesus' words—and a significant look from Jesus—came back to Peter, he was overwhelmed with shame and grief. He fled the scene of his failure and betrayal, weeping bitterly in his sorrow and regret.
Just moments before, Peter had publicly denied Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted. As the cock crowed and Jesus' words—and a significant look from Jesus—came back to Peter, he was overwhelmed with shame and grief. He fled the scene of his failure and betrayal, weeping bitterly in his sorrow and regret.
"And he went out and wept bitterly." — What’s powerful here is the sheer depth of Peter’s sorrow. The Greek emphasizes not just crying, but a profound, repeated lament, suggesting a total breakdown after the realization of his failure. It…
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Last reviewed October 2026