But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
When Peter denies Jesus with curses and oaths, he's not just saying he doesn't know him; he's calling down divine judgment on himself if he does know him. This extreme language shows he’s desperately trying to distance himself from Jesus, even invoking God’s wrath to seal his lie.
But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Cornered by a maidservant and others in the courtyard of the high priest's residence, Peter is repeatedly accused of being a follower of Jesus. Despite earlier, more hesitant denials, the pressure intensifies, and in a desperate attempt to prove his innocence, Peter invokes curses and takes oaths, vehemently declaring he doesn't know Jesus. This third, most forceful denial occurs just as the rooster crows for the second time, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy and prompting Peter's profound repentance.
Peter's denial didn't start with curses. It was a descent, step by step, into a deeper and more desperate lie.
Notice how Peter’s denial escalates. First, it's a simple statement, "I neither know nor understand what you say" (Mark 14:68). Then, under further pressure, he denies it again. Finally, when confronted more directly and perhaps even by someone who recognized him, Peter resorts to "curse and swear." This wasn't just a slip; it was a deliberate invocation of divine judgment against himself to prove his ignorance of Jesus. The original language suggests he was calling down condemnation upon himself if he was lying. This shows how sin can trap us, pushing us to more extreme measures to cover up our initial compromise.
Peter thought he was strong enough to stand. But his bravery crumbled when he relied on himself instead of God.
Peter's actions reveal a tragic journey away from his earlier bold declarations. He once declared he would die with Jesus, but now, surrounded by enemies and ashamed of his association with the captured Christ, he is terrified. The commentaries highlight that Peter's failure wasn't just a moment of weakness, but a result of self-confidence. He had been warned by Jesus, yet he went into the high priest’s courtyard and sought warmth by the fire, trying to blend in. When his Galilean accent betrayed him, his desperate attempt to conceal his identity led him to self-cursing and swearing. This teaches us a profound truth: true strength doesn't come from our own courage or cleverness, but from humble dependence on God's power.
Understand the original words
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anathematizein · Greek Verb
In a biblical context, this refers to a solemn appeal to God or a divine force to bring judgment upon oneself if what one says is false or if one fails to fulfill a commitment. It represents the height of desperation or deceitful self-assurance.
omnyein · Greek Verb
A public declaration of allegiance or truth, often calling upon God as a witness to the veracity of one's statement. When used falsely, it constitutes a serious violation of the commandment against taking the Lord's name in vain.
Peter's desperate denials, culminating in curses, occurred during the chaotic night and early morning following Jesus' arrest. This intense period involved Jesus being questioned by the influential Annas and Caiaphas, setting the stage for the trial and crucifixion, while Peter's failure unfolded in the high priest's courtyard.
c. AD 12
Annas Appointed High Priest
Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas, was appointed high priest by Roman authorities. Though later deposed, he retained immense influence and effectively wielded power, with five sons and his son-in-law serving as high priests after him.
c. AD 25-36
Caiaphas Serves as High Priest
Joseph Caiaphas, Annas's son-in-law, held the official position of high priest. He was instrumental in the decision that it was expedient for Jesus to die for the nation.
Night of Jesus' Arrest
Jesus Arrested in Gethsemane
Following his betrayal by Judas, Jesus was arrested by temple guards and Roman soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Night of Jesus' Arrest
Jesus Taken to Annas
Jesus was first brought to the house of Annas, the former high priest, where he was questioned before being sent to Caiaphas.
Night of Jesus' Arrest— this verse
Peter Denies Jesus
While Jesus is being questioned, Peter, waiting outside in the courtyard of the high priest's residence, is thrice identified as a follower of Jesus and denies knowing him, even invoking curses upon himself.
Early Morning
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
After the preliminary questioning, Jesus was brought before the full Sanhedrin council as day broke, leading to his condemnation.
This passage from Luke parallels Peter's denial, focusing on Jesus's loving look back at Peter, which caused him to remember Jesus's warning and weep.
John 18:25-27John's Gospel adds the detail that one of the accusers was a kinsman of Malchus, the man whose ear Peter had cut off, highlighting the personal and dangerous context of the denial.
Matthew 26:74-75Matthew's account emphasizes that Peter's denial was accompanied by cursing and swearing, and immediately followed by the cock's crow and Peter's remembrance, leading to his bitter tears.
1 Samuel 12:10-11This Old Testament passage shows a pattern of people crying out to God for help in their distress and then turning away from Him, similar to how Peter, after his bold claims, denied Christ when challenged.
2 Timothy 2:12-13Paul warns that if we deny Christ, He will deny us, but also reminds us that even if we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, a crucial truth for understanding Peter's ultimate restoration.
cambridgeMark 14:71: "But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak."
71 . he began to curse and to swear ] Assailed by the bystanders just mentioned and by the kinsman of Malchus ( John 18:26 ), the Apostle now fell deeper still. With oaths and curses he denied that he had ever known the Man of whom they spoke, and at that moment, for the second time, the cock crew, and at the same moment the Lord, either ( a ) on His way from the apartments of Annas across the courty…
expositorsMark 14:66-72: "And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:"
CHAPTER 14:66-72 (Mark 14:66-72)THE FALL OF PETER "And as Peter was beneath in the court, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest; and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and saith, Thou also wast with the Nazarene, even Jesus. But he denied, saying, I neither know, nor understand what thou sayest: and he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. And the maid saw…
When Peter denies Jesus with curses and oaths, he's not just saying he doesn't know him; he's calling down divine judgment on himself if he does know him. This extreme language shows he’s desperately trying to distance himself from Jesus, even invoking God’s wrath to seal his lie.
Cornered by a maidservant and others in the courtyard of the high priest's residence, Peter is repeatedly accused of being a follower of Jesus. Despite earlier, more hesitant denials, the pressure intensifies, and in a desperate attempt to prove his innocence, Peter invokes curses and takes oaths, vehemently declaring he doesn't know Jesus. This third, most forceful denial occurs just as the rooster crows for the second time, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy and prompting Peter's profound repentance.
Cornered by a maidservant and others in the courtyard of the high priest's residence, Peter is repeatedly accused of being a follower of Jesus. Despite earlier, more hesitant denials, the pressure intensifies, and in a desperate attempt to prove his innocence, Peter invokes curses and takes oaths, vehemently declaring he doesn't know Jesus. This third, most forceful denial occurs just as the rooster crows for the second time, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy and prompting Peter's profound repentance.
"But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.”" — When Peter denies Jesus with curses and oaths, he's not just saying he doesn't know him; he's calling down divine judgment on himself if he does know him. This extreme language shows he’s desperate…
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Last reviewed October 2026