The Cock Crow – Peter Disowned Jesus

Luke 22:54-62. Jesus said Peter would deny Him three times that morning, before the Cock’s Crow.

This came to pass when Jesus was brought before Caiaphas, the High Priest, for His second predawn trial, and thus second illegal, trial.

Here in Caiaphas courtyard, Peter denied Jesus three times before the Cock’s Crow.

After the Cock’s Crow Peter realized what he had just done and wept bitterly because he was remorseful.

Other Scholars say: “the cock crow” was the Roman trumpeter’s call. To the end the 3rd night watch and start of the 4th night watch. They also say no roosters were allowed in Jerusalem.

Such as media noctis inclinatio “midnight,” gallicinium “cock-crow”

“Cock’s crow” is a technical term in Jewish law: kri’at hagever (קריאת הגבר). It is a time of day prior to dawn that marks the end of night.

Background Reading:

Peter Disowns Jesus

22:54 Then they arrested him, led him away, and brought him to the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. 55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had taken their seats, Peter, too, sat down among them. 56 A servant girl saw him sitting by the fire, stared at him, and said, “This man was with him, too.”

Peter Denies Jesus

57 But he denied it, “I don’t know him, woman!” he responded.

58 A little later, a man looked at him and said, “You are one of them, too.”

But Peter said, “Mister, I am not!”

59 About an hour later, another man emphatically asserted, “This man was certainly with him, because he is a Galilean!”

60 But Peter said, “Mister, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just then, while he was still speaking, The Cock Crowed.

61 Then the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. And Peter remembered the word from the Lord, and how he had told him, “Before a Cock Crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 So he went outside and cried bitterly.
Luke 22:54-62
Also read: Matthew 26:57-75, Mark 14:53-72, John 18:15-27

and

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

22:31 “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has asked permission to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail. When you have come back, you must strengthen your brothers.”

33 Peter told him, “Lord, I am ready to go even to prison and to die with you!”

34 But Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the Cock will not Crow today until you deny three times that you know me.”
Luke 22:31-34
Also read: Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31, John 13:31-38.


Other modules in this unit: