John 13:38
New International Version
Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!

New Living Translation
Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.

English Standard Version
Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.

Berean Standard Bible
“Will you lay down your life for Me?” Jesus replied. “Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow until you will deny Me three times.

King James Bible
Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

New King James Version
Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.

New American Standard Bible
Jesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.

NASB 1995
Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.

NASB 1977
Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a cock shall not crow, until you deny Me three times.

Legacy Standard Bible
Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.

Amplified Bible
Jesus answered, “Will you [really] lay down your life for Me? I assure you and most solemnly say to you, before a rooster crows you will deny and completely disown Me three times.

Christian Standard Bible
Jesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly I tell you, a rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jesus replied, “Will you lay down your life for Me? I assure you: A rooster will not crow until you have denied Me three times.

American Standard Version
Jesus answereth, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Contemporary English Version
"Would you really die for me?" Jesus asked. "I tell you for certain before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don't even know me."

English Revised Version
Jesus answereth, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus replied, "Will you give your life for me? I can guarantee this truth: No rooster will crow until you say three times that you don't know me.

Good News Translation
Jesus answered, "Are you really ready to die for me? I am telling you the truth: before the rooster crows you will say three times that you do not know me.

International Standard Version
Jesus answered him, "Would you lay down your life for me? I tell you emphatically, a rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times."

Majority Standard Bible
?Will you lay down your life for Me?? Jesus replied. ?Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.

NET Bible
Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? I tell you the solemn truth, the rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times!

New Heart English Bible
Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I tell you, the rooster won't crow until you have denied me three times.

Webster's Bible Translation
Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say to thee, The cock will not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Weymouth New Testament
"You say you will lay down your life on my behalf!" said Jesus; "in most solemn truth I tell you that the cock will not crow before you have three times disowned me."

World English Bible
Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won’t crow until you have denied me three times.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Jesus answered him, “You will lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you may deny Me three times.”

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow until you will deny Me three times.

Young's Literal Translation
Jesus answered him, 'Thy life for me thou wilt lay down! verily, verily, I say to thee, a cock will not crow till thou mayest deny me thrice.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Jesus answered, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me Truly, truly, I say to thee, The cock shall not utter a sound, till thou deny me thrice.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Jesus answered him: Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Amen, amen I say to thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou deny me thrice.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Jesus answered him: “You will lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the rooster will not crow, until you deny me three times.”

New American Bible
Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”

New Revised Standard Version
Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus said to him, Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, The cock shall not crow, until you have denied me three times.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Yeshua said to him, “Will you lay down your life for my sake? Amen, amen, I say to you: 'A rooster will not crow until you deny me three times.'”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Jesus answered him: Will you lay down your life for me? Verily, verily I say to you, the cock will not crow till you have denied me three times.

Godbey New Testament
Jesus responds to him, Wilt thou lay down thy soul for me? Truly, truly, I say unto thee, that the cock shall not crow, until thou shalt thrice deny me.

Haweis New Testament
Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Verily, verily, I tell thee, the cock will not crow, before thou shalt deny me thrice.

Mace New Testament
Jesus answered him, you lay down your life for my sake! Verily, verily I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Weymouth New Testament
"You say you will lay down your life on my behalf!" said Jesus; "in most solemn truth I tell you that the cock will not crow before you have three times disowned me."

Worrell New Testament
Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your soul for Me? Verily, verily, I say to you, a cock shall not crow, till you thrice deny Me."

Worsley New Testament
Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily verily I tell thee, The cock shall not crow till thou hast denied me thrice.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
37“Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.” 38“Will you lay down your life for Me?” Jesus replied. “Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.

Cross References
Matthew 26:34
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus declared, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

Mark 14:30
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”

Luke 22:34
But Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”

John 18:27
Peter denied it once more, and immediately a rooster crowed.

Matthew 26:75
Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Mark 14:72
And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

Luke 22:61-62
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word that the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” / And he went outside and wept bitterly.

John 21:17
Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

Matthew 26:31-35
Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ / But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” / Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.” ...

Mark 14:27-31
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ / But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” / Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I never will.” ...

Luke 22:31-34
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat. / But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” / “Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.” ...

John 16:32
“Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

Zechariah 13:7
Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.


Treasury of Scripture

Jesus answered him, Will you lay down your life for my sake? Truly, truly, I say to you, The cock shall not crow, till you have denied me thrice.

Wilt.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 28:26
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

The cock.

John 18:16,17,25-27
But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter…

Matthew 26:34,69-75
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice…

Mark 14:30,66-72
And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice…

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John 13
1. Jesus washes the disciples' feet, and exhorts them to humility and charity.
18. He foretells and discovers to John by a token, that Judas should betray him;
31. commands them to love one another;
36. and forewarns Peter of his denials.














