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Mark 14:30
ESV And Jesus said to him, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times."
NIV "Truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."
NASB And Jesus *said to him, 'Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.'
CSB "Truly I tell you," Jesus said to him, "today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times."
NLT Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, Peter — this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.'
KJV 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.
NKJV Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”

What does Mark 14:30 mean?

There is some debate as to what the "rooster crow" is. It may very well be the cry of a literal rooster. Despite what most people assume from movies and television, roosters are ornery animals that find it unnecessary to wait for dawn to crow. This phrase may also be a figure of speech used for the bugle call which heralds the start of the Roman guards' fourth nightshift.

Much to Peter's devastation, Jesus' prophecy does come true. Jesus is arrested on the Mount of Olives (Mark 14:46) and taken to the high priest Caiaphas' courtyard where He is questioned by the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57–59). Peter stays at the gate while John, who is known to the high priest (John 18:15), goes into the courtyard. John sends a servant girl out to the gate, but Peter denies being one of Jesus disciples and the rooster cries once (John 18:15–17; Mark 14:68). The high priests' servants and officers make a fire, and Peter feels bold enough to join them to get warm when another servant girl returns (Matthew 26:71). She can see Peter better in the light of the fire and accuses him of being with Jesus in front of the other men (Luke 22:56). Peter denies again (Mark 14:69–70)). Finally, the bystanders confront Peter, recognizing that his accent is from Galilee. Peter not only denies that he knows Jesus, he curses himself if he is lying. The rooster crows again, and Peter remembers Jesus' words. He leaves, weeping (Mark 14:70–72; Luke 22:62).

Jesus warns Peter that Satan has asked to "sift [him] like wheat" (Luke 22:31). Not only is Peter's loyalty tested, Jesus hears Peter's denials (Luke 22:61). But Jesus prays that although Peter's courage may fail, his faith won't, and that Peter will be able to use this experience to give courage to the other disciples (Luke 22:32). Peter will deny Jesus, but he will also be restored (John 21:15–19). And, soon, with no fear of the Jewish leaders, Peter will publicly proclaim the gospel to a multitude gathered in Jerusalem. That day, about three thousand people will hear his message and believe in Jesus (Acts 2:14–41).

The difference is the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, Peter is bold and brash, ready to follow Jesus into any situation in which Jesus' power and authority are manifest. He does not yet have the courage to face persecution personally or walk into hardships without Jesus literally leading the way. Once Peter receives the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4), he will not be perfect (Galatians 2:11–14), but his faith will be proven (Acts 4).
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