The crucial detail here is that the maid "again" points Peter out. This isn't a new accusation, but a persistent one, highlighting how Peter's attempt to blend in by moving to the porch only made him more conspicuous and trapped him in a cycle of denial. The repetition underscores the intensity of his situation and the growing pressure he felt.
And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter, trying to stay warm and unnoticed near a fire in the high priest's courtyard, has just been identified by a servant girl as a follower of Jesus. He vehemently denies knowing Jesus, but the same girl spots him again and calls out to others nearby, pointing to him and insisting he's one of Jesus' followers. This public accusation forces Peter to deny Jesus a second time, escalating the tension and his own inner turmoil.
Imagine being cornered, not just once, but repeatedly. Peter found himself in this exact, terrifying situation. How did this 'maid' keep coming back?
This verse highlights the persistent nature of the accusations against Peter. The original text emphasizes that it was 'the maid' (or possibly the same maid, as suggested by some interpretations) who saw him again. This isn't a one-off accusation; it's a snowball effect.
Peter tried to disappear into the crowd, but his very way of speaking gave him away. What does this tell us about identity?
This passage, and the broader context, reveals a crucial detail: Peter's Galilean accent betrayed him. He thought he was safe, but his origins spoke louder than his denials.
Ask a follow-up
It wasn't just one person, but a group that closed in on Peter. What does their casual attitude reveal about the stakes?
The text indicates that the maid spoke 'to them that stood by.' This points to a group of people, likely soldiers and servants of the high priest, who were not neutral observers but participants in the unfolding drama.
Understand the original words
Galilaios · Greek Noun
An inhabitant of the region of Galilee. In the New Testament, Galileans were often noted for their distinct regional accent or dialect, which made them easily identifiable to inhabitants of Jerusalem.
This verse captures a pivotal moment in Peter's denial of Jesus, set against the backdrop of the turbulent night following Jesus' arrest and prior to His trial. The repeated accusations and Peter's increasingly desperate denials highlight the intense pressure and fear he experienced, contrasting sharply with his earlier bold declarations of loyalty.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus brought before Annas and Caiaphas
After Jesus' arrest, He was first taken to Annas, the former High Priest, and then to Caiaphas, the current High Priest, before the Sanhedrin convened.
c. AD 30
Peter in the High Priest's courtyard
Peter, seeking to stay close to Jesus but fearing exposure, followed Him to the High Priest's courtyard and warmed himself by a fire with the guards and servants.
c. AD 30
First denial of Jesus by Peter
A servant girl recognized Peter and accused him of being with Jesus, leading to his first denial.
c. AD 30
Second denial of Jesus by Peter
After moving to the gateway and hearing the first cock crow, Peter was challenged again by the same girl and denied knowing Jesus.
c. AD 30
Third denial of Jesus by Peter
About an hour later, others in the courtyard, noting his Galilean accent, pressed Peter, leading to his final, emphatic denial, accompanied by curses and oaths.
This passage directly parallels the setting and initial identification of Peter by a servant girl, highlighting the immediate social pressure and scrutiny he faced.
John 18:25This verse shows a similar accusation leveled against Peter, illustrating the persistent nature of the questioning and the escalating danger he was in.
Matthew 26:70This verse presents Peter's denial in response to an accusation, emphasizing the contrast between his outward claims and his inward fear.
Mark 14:71This verse describes Peter's further denials and the growing suspicion from those around him, underscoring the consequences of his actions.
Luke 22:61This verse highlights the moment Jesus turns and looks at Peter, providing the crucial divine perspective on Peter's denial and the subsequent repentance.
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 crucial detail here is that the maid "again" points Peter out. This isn't a new accusation, but a persistent one, highlighting how Peter's attempt to blend in by moving to the porch only made him more conspicuous and trapped him in a cycle of denial. The repetition underscores the intensity of his situation and the growing pressure he felt.
Peter, trying to stay warm and unnoticed near a fire in the high priest's courtyard, has just been identified by a servant girl as a follower of Jesus. He vehemently denies knowing Jesus, but the same girl spots him again and calls out to others nearby, pointing to him and insisting he's one of Jesus' followers. This public accusation forces Peter to deny Jesus a second time, escalating the tension and his own inner turmoil.
Peter, trying to stay warm and unnoticed near a fire in the high priest's courtyard, has just been identified by a servant girl as a follower of Jesus. He vehemently denies knowing Jesus, but the same girl spots him again and calls out to others nearby, pointing to him and insisting he's one of Jesus' followers. This public accusation forces Peter to deny Jesus a second time, escalating the tension and his own inner turmoil.
"And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”" — The crucial detail here is that the maid "again" points Peter out. This isn't a new accusation, but a persistent one, highlighting how Peter's attempt to blend in by moving to the porch only made him…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
