Definition: Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this famous passage from Matthew 26:34. It’s a really important and dramatic part of Jesus’s teachings leading up to his crucifixion. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is telling Peter (and likely the other twelve apostles) that he's about to be betrayed. He’s saying, "I will deny me three times." Let’s unpack each part: “Matthew 26:34” : This refers to a specific event in Matthew's Gospel – a conversation between Jesus and Peter before his arrest. “Jesus said unto him…” : Jesus is directly addressing Peter, using the pronoun "he" to refer to himself. It’s a formal statement of importance. “Verily I say unto thee…” : This is a crucial phrase. "Verily" means 'truly' or ‘really’. So, it's a very serious declaration. It means Jesus is going to tell Peter something significant and undeniable. “That this night…” : This tells us when the statement is happening – right before the cock crows (the rooster crowing marks the beginning of the day). “… thou shalt deny me thrice.” : This is the core message. "Thou" is a formal way of addressing someone, and “deny” means to say or do something that contradicts what you believe. "Thrice" means three times. So, Jesus is telling Peter that he will deny him three times. What does this mean practically? This isn't just about a simple disagreement. It’s a massive warning. Jesus is saying: “I’m going to intentionally and repeatedly betray you.” This betrayal is going to be devastating – it’s the foundation of everything that follows in the Gospels. Why is this significant? This passage highlights several important themes: Pre-Knowing: Jesus knew Peter would betray him, meaning he had a sense of what was coming. Responsibility: Jesus is placing responsibility on Peter for his actions. He’s not just letting the situation happen; he's actively choosing to make it happen. Danger: It sets the stage for a very dangerous and tragic event – Peter’s refusal to follow Jesus will ultimately lead to his death. In short, this verse is a powerful declaration of impending betrayal and a crucial moment in the narrative that foreshadows a significant turning point in Jesus's life and the story of Christianity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Matthew 26? Discuss the meaning of the phrase "verily" in more detail? Explore what this verse might symbolize (e.g., betrayal, death)?