John 18 16

John 18:16 kjv

But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

John 18:16 nkjv

But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.

John 18:16 niv

but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

John 18:16 esv

but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in.

John 18:16 nlt

Peter had to stay outside the gate. Then the disciple who knew the high priest spoke to the woman watching at the gate, and she let Peter in.

John 18 verses

John 18 16 Meaning

John 18:16 details a pivotal moment during Jesus's trial, immediately following His arrest. It describes how Peter, who had followed Jesus to the High Priest's residence but remained "outside at the door," was granted entry. This entry was facilitated by "the other disciple" (traditionally John), who, due to his acquaintance with the High Priest, was able to speak to the doorkeeper and bring Peter into the courtyard where Jesus was being questioned. This event sets the stage for Peter's three denials of Christ.

John 18 16 Context

John chapter 18 opens with Jesus's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. After His capture, the disciples scatter, except for Peter and "another disciple" who follow "at a distance." Jesus is taken first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas (the acting High Priest), for an initial interrogation. This specific verse takes place in the courtyard of Annas's (or possibly Caiaphas's) house. Peter's precarious position "outside at the door" highlights his emotional state – he is following but also separated, hesitant, and exposed. The unique detail about "the other disciple" knowing the High Priest reveals a network of connections within the priestly aristocracy that this unnamed disciple (widely identified as John) possessed, enabling access that Peter, a Galilean fisherman, would not normally have had. This entire setup is critical as it provides the physical setting for Peter's soon-to-be repeated denials of Jesus.

John 18 16 Word analysis

• but (δὲ - de): A transitional particle, indicating a shift or contrast from the previous action of Jesus being led away and the disciples following Him from a distance (Jn 18:15).
• Peter (Πέτρος - Petros): A leading apostle, known for his impulsiveness, bold declarations, but also his vulnerability and moments of failure. His actions here prelude a significant moment of personal failure.
• stood (εἱστήκει - histēkei): Imperfect tense, implying a continuous or repeated action. It portrays Peter standing persistently, emphasizing his lingering presence, but his posture "outside" highlights his liminal state—neither fully committed by going inside nor fully abandoning Jesus by leaving.
• outside (ἔξω - exō): A crucial spatial and symbolic detail. Physically separated from the scene of Jesus's questioning, yet spiritually in a state of hesitation, on the precipice of his loyalty test.
• at the door (ἐπὶ τῇ θύρᾳ - epi tē thyra): Reinforces Peter's position at the threshold, emphasizing a barrier that prevents his entry, both physically and perhaps symbolically, from fully facing the unfolding crisis.
• So (οὖν - oun): A conjunction, signifying consequence. Because Peter was outside, an action needed to be taken to get him in.
• the other disciple (ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς - ho allos mathētēs): A recurring Johannine self-reference, traditionally identified as John. This self-effacing title highlights an eyewitness account while maintaining humility.
• who was known (γνωστὸς ἦν - gnōstos ēn): Signifies a established, well-known relationship or acquaintance. It implies social standing, a network of contacts, or perhaps a family connection, granting this disciple unusual access and influence within the High Priest's powerful household. This detail adds verisimilitude to the account.
• to the high priest (τῷ ἀρχιερεῖ - tō archierei): The spiritual and political leader of Israel. Being "known to" such a figure implies significant access and perhaps protection from immediate scrutiny, contrasting with the general vulnerability of Jesus's followers.
• went out (ἐξῆλθεν - exēlthen): From inside the courtyard where Jesus was to Peter "outside," showing his insider status and willingness to help his companion.
• spoke (καὶ εἶπεν - kai eipen): A simple yet effective act of intercession or persuasion. The power of spoken word, particularly when it comes from one with a recognized social standing.
• to the doorkeeper (τῇ θυρωρῷ - tē thyrorō): The person (explicitly female, θυρωρός is feminine) guarding the entrance. Her position made her the gatekeeper, emphasizing that access was not free. Her interaction with "the other disciple" demonstrates that human relationships and social norms play a role even in moments of profound spiritual crisis.
• and brought Peter in (καὶ εἰσήγαγεν τὸν Πέτρον - kai eisēgagen ton Petron): The conclusive action, crossing the threshold. This act is a physical transition from "outside" to "inside," setting the direct stage for Peter's imminent test and subsequent denials.

Words-group analysis

• "but Peter stood outside at the door": This phrase paints a vivid picture of Peter's position—physically near, yet excluded, illustrating his current spiritual state of being partially committed but also exposed and vulnerable to fear and the external pressures.
• "So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest": Highlights the contrasting status and privilege of the unnamed disciple. His established connection facilitated a crucial entry, suggesting divine providence might use unexpected human means and relationships to further its plan, even for difficult ends like Peter's denial.
• "went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in": Describes the seamless and intentional act of the other disciple to ensure Peter's entry. This simple action had profound consequences, as it placed Peter directly into the environment where his loyalties would be tested and, tragically, fail.

John 18 16 Bonus section

The seemingly minor detail of the doorkeeper (a female, θυρωρός - thyroros) is considered by many scholars as a strong indicator of eyewitness testimony. It is precisely these mundane yet specific details that often appear in genuine firsthand accounts, adding credibility to John's Gospel. The "other disciple's" relationship with the High Priest may stem from several possibilities not explicitly stated: he might have been from a wealthy family with business connections to priestly circles, or perhaps his family, though Galilean fishermen, held some status or influence in Jerusalem. This connection provided a pathway not available to Peter, further illustrating the varied social backgrounds and access among Jesus's inner circle. This setup provides a vivid contrast between the courage and privilege of "the other disciple" and the impending frailty and denial of Peter.

John 18 16 Commentary

John 18:16 serves as a concise, yet crucial, narrative bridge in the Passion account, orchestrating the environment for Peter's infamous denial. It reveals Peter's liminal state, "outside at the door," mirroring his wavering resolve at a moment of extreme pressure. His position signifies his separation from the direct presence of Jesus's trial and his susceptibility to fear. The "other disciple" (traditionally John) plays a significant role, utilizing his established acquaintance with the High Priest to secure Peter's entry. This detail underscores John's unique perspective and access, a subtle mark of eyewitness authority. The exchange with the doorkeeper highlights the everyday human mechanisms that intertwine with profound theological events. Irony saturates this scene: Peter, who earlier vowed to die for Jesus, gains entry through another's connection, only to face his moment of weakness inside. The act of bringing Peter in, while seemingly helpful, directly exposes him to the conditions for his fall, demonstrating how even seemingly benevolent human actions can, by divine permission, set the stage for one's greatest trial and humbling.

• Practical Usage Example: Sometimes, being too close to the edge of temptation (being "at the door" of a harmful environment) facilitated by seemingly harmless means can lead to a spiritual fall. Even well-intentioned help can put one in a position of vulnerability if not guided by God's Spirit.