Mark 14 69

Mark 14:69 kjv

And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.

Mark 14:69 nkjv

And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, "This is one of them."

Mark 14:69 niv

When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them."

Mark 14:69 esv

And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, "This man is one of them."

Mark 14:69 nlt

When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, "This man is definitely one of them!"

Mark 14 verses

Mark 14 69 Meaning

Mark 14:69 describes the second instance of Peter being identified as an associate of Jesus during the High Priest's courtyard trial. The servant-girl, who had seen him previously, once more began to state to others present that Peter was indeed one of Jesus' followers. This repeated identification escalated the pressure on Peter, driving him closer to his complete denial of the Lord.

Mark 14 69 Context

This verse is situated in the deeply dramatic and intense hours following Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and His illegal trial before the Sanhedrin. While Jesus endured false accusations and humiliation inside the High Priest Caiaphas' courtyard, Peter, one of His closest disciples, followed "at a distance" and found himself warming himself by a fire amidst guards and servants. This setting, with its flickering firelight and hostile company, set the stage for Peter's ultimate test of loyalty. Mark 14:69 details the second step in Peter's prophetic denial, following an earlier accusation from the same servant-girl. It escalates the narrative tension, drawing Peter further into the trap of self-preservation at the cost of his confession of Christ, echoing the spiritual battle unfolding within and outside the high priest's chambers.

Mark 14 69 Word analysis

• And (καὶ - kai): A conjunction, here connecting the servant-girl's action to the preceding events of Peter's first denial, indicating continuity in the narrative of his temptation.
• the servant-girl (ἡ παιδίσκη - hē paidiskē): Specifically "the" girl mentioned in the prior verses (Mark 14:66). She holds a position of low social status but becomes a pivotal instrument in fulfilling Jesus' prophecy. Her observation signifies that Peter, despite his attempt to blend in, was recognizably distinct to someone familiar with the household and those who came and went.
• saw (ἰδοῦσα - idousa): From the verb "horaō," to see, perceive. This is a participle, indicating she continued to observe Peter, suggesting her initial identification was not a passing thought but confirmed by continued scrutiny. Her "seeing" is active and perceptive.
• him (αὐτὸν - auton): Refers directly to Peter, emphasizing he was the target of her gaze and subsequent declaration.
• began again (πάλιν ἤρξατο - palin ērxato): "Palin" means "again" or "once more," emphasizing repetition. "Ērxato" (from "archomai") means "began," implying an initiation of speech or action. Together, it conveys a fresh onset of her accusation, indicating Peter had thought the initial challenge might have passed, but it returns with renewed vigor.
• to say (λέγειν - legein): To speak, declare. She isn't just thinking it but vocalizing it, making it public.
• to those standing by (τοῖς παρεστῶσιν - tois parestōsin): Refers to other bystanders present in the courtyard. This shifts the accusation from a private encounter with Peter to a public declaration before multiple witnesses, increasing the stakes and pressure on Peter.
• This (Οὗτος - Houtos): Demonstrative pronoun, pointing directly and unequivocally to Peter. It leaves no room for doubt about who she is identifying.
• is (ἐστιν - estin): The simple verb "to be," indicating a definite state of being or identity.
• one of them (ἐξ αὐτῶν - ex autōn): "Ex" meaning "from" or "of," and "autōn" meaning "them." This identifies Peter as belonging to the group of Jesus' followers/disciples. This is a direct claim of association, placing him within the sphere of Jesus, which was dangerous in that moment.
• Words-group/Passage analysis:
  • "And the servant-girl saw him, and began again to say...": Highlights the renewed and deliberate nature of her accusation. Peter's momentary reprieve after the first denial is shattered as she actively observes and targets him again, ensuring his exposure to a broader audience in the courtyard.
  • "'This is one of them'": A concise yet damning accusation in the context of the trial. It points out Peter's association with Jesus in a way that, under the circumstances, implies complicity or shared guilt, putting him in a precarious position with the authorities and other bystanders. The directness and simplicity of her statement adds to its powerful impact.

Mark 14 69 Bonus section

The seemingly trivial role of a "servant-girl" in Peter's denial underscores a crucial biblical principle: God can use any person, regardless of their status or intention, to fulfill His divine purpose. The fact that Peter, a prominent disciple, succumbed to the words of such a person illustrates the unpredictable nature of temptation and the truth that fear of man truly "lays a snare" (Prov 29:25). The repetition "began again" not only highlights the girl's persistence but also Peter's continuing attempt to hide, perhaps thinking the first accusation was an isolated event. His failure here is not the end of his story but a profound lesson that Jesus had foretold, essential for his future leadership and ministry. It is through such painful, humble failures, and subsequent divine grace, that disciples are truly refined and prepared for their calling.

Mark 14 69 Commentary

Mark 14:69 serves as a potent reminder of human frailty under intense spiritual and worldly pressure. Peter, despite his bold claim earlier that he would never deny Jesus (Mk 14:29-31), finds himself in a vulnerable setting, mingling with those who oppose Christ. The persistent servant-girl, seemingly insignificant, becomes a catalyst for the fulfillment of prophecy, forcing Peter's hand for the second time. Her repeated observation and public declaration ("This is one of them") intensifies Peter's dilemma, escalating the public scrutiny and isolating him further. This moment reveals the pervasive power of fear and the subtle yet relentless nature of temptation. It stands in stark contrast to Jesus' unwavering confession and steadfastness inside the high priest's chambers, highlighting the vast spiritual chasm between the Divine Son and the fallible disciple. This tragic lapse in Peter's faith ultimately prepares the way for his profound repentance and subsequent, Spirit-empowered ministry.