Matthew 26:34

Matthew 26:34. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, -

That is to say, before that period of time which was called the cock-crowing, -

Matthew 26:34. Thou shalt deny me thrice.

According to Mark’s record, the cock was to crow once before Peter had denied his Lord thrice, and this it did; and when he had give his third denial, it crowed a second time, and then his slumbering conscience was awakened, and "he went out, and wept bitterly." Some persons, who are well acquainted with the religious ceremonies of the Jews, say that the period called the cock-crowing was the time for the sacrifice of the morning lamb, and that it was about that time that Peter denied his lord.