Luke 22:56-57 Exegesis and Interpretation
Luke 22:56-57 describes Peter's first denial of Jesus: "Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, 'This man also was with him.' But he denied it, saying, 'Woman, I do not know him'" (ESV). This event occurs shortly after Jesus' arrest and during his trial before the Sanhedrin, as Peter follows at a distance into the high priest's courtyard [5, 6].
The broader context of Luke 22 details the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, beginning with the plot by the chief priests and scribes to kill Jesus, Judas's agreement to betray him, the Last Supper where Jesus institutes the Eucharist, and his discourse with his disciples [5, 6]. Jesus had previously warned Peter that he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed [1, 6]. This specific passage fulfills the first part of that prophecy.
The setting is the courtyard of the high priest, where Jesus is being interrogated [2]. Peter, having followed Jesus, is sitting among others by a fire [2]. A servant girl identifies Peter as one of Jesus' followers, prompting his denial [2]. The "Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" cross-references this account with similar narratives in Matthew 26:69, Mark 14:66, and John 18:17, indicating its presence across multiple Gospel accounts [2].
The Greek word for "servant girl" is paidiske, which can refer to a young female servant or slave. Her direct accusation, "This man also was with him," places Peter in immediate danger, as association with Jesus at this moment could lead to his own arrest or persecution [2]. Peter's response, "Woman, I do not know him," is a direct and unequivocal denial.
This passage highlights a significant moment of human weakness and fear in the face of adversity. Peter, who had earlier declared his willingness to die with Jesus (Luke 22:33), succumbs to fear when confronted by a mere servant girl [6]. This denial is not merely a lapse in courage but a direct contradiction of his earlier boasts and Jesus' explicit warning [1, 6]. The patristic writer Augustine, in his homilies on the Gospels, often discusses the consistency of the Gospel accounts regarding events like the insults hurled at Jesus, and by extension, the narrative surrounding Peter's denial [7, 8].
The event serves as a stark reminder of the human capacity for failure, even among those closest to Jesus. However, it also sets the stage for Peter's later repentance and restoration, which is a key theme in the Gospel narratives. The subsequent verses in Luke describe Peter's further denials and his bitter weeping after the rooster crows and Jesus looks at him [1, 3]. This moment of profound regret is crucial for understanding Peter's character development and his eventual leadership role in the early church. The cross-references for Luke 22:61, which describes Peter's weeping, include passages like Job 33:27 and Ezekiel 16:63, which speak of repentance and divine mercy [1].
The narrative of Peter's denial has functioned in Christian tradition as a cautionary tale against overconfidence and a testament to the reality of human frailty. It also underscores the depth of God's grace and forgiveness, as Peter is ultimately restored despite his profound failure. The event is often contrasted with Jesus' steadfastness in the face of his accusers, emphasizing the unique nature of Christ's resolve and obedience [4].
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Luke 22:61 cross-references: Job 33:27, Isaiah 57:15, Jeremiah 31:18, Ezekiel 16:63, Ezekiel 36:31, Hosea 11:8, Matthew 26:34, Matthew 26:75, Mark 5:30, Luke 7:13, Luke 10:41, Luke 22:34, John 13:38, Acts 5:31, Ephesians 2:11, Revelation 2:5”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Luke 22:56 cross-references: Matthew 26:69, Mark 14:6, Mark 14:17, Mark 14:66, John 18:17”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Luke 22:58 cross-references: Matthew 26:71, Mark 14:69, John 18:25”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Luke 22:37 cross-references: Isaiah 53:12, Matthew 26:54, Mark 15:27, Mark 15:28, Luke 18:31, Luke 22:22, Luke 23:32, Luke 24:44, John 10:35, John 17:4, John 19:28, Acts 13:27, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 3:13”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 22 (introduction): All the evangelists, whatever they omit, give us a particular account of the death and resurrection of Christ, because he died for our sins and rose for our justification, this evangelist as fully as any, and with many circumstances and passages added which we had not before. In this chapter we have, I. The plot to take Jesus, and Judas's coming into it (Luk 22:1-6). II. Christ's eating the passover with his disciples (Luk 22:7-18). III. The instituting of the Lord's supper (Luk 22:19, Luk 22:20). IV. Christ's discourse with his disciples after supper, ”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 22 (introduction): The chief priests and scribes plot our Lord's destruction, Luk 22:1, Luk 22:2. Judas, at the instigation of the devil, betrays him, Luk 22:3-6. He eats his last supper with his disciples, Luk 22:7-18. Institutes the eucharist, Luk 22:19, Luk 22:20. Announces one of his disciples as the traitor, Luk 22:21-23 : The contention which should be greatest, Luk 22:24-30. Warns Peter against Satan's devices, Luk 22:31, Luk 22:32. Peter's resolution, Luk 22:33. His denial foretold, Luk 22:34. Tells his disciples to make prudent provision for their own support, Luk ”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 6: Augustine — Homilies on the Gospels — CHAP. XV.--OF THE CONSISTENCY OF THE ACCOUNTS GIVEN BY MATTHEW, MARK, AND LUKE ON THE SUBJECT OF THE PARTIES WHO INSULTED THE LORD.: 52. Matthew goes on in the following strain: "And they that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself: if thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross."[1] Mark's statement agrees with this almost to the letter. Then Matthew continues thus: "Likewise also the chief priests, mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 6: Augustine — Homilies on the Gospels — CHAP.LXXV.--OF THE PHARISEES WHO SIT IN (part 2): outside of the cup and platter."(1) And after this, Luke reports other utterances which were directed against the said Pharisees and scribes and teachers of the law, which are of a similar tenor to those which Matthew also recounts in this passage which we have taken in hand at present to consider.(2) Wherefore, although Matthew records these things in a manner which, while it is true indeed that the house of that Pharisee is not mentioned by name, yet does not specify as the scene where the wo”