and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that Peter was "warming himself" by the fire. This seemingly simple detail is significant because the light from the fire actually made him more visible, drawing the maid's attention and leading to his recognition.
and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just been arrested and is being questioned by the high priest and the Jewish council. Meanwhile, Peter, afraid and wanting to see what would happen, has followed Jesus to the courtyard of the high priest's house. There, seeking warmth and trying to blend in, he's questioned by servants who recognize him from earlier.
Peter sought warmth and anonymity by the fire, but instead, he was illuminated. What does this moment reveal about how we are seen, even when we try to hide?
Peter’s decision to stay and warm himself by the fire in the high priest's courtyard was a pivotal moment. While it offered physical comfort, it also placed him directly in the line of sight of those present.
The accusation wasn't just 'You were with Jesus,' but 'You also were with Jesus.' What subtle sting does that word 'also' carry in this context?
The maid's question, 'You also were with Jesus of Nazareth,' carries significant weight. It’s not just an identification, but an implication and an accusation.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
Nazarēnos · Greek Noun
A title for Jesus of Nazareth, referencing his upbringing in the town of Nazareth. In the Gospels, it identifies his human origin and is often used by those who viewed him with either curiosity, identification, or, as in the case of his opponents, disdain.
Peter's denial unfolds in the tense, immediate aftermath of Jesus' arrest during the Passover festival in Jerusalem, a time of heightened religious and political scrutiny.
c. AD 27
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus starts teaching, healing, and gathering disciples throughout Galilee and Judea.
c. AD 30
Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem during Passover, acclaimed by crowds, intensifying conflict with religious leaders.
Night of Passover, AD 30
Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane
Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by temple guards and Roman soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Night of Passover, AD 30
Jesus is taken to Annas and Caiaphas
Jesus is brought before the former and current high priests for preliminary questioning before the Sanhedrin convenes.
Night of Passover, AD 30— this verse
Peter waits in the high priest's courtyard
Peter follows Jesus and enters the courtyard of the high priest's residence, seeking to observe the proceedings.
Night of Passover, AD 30
Peter's denials
Under questioning by servants and others, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows.
Morning of Passover, AD 30
Jesus faces the Sanhedrin
The Jewish high court convenes in the morning to formally try Jesus, leading to His condemnation.
This passage immediately precedes Peter's denial and shows another disciple, John, being admitted by the gatekeeper and speaking with the same person who let Peter in, highlighting the contrast between their recognized status and Peter's subsequent denial.
Luke 22:54-57This parallel account emphasizes the setting of Peter warming himself by the fire and the maid's observation, adding the detail that Peter denied knowing Jesus when first questioned.
Matthew 26:70-72Matthew's account further describes Peter's denial, including the addition of cursing and swearing, showing the escalating nature of his betrayal as the accusations continue.
Luke 22:61-62This passage highlights the pivotal moment when Jesus turns and looks at Peter after the cock crows the second time, leading to Peter's remembrance and weeping, which is a direct consequence of his denial.
cambridgeMark 14:67: "And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth."
67 . warming himself ] This seems to have been shortly after his entrance, as related above. The maid who approached probably was the porteress who had admitted him. she looked upon him ] with fixed and earnest gaze, as the original word used by St Luke ( Luke 22:56 ) implies.
expositorsMark 14:66-72: "And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:"
CHAPTER 14:66-72 (Mark 14:66-72)THE FALL OF PETER "And as Peter was beneath in the court, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest; and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and saith, Thou also wast with the Nazarene, even Jesus. But he denied, saying, I neither know, nor understand what thou sayest: and he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. And the maid saw…
The text highlights that Peter was "warming himself" by the fire. This seemingly simple detail is significant because the light from the fire actually made him more visible, drawing the maid's attention and leading to his recognition.
Jesus has just been arrested and is being questioned by the high priest and the Jewish council. Meanwhile, Peter, afraid and wanting to see what would happen, has followed Jesus to the courtyard of the high priest's house. There, seeking warmth and trying to blend in, he's questioned by servants who recognize him from earlier.
Jesus has just been arrested and is being questioned by the high priest and the Jewish council. Meanwhile, Peter, afraid and wanting to see what would happen, has followed Jesus to the courtyard of the high priest's house. There, seeking warmth and trying to blend in, he's questioned by servants who recognize him from earlier.
"and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.”" — The text highlights that Peter was "warming himself" by the fire. This seemingly simple detail is significant because the light from the fire actually made him more visible, drawing the maid's attent…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026