King James Bible
"But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God."
Jesus warns about publicly disowning or rejecting him—contrasting with the previous verse about confessing him. This denial refers to a deliberate, public repudiation of Christ, particularly under pressure or persecution. The consequence mirrors the action: those who reject Christ will themselves be rejected in the heavenly court. The mention of angels emphasizes the cosmic significance of this judgment, as they serve as witnesses in God's tribunal.