“Will you really lay down your life for Me?”
This phrase is a poignant question posed by Jesus to Peter. The Greek word for "life" here is "ψυχή" (psyche), which can also mean "soul" or "self." It indicates the depth of sacrifice that Jesus is questioning. Historically, this reflects the ultimate act of devotion and loyalty, as laying down one's life is the greatest form of love and commitment. Jesus is challenging Peter's understanding of his own faith and dedication, knowing that Peter's resolve will soon be tested.

“Truly, truly, I tell you,”
The repetition of "truly" (Greek: "ἀμὴν ἀμὴν," amen amen) is a solemn affirmation used by Jesus to emphasize the certainty and importance of what He is about to say. This phrase is unique to Jesus in the Gospels and serves to underscore the truthfulness and authority of His words. It is a call for the listener to pay close attention, as what follows is of great significance.

“before the rooster crows,”
The mention of the "rooster" (Greek: "ἀλέκτωρ," alektor) is significant in the cultural and historical context of the time. Roosters were common in the region and their crowing marked the approach of dawn. This phrase indicates a specific time frame, suggesting that Peter's denial will occur before the break of day. It serves as a prophetic marker, highlighting the immediacy and inevitability of the forthcoming events.

“you will deny Me three times.”
The prediction of Peter's denial is a sobering revelation. The number "three" in biblical terms often signifies completeness or perfection. In this context, it underscores the thoroughness of Peter's forthcoming denial. The Greek word for "deny" is "ἀπαρνήσῃ" (aparneomai), which means to disown or repudiate. This is a profound moment of foreshadowing, as Peter, despite his fervent declarations of loyalty, will fail to stand by Jesus in His hour of need. This serves as a humbling reminder of human frailty and the need for divine grace and strength.

(38) wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake?--Comp. for this phrase Note on John 10:11. The pronouns are emphatic, and there is a solemn emphasis in the repetition of what St. Peter had said. He was using words of which he knew not the full meaning. He spoke of laying down his life for his Lord. He would hereafter be able to follow, because his Lord would lay down His own life for him.

For the remainder of the verse, comp. Notes on Matthew 26:34; Mark 14:30; and Luke 22:34.

Verse 38. - With infinite pathos and pity Christ took up the words of Peter: Jesus answereth, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not have crowed, till thou hast denied me thrice. In Matthew 26:31-35 and Mark 11:27-31 the announcement of Peter's fate is made on the way to the garden of Gethsemane; Luke's account (Luke 22:31, etc.) may harmonize chronologically with this statement of John; but from all we know of Peter, it is probable that, after his long silence maintained during the discourse of John 14-17, his love may have been so quickened and deepened as to have once more induced the reiteration of his fidelity and his willingness to die for and with his Master, only to receive again a more explicit warning of his weakness. Towards the close of the sixteenth chapter of this Gospel, the Lord warns all his disciples of their inability to stand the tremendous test to which they would soon be exposed. If we reject the "harmony," and refuse to double the prediction, we should be strongly inclined, with Meyer and Lucke, to accept the higher credibility of John's chronology than that of Matthew or Mark. The extraordinary character of this prediction, recorded in all four Gospels, is one of the most vivid proofs of our Lord's supernatural power, and in its detail and definiteness places him among those who claim attention from their absolute knowledge, and not their vague guess of the future. Yet there was no fate in this prediction; for Peter is afterwards warned, entreated, prayed for even, by Immanuel.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Will you lay down
θήσεις (thēseis)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5087: To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

life
ψυχήν (psychēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590: From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.

for
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

Me?”
ἐμοῦ (emou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

replied.
Ἀποκρίνεται (Apokrinetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“Truly,
ἀμὴν (amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.

truly,
ἀμὴν (amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.

I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

[before]
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

[the] rooster
ἀλέκτωρ (alektōr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 220: A cock, rooster. From aleko; a cock or male fowl.

crows,
φωνήσῃ (phōnēsē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5455: From phone; to emit a sound; by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation.

you will deny
ἀρνήσῃ (arnēsē)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 720: Perhaps from a and the middle voice of rheo; to contradict, i.e. Disavow, reject, abnegate.

Me
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

three times.
τρίς (tris)
Adverb
Strong's 5151: Three times. Adverb from treis; three times.


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NT Gospels: John 13:38 Jesus answered him Will you lay down (Jhn Jo Jn)
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