Jesus warns Peter about his desertion (Mt 26:34-26:34)

“Jesus said to him.

‘Truly!

I say to you!

This very night,

Before the cock crows,

You will deny me

Three times.’”

 

ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς Ἀμὴν λέγω σοι ὅτι ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτὶ πρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι τρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με.

 

This is almost word for word in Mark, chapter 14:30, but the cock crowed twice rather than once.  In Luke, chapter 22:22, and John, chapter 13:38, there is 1 cock crow, but 3 denials as in Matthew here.  Jesus then turned on Peter.  He said to him (ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς) with a solemn pronouncement (Ἀμὴν λέγω σοι) that this very night (ὅτι ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτὶ) before the cock or rooster would crow (πρὶν ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι), Peter would deny or disown him 3 times (τρὶς ἀπαρνήσῃ με).  Peter was probably astonished to hear this.