And he went outsideThis phrase occurs after Peter's denial of Jesus, which fulfills Jesus' prophecy that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. The act of going outside signifies Peter's separation from the immediate environment where he denied Christ, symbolizing a physical and emotional departure from his failure. In biblical times, going outside often represented a change in state or condition, as seen in other scriptures where individuals leave a place of sin or judgment to seek repentance or solitude (e.g.,
Genesis 19:17, where Lot is instructed to flee Sodom).
and wept bitterly
Peter's weeping is a profound expression of remorse and repentance. The term "bitterly" indicates the depth of his sorrow, suggesting a heartfelt recognition of his sin and a desire for forgiveness. In Jewish culture, weeping was a common expression of grief and repentance, often associated with mourning or deep regret (e.g.,Jeremiah 31:9, where weeping is linked to repentance and return to God). This moment is pivotal for Peter, as it marks the beginning of his restoration, paralleling the biblical theme of repentance leading to redemption. His tears can be seen as a precursor to the grace and forgiveness he will later receive, reflecting the transformative power of Christ's love and mercy.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PeterOne of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his boldness and impulsive nature. In this passage, Peter experiences deep remorse after denying Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus' earlier prophecy.
2.
JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, whose arrest and trial are taking place during this event. Jesus had predicted Peter's denial, demonstrating His foreknowledge and the fulfillment of His words.
3.
The CourtyardThe setting where Peter's denial takes place. It is a place of confrontation and fear, contrasting with the earlier intimate setting of the Last Supper.
4.
The RoosterThe crowing of the rooster serves as a pivotal moment, marking the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about Peter's denial and triggering Peter's realization and subsequent remorse.
5.
The DenialThe event where Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, highlighting human weakness and fear in the face of persecution.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Human WeaknessPeter's denial is a stark reminder of our human frailty and the ease with which we can fall into sin, even with the best intentions.
The Importance of RepentancePeter's bitter weeping signifies genuine repentance, which is crucial for restoration and forgiveness in the Christian life.
The Fulfillment of Jesus' WordsJesus' prophecy about Peter's denial underscores the reliability and authority of His words, encouraging believers to trust in His promises.
Hope for RestorationDespite Peter's failure, his later restoration by Jesus shows that failure is not the end, and God offers redemption and a new beginning.
Vigilance in FaithPeter's experience teaches the importance of being watchful and prayerful, especially in times of trial and temptation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 22:62?
2.How can Peter's remorse in Luke 22:62 guide our repentance process today?
3.What does Peter's weeping reveal about genuine sorrow for sin?
4.How does Luke 22:62 connect with Psalm 51's theme of repentance?
5.How can we ensure our repentance leads to transformation, like Peter's did?
6.What steps can we take to avoid denying Christ in our daily lives?
7.Why did Peter weep bitterly in Luke 22:62?
8.How does Peter's denial reflect human weakness in faith?
9.What does Peter's remorse teach about repentance and forgiveness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 22?
11.What does the Bible say about handling shame and regret?
12.What lessons does Journey to the Cross, Volume 12 teach?
13.What does the Bible say about dealing with regrets?
14.What are the key themes in Book of the Rooster?What Does Luke 22:62 Mean
And• This single conjunction ties Peter’s reaction directly to the previous moment when “the Lord turned and looked at Peter” (Luke 22:61).
• It reminds us that the episode is not isolated; it fulfills Christ’s prediction inLuke 22:34 and echoes earlier warnings such asMatthew 26:31.
• Similar narrative flow appears inMark 14:72 andJohn 18:27, showing the historical harmony of the Gospels.
he went outside• Peter moves away from the high priest’s courtyard (Luke 22:55), distancing himself from the scene of failure.
• His departure pictures a needed separation from compromise, much like Joseph’s flight inGenesis 39:12 or the call in2 Corinthians 6:17 to “come out from among them.”
• The action also fulfills Jesus’ earlier words inLuke 22:32: “when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers,” hinting that repentance begins with stepping out of the wrong place.
and• This coordinating word links movement to emotion, underscoring that repentance is both an action and a heart response (cf.Acts 2:37–38).
• It reminds us that conviction without corresponding feeling—or feeling without decisive action—falls short of true change (James 2:17).
wept• Peter’s tears embody authentic sorrow over sin, parallelingEzra 10:1,Psalm 51:17, and2 Corinthians 7:10 where godly grief leads to repentance.
• The verb shows that confession is more than acknowledgment; it involves the whole person—mind, will, and emotions.
• Unlike Judas’s despairing remorse (Matthew 27:3–5), Peter’s tears open the door to restoration (John 21:15–17).
bitterly• The adverb amplifies the depth of Peter’s grief; he is not merely sad but brokenhearted, tasting the bitterness of denying the One he loves (Psalm 38:18).
• This depth of sorrow proves the Spirit’s convicting work, echoingZechariah 12:10 where Israel “will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.”
• Such bitterness, when yielded to God, becomes the soil for future boldness; Peter will later preach fearlessly inActs 2:14–41.
summaryLuke 22:62 portrays the immediate, wholehearted repentance of Peter after denying Jesus. The swift conjunction “And” roots his response in Christ’s prophetic word, “he went outside” pictures decisive separation from sin, “and” links deed to feeling, “wept” reveals genuine contrition, and “bitterly” underscores the depth of godly sorrow that leads to restoration. The verse assures believers that no failure is final when met with true repentance and the Savior’s gracious gaze.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.he wentἐξελθὼν(exelthōn)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1831:To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.outsideἔξω(exō)Adverb
Strong's 1854:Without, outside. Adverb from ek; out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively.[and] weptἔκλαυσεν(eklausen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2799:To weep, weep for, mourn, lament. Of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. Wail aloud.bitterly.πικρῶς(pikrōs)Adverb
Strong's 4090:Bitterly. Adverb from pikros; bitterly, i.e. violently.
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NT Gospels: Luke 22:62 He went out and wept bitterly (Luke Lu Lk) 
