Betrayal Begins
But he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak!” Mark 14:71 · Berean Standard Bible
Peter starts cursing and swearing an oath: 'I don't know this man you're talking about!'
This is the lowest moment of Peter's life. He goes from denial to calling down curses on himself to prove he doesn't know Jesus. It's a total collapse.
Peter delivers his most desperate and forceful denial.
Hours ago Peter said he'd die for Jesus. Now he's cursing and swearing he never even knew Him. It's the most devastating reversal in the Gospels.
Peter's third denial escalates to anathematizein (invoking a curse) and omnuein (swearing an oath), vehemently denying any knowledge of Jesus.
The escalation from simple denial to cursing and oath-taking represents Peter's complete collapse. Anathematizein may mean calling down a curse on himself if lying, the strongest possible denial.
Peter issues his most vehement denial, using curses and oaths.
Peter reaches the lowest point of his denial, cursing and swearing oaths. The man who drew a sword to defend Jesus now invokes God's name to deny knowing Him.
69There the servant girl saw him and again said to those standing nearby, “This man is one of them.”
70But he denied it again.
71But he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak!”
72And immediately the rooster crowed a second time.
Read all of Mark 14 — A woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume while Judas negotiates his price. The Last Supper, Gethsemane, and Peter's denial unfold in rapid succession.
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