Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 26:74

"Then began he to curse and to swear, I know not the man. And straightway the cock crew." — Matthew 26:74 (ASV)

A little more time elapses. In any age accent in speaking varies with geography, and Peter’s speech shows him to be a Galilean. That one of those present at Peter’s denial said that his accent proved him to be a disciple of Jesus shows how much Jesus’ ministry had been in Galilee and how relatively few of his disciples were from Judea. Having lied twice, Peter finds himself forced to lie again, this time with more oaths. Immediately the rooster crows, a bitter reminder of Jesus’ words (v.34). He who thought he could stand has fallen terribly (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:12).