Definition: And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a really strange and unsettling passage from Matthew, and it's often misinterpreted. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: The verse describes a moment where Jesus is talking to Peter about the upcoming rooster crowing twice. Peter, in response, asks Jesus a question: "Before the cock crows twice, you shall deny me thrice." What's Actually Happening – It’s a Metaphor! This isn’t about a literal rooster crowing. It’s a metaphorical way of saying that Jesus is testing Peter’s faith and obedience. Here’s the key idea: The Rooster Represents Jesus: In Jewish tradition, the rooster was seen as a symbol of judgment and a time when God would reveal His will. The Cock Crowing Twice – A Test of Obedience: Jesus is saying that Peter needs to demonstrate unwavering obedience to His teachings – specifically, to deny Him three times. What Does “Denying Me Thrice” Mean? It's a dramatic way of saying that Peter was about to betray Jesus. It suggests he was about to give up or admit something significant that would damage his relationship with Jesus. The Significance – It’s About Trust and Faith: It highlights the importance of trust in God. Jesus is asking Peter to prove his loyalty, even when it's difficult. It emphasizes the need for unwavering faith. Peter's response—denying Jesus—demonstrates a deep commitment to His teachings. Important Note: This story is often debated and interpreted differently. It’s generally understood as a symbolic representation of Peter’s potential betrayal, not a literal account of a rooster crowing. --- In short, this verse is a symbolic moment that challenges Peter to demonstrate his faith and loyalty to Jesus by resisting temptation. Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Answer any specific questions you have about it?