What is the meaning of Matthew 26:75?

Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken

Jesus’ earlier prediction suddenly explodes in Peter’s mind (Matthew 26:34; John 13:38).

• The moment is providential—God orchestrates the rooster’s crow as an audible reminder.

• Memory becomes conviction: Scripture declares, “The word of the LORD endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25), and here Peter experiences that permanence firsthand.

• Fulfilled prophecy validates Jesus’ divine authority, echoing earlier fulfillments such as the colt in Matthew 21:4–5 and the silver pieces in Matthew 27:9–10.

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“Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

• The specificity of “three times” and “before the rooster crows” shows Christ’s omniscience (John 2:24–25).

• Denial contrasts sharply with Peter’s prior pledge, “Even if I must die with You, I will never deny You” (Matthew 26:35), illustrating the weakness of human resolve apart from grace.

• Jesus had already warned Peter about Satan’s sift­ing (Luke 22:31–32), yet also promised intercession, hinting at restoration.

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And he went outside

• Leaving the high priest’s courtyard (Matthew 26:58) separates Peter from the swirl of accusation and compromise.

• Stepping away often precedes turning back to God; Lot had to leave Sodom (Genesis 19:15–17), and the prodigal son “came to himself” in a far country (Luke 15:17–18).

• Physical distance creates space for spiritual reflection—an example for believers battling temptation.

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and wept bitterly

• Bitter tears signal genuine, godly sorrow that “produces repentance leading to salvation without regret” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

• This is more than remorse; it is the broken and contrite heart God will not despise (Psalm 51:17).

• The depth of Peter’s grief prepares him for future restoration on the shore of Galilee (John 21:15–17), demonstrating that failure is not final when met with repentance and Christ’s forgiveness.

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summary

Matthew 26:75 captures the collision of prophecy, human frailty, and divine grace. Peter’s memory of Jesus’ precise words convicts him; his departure signals a break with sin’s setting; his bitter weeping reveals authentic repentance. The verse teaches that Jesus’ foreknowledge is flawless, our self-confidence is fragile, and true restoration begins with heartfelt sorrow over sin—paving the way for the Savior’s restoring love.