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Book of Matthew - Chapter 26 - Verse 73

26:73
And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

Meaning

When Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, those present recognized him as one of Jesus' disciples. They pointed out that his speech gave him away, revealing his Galilean origins. This moment serves as a reminder that our words and actions often reveal our true beliefs and allegiances, even when we try to hide them. Peter's fear and denial in this situation were a stark contrast to his later boldness in proclaiming his faith in Jesus. This verse illustrates the importance of staying true to our beliefs, even when faced with challenges or persecution. It also highlights the power of language in identifying and connecting individuals to their communities and beliefs. Ultimately, Peter's words betrayed him in this instance, but his subsequent actions demonstrated his deep faith and commitment to Jesus.

Theological Overview

Here, in the Gospel of Matthew 26:73, the theological interpretation centers around the concept of betrayal and denial. The verse relates to the moment when Peter, one of Jesus's disciples, was accused of being associated with Jesus. The phrase "thy speech bewrayeth thee" emphasizes how Peter's manner of speaking revealed his connection to Jesus, despite his earlier denial of knowing Him. This highlights the theme of authenticity and the inability to hide one's true beliefs or affiliations. The word "bewrayeth" itself has roots in Old English and means to reveal or disclose. This suggests that one's true character or allegiance will ultimately be known, regardless of attempts to conceal it. The word study here sheds light on the profound implications of authenticity and the consequences of denial, urging readers to reflect on the honesty of their own actions and words.

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