And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say "a maid" saw him, but implies it's the same maid who pointed him out earlier. This detail highlights how Peter’s attempts to blend in were failing, and his earlier denial hadn't truly hidden him, making his situation even more desperate.
And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter, seeking to warm himself by a fire in the courtyard, is recognized by a servant girl who had seen him earlier. She calls out to others nearby, identifying him as one of Jesus' followers. This happens immediately after he has already denied knowing Jesus once to another servant girl and moved away, only to be confronted again.
Peter is trying to blend in, but a servant girl won't let him. How does repeated accusation chip away at resolve?
This verse highlights the persistent nature of the accusation against Peter. It wasn't a one-time event; the maid 'began again' to point him out. This repetition, even from a seemingly minor figure, underscores the psychological pressure Peter is under.
The Weight of Being Seen
Peter is desperately trying to escape notice, but his association with Jesus is a mark that won't fade. What does it mean to be 'one of them'?
The maid's declaration, 'This man is one of them,' is incredibly potent because it connects Peter not just to a person, but to a movement and a reputation.
Identity Under Fire
Ask a follow-up
The setting is crucial: Peter is in the courtyard of the High Priest's residence, the very place where Jesus is being interrogated. This proximity highlights the stark contrast between Jesus' faithfulness and Peter's denials.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest
Following Jesus' betrayal by Judas, He is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.
c. AD 30
Jesus brought before Annas
Jesus is taken to the residence of Annas, the former High Priest, for an initial questioning.
c. AD 30
Peter enters the High Priest's courtyard
Seeking to see Jesus, Peter follows Him to the courtyard of the High Priest's residence and warms himself by a fire.
c. AD 30
First denial by Peter
A servant girl of the High Priest recognizes Peter and questions his presence with Jesus. Peter denies knowing Jesus.
c. AD 30— this verse
Peter moves to the gateway and is questioned again
Peter moves to the gateway. Another servant girl sees him and, along with others nearby, questions him. He denies Jesus a second time.
c. AD 30
Third denial and cock crowing
About an hour later, bystanders identify Peter as a Galilean. He vehemently denies knowing Jesus a third time, and the cock crows.
This verse directly parallels the accusation made by the servant girl, highlighting Peter's denial of knowing Jesus even as he was being questioned by others in the courtyard.
John 18:25This passage provides a similar account of individuals challenging Peter, confirming the immediate and public nature of the accusations against him and his repeated denials.
Matthew 26:71This verse describes another female witness identifying Peter, emphasizing the persistence of the accusations and the growing pressure Peter faced to deny Jesus.
Mark 14:70This verse immediately follows, showing Peter's second denial in response to the accusation, illustrating the progression of his unfaithfulness under pressure.
Luke 22:59This verse shows that about an hour later, another person also identified Peter, demonstrating that the accusations and scrutiny continued even after his initial denials.
ellicottMark 14:69: "And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them."
(69) A maid. —Better, the maid — i.e., the one that had pointed him out before.
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 verse doesn't just say "a maid" saw him, but implies it's the same maid who pointed him out earlier. This detail highlights how Peter’s attempts to blend in were failing, and his earlier denial hadn't truly hidden him, making his situation even more desperate.
Peter, seeking to warm himself by a fire in the courtyard, is recognized by a servant girl who had seen him earlier. She calls out to others nearby, identifying him as one of Jesus' followers. This happens immediately after he has already denied knowing Jesus once to another servant girl and moved away, only to be confronted again.
Peter, seeking to warm himself by a fire in the courtyard, is recognized by a servant girl who had seen him earlier. She calls out to others nearby, identifying him as one of Jesus' followers. This happens immediately after he has already denied knowing Jesus once to another servant girl and moved away, only to be confronted again.
"And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.”" — The verse doesn't just say "a maid" saw him, but implies it's the same maid who pointed him out earlier. This detail highlights how Peter’s attempts to blend in were failing, and his earlier denial…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026