John 18 25

John 18:25 kjv

And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.

John 18:25 nkjv

Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, "You are not also one of His disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not!"

John 18:25 niv

Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, "You aren't one of his disciples too, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not."

John 18:25 esv

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, "You also are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not."

John 18:25 nlt

Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire warming himself, they asked him again, "You're not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "No, I am not."

John 18 verses

John 18 25 Meaning

John 18:25 records Simon Peter's second denial of Jesus. While attempting to remain unnoticed among the guards and servants by the fire in the high priest's courtyard, he is directly accused of being one of Jesus' disciples. Peter immediately and unequivocally denies the accusation, asserting "I am not." This moment highlights human weakness, fear of persecution, and the painful contrast between Peter's earlier bold declarations of loyalty and his present act of betrayal under pressure.

John 18 25 Context

John 18:25 is situated during Jesus' trial before Caiaphas, the high priest, in the temple courtyard. This takes place immediately following Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane and His preliminary examination. Simon Peter, having followed Jesus to the high priest's house "from a distance" (Mk 14:54), finds himself warming by a charcoal fire alongside guards and servants. His proximity to the events of Jesus' trial, yet his physical and spiritual distance from Jesus Himself, sets the stage for his betrayal. The coolness of the night necessitated a fire, symbolizing a fleeting worldly comfort in contrast to the intense spiritual battle and suffering unfolding indoors. Peter is not alone; "they" speak to him, indicating a group dynamic and escalating pressure for him to align with or disavow Jesus. This second denial occurs shortly after an initial questioning by a doorkeeper's servant girl, leading into the final, third denial, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy perfectly.

John 18 25 Word analysis

• Now (Οὖν - Oun): A connective particle indicating a transition or consequence from the previous verse. It signals a development in the narrative, linking Peter's ongoing presence at the fire to the accusation he faces.
• Simon Peter (Σίμων Πέτρος - Simon Petros): Explicitly identifies the apostle, highlighting that this significant fall involves a prominent leader among Jesus' disciples, who had earlier declared unwavering loyalty. "Peter" means "rock," making his current wavering deeply ironic.
• was standing (ἑστὼς - hestōs): A perfect active participle, emphasizing Peter's established posture or continuous state of being there. He was still fixed in that location after the first interaction.
• and warming himself (θερμαινόμενος - thermainomenos): A present participle, indicating a continuous action. This physical act of seeking warmth ironically symbolizes a desire for self-preservation and comfort, rather than enduring spiritual hardship with Christ. It reflects Peter’s engagement with worldly comfort over spiritual loyalty.
• They said (Εἶπον - Eipon): Plural verb, implying multiple people, possibly the guards, servants, or other onlookers in the courtyard. This suggests collective pressure and the risk of being identified by association.
• therefore (οὖν - Oun): Again, a connective, implying the question follows logically from his continued presence and previous interactions at the fire. His presence marks him as a potential associate.
• to him (αὐτῷ - autō): Directly addressed to Peter.
• You are not also (οὐ καὶ σὺ - ou kai sy): "οὐ" expects an affirmative answer to the negative question (i.e., "Surely you are not also..."). "καὶ" (also/even) emphasizes his potential membership, suggesting that he is perceived to be like other known followers or that other disciples have been mentioned. It is a direct challenge, subtly implying the questioners believe he is one.
• one of his disciples (εἷς ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ - heis ek tōn mathētōn autou): The direct accusation and the core of Peter's moral test. He is being identified specifically with Jesus' followers.
• are you?: Implied by the Greek interrogative structure; a challenge rather than a neutral inquiry.
• He denied it (ᾐρνήσατο - ērnēsato): A strong, decisive Aorist tense verb, denoting a completed action of refusal to acknowledge or confirm. This verb is often used for betraying trust or refusing to recognize someone/something.
• and said (καὶ εἶπεν - kai eipen): Connects the act of denial to the explicit verbal statement that follows.
• I am not (Οὐκ εἰμὶ - Ouk eimi): Peter's blunt, categorical verbal denial. This concise phrase is a stark antithesis to Jesus' powerful and divine declarations of "I AM" (ἐγώ εἰμι) throughout John's Gospel, including just moments earlier in John 18:5-6 and 18:8, where Jesus bravely identifies Himself. Peter, in fear, utterly disassociates himself from his Lord.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself": This phrase positions Peter as a continuous, albeit somewhat detached, observer of the events, trying to blend in for physical comfort and self-preservation. His physical act of "warming himself" contrasts sharply with the spiritual coldness of his upcoming denial, indicating a pursuit of earthly ease over steadfast loyalty.
• "They said therefore to him": Indicates that Peter's continued presence and behavior by the fire directly provoked further questioning, leading to his direct accusation. The plural "they" emphasizes the increased pressure from multiple sources.
• "You are not also one of his disciples, are you?": This rhetorical question, posed with the particle "οὐ," expects an affirmative answer, subtly pushing Peter towards confession. The inclusion of "also" suggests that Peter's accusers were aware that other disciples of Jesus existed or were also implicated, drawing him into this association. This question brings the stakes higher, demanding a direct verbal affirmation or denial of his identity.
• "He denied it and said, 'I am not'": This demonstrates a clear and immediate, albeit fearful, response. "He denied it" highlights the action of rejection, followed by the direct verbal statement "I am not," a complete disavowal of his discipleship and connection to Jesus. It is a moment of profound spiritual failure where his words align with human fear, not divine truth or courage.

John 18 25 Bonus section

The symbolism of the "fire" in John 18:18 and 18:25 is significant. While providing physical comfort in a cold night, it also served as a meeting place for Jesus' enemies (guards and servants). For Peter, warming himself at this fire symbolizes his temporary alliance with the world's ways and priorities rather than identifying fully with his suffering Lord. He sought comfort from a "fire" associated with Jesus' accusers. This moment of denial is particularly poignant when compared to Peter's bold confession of Jesus as the Christ in Matt 16:16, for which Jesus renamed him "Peter" (rock), foreseeing the solid foundation he would eventually become after his restoration. His threefold denial here stands in direct opposition to his threefold restoration by Jesus in John 21, where Jesus specifically asks "Do you love Me?" by another "charcoal fire" (Jn 21:9), providing a healing for the very wound of his denial. The account teaches that faith can falter, but through repentance and Christ's grace, one can be restored and fortified.

John 18 25 Commentary

John 18:25 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Peter's spiritual journey, showcasing the raw reality of human weakness when faced with imminent danger. Peter's attempts to stay warm by a literal fire starkly contrasts with his spiritual coldness as he actively distances himself from the Christ, whose sacrificial fire was already being kindled within. His presence in the courtyard highlights his initial desire to follow Jesus, even if "from a distance," but his fear-driven denial demonstrates a lack of true spiritual courage and reliance on God at that moment. The pointed question "You are not also one of his disciples, are you?" underlines the intensifying scrutiny and danger of being identified with Jesus. Peter's sharp and absolute "I am not" is a devastating fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy. This act is not just a personal failing but a testament to the powerful influence of the fear of man, demonstrating how swiftly conviction can erode under duress without divine fortitude. This passage prepares the reader for the eventual grace and profound restoration Peter experiences after the resurrection, emphasizing that even severe failures can lead to deeper understanding and transformation through God's mercy.Examples:

• Like Peter warming himself by a worldly fire, a believer might compromise on core beliefs to fit in or seek worldly comfort amidst pressure.
• Facing accusation of being a Christian, one might be tempted to subtly deny or deflect rather than bravely declare faith.
• A leader's public failure, like Peter's, can be a sobering reminder of human fallibility, even among the strongest, emphasizing reliance on Christ's strength.