John 18 17

John 18:17 kjv

Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

John 18:17 nkjv

Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, "You are not also one of this Man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not."

John 18:17 niv

"You aren't one of this man's disciples too, are you?" she asked Peter. He replied, "I am not."

John 18:17 esv

The servant girl at the door said to Peter, "You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not."

John 18:17 nlt

The woman asked Peter, "You're not one of that man's disciples, are you?" "No," he said, "I am not."

John 18 verses

John 18 17 Meaning

This verse describes a specific interaction where a servant girl questions Peter's discipleship, having previously seen him in the garden of Gethsemane with Jesus. It highlights Peter's denial of Jesus and the subsequent challenge to his association with the Lord.

John 18 17 Context

This verse occurs during Jesus' trial before Caiaphas, the High Priest. Peter is waiting outside in the courtyard. Caiaphas' household is involved in the proceedings against Jesus. The servant girl who speaks to Peter is likely one of the household staff, possibly the one who let Peter into the courtyard. This immediate context is the Passover feast night, a time of immense tension and danger for Jesus and his followers. The broader context is Jesus' passion week, leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection.

John 18 17 Word Analysis

• Οὖν (oun): "Therefore" or "And so". A conjunction indicating a consequence or continuation of thought from the preceding events or statements.
• Σίμων (Simōn): "Simon". The given name of Peter, highlighting his commonality.
• Πέτρος (Petros): "Peter". The new name given to him by Jesus, meaning "stone" or "rock." Its use here, particularly by someone else questioning him, emphasizes his current denial in contrast to his appointed role.
• ἦν (ēn): "was". Imperfect tense of εἰμί (eimi), "to be," indicating an ongoing state or condition of sitting.
• ἑστὼς (hestōs): "standing". Present participle of ἵστημι (histēmi), "to stand." Though it states he was sitting, this refers to a former state or possibly that he had just gotten up to question the girl. Some scholars debate the exact posture; others see it as Peter shifting his position during the interaction. The variation in the Gospels (sitting/standing) might be due to different viewpoints or small inaccuracies.
• καὶ (kai): "and". A common conjunction.
• ἔφη (ephē): "said". A simple past tense verb of φημί (phēmi), "to say."
• ἡ (hē): "the". Definite article.
• παιδίσκη (paidiskē): "maidservant," "young girl," "female servant." From παῖς (pais), meaning "child" or "servant." This suggests a lower social status.
• ἐπιβλέψασα (epiblepsasa): "looking upon," "gazing at," "having looked." Feminine aorist participle of ἐπιβλέπω (epiblepō). It implies a more attentive and possibly probing gaze than a mere glance.
• αὐτῷ (autō): "to him," "on him." Dative pronoun referring to Peter.
• ἀλλά (alla): "but". A stronger contrast than δὲ (de).
• καὶ (kai): "and" or "also."
• τοῦτον (touton): "this man." Accusative pronoun referring to Jesus.
• ἴδετε (ideté): "you see," "you may see," "behold." Second person plural aorist imperative of ὁράω (horaō), "to see." It carries an imperative force, commanding the others to look and confirm.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• μὴ (mē): "not". Used to negate the following participle.
• οὐχ (ouch): "not". A standard negative particle.
• οὗτός (houtos): "this one." Nominative pronoun referring to Jesus.
• ἐστὶν (estin): "is." Third person singular present indicative of εἰμί (eimi).
• τοῦ (tou): "of the." Genitive article.
• Ιησοῦ (Iēsou): "Jesus." Genitive case of Jesus.
• τοῦ (tou): "of the." Genitive article.
• Ναζαρηνοῦ (Nazarēnou): "Nazarene." Genitive adjective or noun derived from Nazareth. A common identifier for Jesus.

Group Analysis:

• "Look, have you not also…?": The question is accusatory, drawing attention from others to verify her claim. It’s designed to expose and shame Peter, making his denial more public.
• "You also were with Jesus the Nazarene": The phrase "also" implies she has seen him in association with Jesus before. Identifying Jesus as "the Nazarene" is a common descriptor, sometimes carrying a slightly derogatory or dismissive tone, reflecting public perception.

John 18 17 Bonus Section

The interaction takes place near a charcoal fire (John 18:18), which serves as a point of ironic contrast to Peter’s later restorative encounter with Jesus, also by a fire (John 21:9). The maidservant’s identity as "the gatekeeper" (paidiskē) is only mentioned in John 18:17. This detail is absent in the parallel accounts in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which generally report the denial without specifying the questioner's role or relationship. This specificity in John suggests its thematic importance or that John's Gospel is drawing from a more detailed tradition. The accusation directly challenges Peter’s claim to discipleship when faced with immediate opposition, a crucial test he fails.

John 18 17 Commentary

The maidservant’s accusation is direct and pointed. She had seen Peter with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and recognized him. Her question, "Look, have you not also been with Jesus the Nazarene?" aims to expose his affiliation. This leads to Peter's first recorded denial. It is significant that it is a lowly maidservant who is the catalyst for Peter's denial, demonstrating that even those considered less important can have insight and act as instruments in God's plan. Peter's interaction highlights his fear and the stark contrast between his outward confession and his internal wavering. His failure here is profound, yet it is a prelude to his later restoration and powerful ministry. The incident underscores human frailty, especially under pressure, but also God’s ability to work through brokenness.