Luke 22:56

KJV

But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} a certain {G5100} maid {G3814} beheld {G1492} him {G846} as he sat {G2521} by {G4314} the fire {G5457}, and {G2532} earnestly looked {G816} upon him {G846}, and said {G2036}, This man {G3778} was {G2258} also {G2532} with {G4862} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One of the servant girls saw him sitting in the light of the fire, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.”

Berean Standard Bible

A servant girl saw him seated in the firelight and looked intently at him. “This man also was with Him,” she said.

American Standard Version

And a certain maid seeing him as he sat in the light of the fire, and looking stedfastly upon him, said, This man also was with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:56 initiates the account of Peter's three denials of Jesus, a pivotal moment immediately following Jesus' arrest and transfer to the high priest's house. This verse captures the initial confrontation where a young servant girl identifies Peter as a companion of Jesus, setting in motion the fulfillment of Jesus' earlier prophecy and highlighting the intense pressure and fear that led to Peter's profound human frailty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader passion narrative in Luke's Gospel, specifically following Jesus' arrest in [the Garden of Gethsemane](/luke/22-47-53 "Luke 22:47-53 - The Arrest of Jesus") and His subsequent transfer to the high priest's house ([Luke 22:54](/luke/22-54 "Luke 22:54 - Peter Follows Jesus")). Peter, having followed "at a distance," finds himself in the courtyard where Jesus is being interrogated by the Sanhedrin. The immediate verses, [Luke 22:55](/luke/22-55 "Luke 22:55 - Peter in the Courtyard") and [Luke 22:57-62](/luke/22-57-62 "Luke 22:57-62 - Peter's Denials and Repentance"), detail the subsequent denials and Peter's bitter repentance. This scene is a direct fulfillment of Jesus' solemn prophecy to Peter at the Last Supper, recorded in [Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial"), emphasizing the divine orchestration of events even amidst human failure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the courtyard of the high priest's house in Jerusalem, likely at night, as indicated by the need for a fire for warmth ([Luke 22:55](/luke/22-55 "Luke 22:55 - Peter in the Courtyard")). During trials, it was common for people, including servants and curious onlookers, to gather in the outer courtyards. The "maid" (Greek: _paidiskē_) would have been a young female servant, likely involved in household duties, and her presence in the courtyard was typical. Her social standing, while humble, does not diminish the profound impact of her accusation, which highlights the vulnerability of Peter in this public and tense environment. The cold night and the gathering around the fire create a seemingly mundane, yet highly charged, atmosphere where Peter's identity is exposed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **human frailty and fear**, demonstrating how even a devoted disciple like Peter, who had earlier vowed loyalty and even drawn a sword ([Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Boast") and [Luke 22:50](/luke/22-50 "Luke 22:50 - Peter's Sword")), succumbs to the pressure of a simple accusation. Secondly, it highlights the **fulfillment of prophecy**, as Jesus' foreknowledge of Peter's denial ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial")) is precisely realized, affirming divine sovereignty even in moments of human weakness. Lastly, the passage emphasizes the **power of observation and recognition**, as the maid's keen gaze and direct identification of Peter initiate a chain of events that exposes Peter's fear and the reality of his discipleship under duress.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **maid (Greek, _paidískē'_):** This word refers to a young girl, specifically a female slave or servant. In this context, it emphasizes the seemingly insignificant social status of the accuser, making Peter's fear and subsequent denial even more poignant. It highlights that the pressure came not from a powerful authority, but from a common household worker.
* **beheld (Greek, _eídō'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), and by implication, "to know." This term suggests that the maid did not merely glance at Peter but observed him with a degree of recognition or understanding, perhaps connecting him to the group arrested with Jesus. Her "seeing" implies a dawning realization of his identity.
* **earnestly looked (Greek, _atenízō'_):** This verb means "to fix one's gaze," "to stare intently," or "to scrutinize." It intensifies the meaning of "beheld," indicating that the maid's observation was not casual but deliberate and penetrating. She scrutinized Peter, confirming her initial suspicion, which then led to her direct accusation. This intense scrutiny placed Peter under immediate and uncomfortable pressure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire":** This clause sets the scene, introducing the protagonist of the accusation, a "certain maid" (implying one among many servants or onlookers), and her initial action of observing Peter. Peter's posture "by the fire" suggests he was seeking warmth and perhaps trying to blend in, but his presence was noted. The Greek particle "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a shift in focus from Jesus' trial to Peter's unfolding crisis.
* **"and earnestly looked upon him":** This phrase emphasizes the maid's focused and intense gaze. Her "earnest look" (G816, _atenízō_) indicates a deliberate scrutiny, not a casual glance. She was actively trying to identify him, perhaps having seen him previously with Jesus or recognizing him from the arrest scene. This intense observation is what truly puts Peter on the spot.
* **"and said, This man was also with him":** This is the direct accusation that triggers Peter's denial. The maid's statement is a clear identification, linking Peter to Jesus ("him"). The word "also" (G2532, _kaí_) suggests she recognized him as one of Jesus' known associates, perhaps having seen others arrested or knowing Jesus had a group of followers. Her simple, declarative statement carries immense weight, initiating the first of Peter's three denials.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in this verse to heighten its dramatic impact and theological significance. **Dramatic Tension** is palpable, as the seemingly innocuous setting of people warming themselves by a fire becomes the stage for a critical confrontation. The maid's "earnest look" and direct accusation immediately raise the stakes for Peter, creating a sense of impending crisis. There is also significant **Irony** at play: Peter, who had just hours earlier declared his unwavering loyalty and willingness to die for Jesus ([Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Boast")), now falters under the simple gaze and question of a servant girl. This highlights the stark contrast between his bold declaration and his fearful response. Furthermore, the scene functions as **Foreshadowing** of Peter's deeper spiritual struggle and eventual restoration, while simultaneously fulfilling Jesus' earlier **Prophecy** ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial")), underscoring the divine foreknowledge and control over events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:56 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of discipleship, human weakness, and divine sovereignty. It reveals that even the most zealous followers of Christ are susceptible to fear and failure, particularly when confronted with intense pressure. Peter's denial is not merely a personal failing but a vivid illustration of the universal human condition, highlighting the chasm between our intentions and our capabilities, especially when relying on our own strength. Yet, this moment of weakness is paradoxically woven into God's sovereign plan, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy and setting the stage for Peter's repentance and eventual restoration, which ultimately serves to magnify God's grace and Christ's perfect faithfulness. The passage reminds us that discipleship is not about flawless performance, but about enduring faith and reliance on Christ, even through moments of profound failure.

* [Matthew 26:69-70](/matthew/26-69-70 "Matthew 26:69-70 - Peter's First Denial")
* [Mark 14:66-68](/mark/14-66-68 "Mark 14:66-68 - Peter's First Denial")
* [John 18:17](/john/18-17 "John 18:17 - The Maid's Question")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:56 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful reflection for every believer. Peter's immediate and profound failure, triggered by the simple observation of a servant girl, serves as a powerful reminder of our own vulnerability to fear, peer pressure, and the temptation to compromise our faith when under duress. It challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment to Christ, not just in moments of spiritual fervor, but in the quiet, unobserved corners of our lives and when faced with unexpected challenges. This passage teaches us humility, urging us never to overestimate our own spiritual strength or underestimate the subtle ways the world can tempt us to deny our allegiance to Christ. Yet, Peter's story does not end in denial; it is a testament to God's boundless grace and the possibility of repentance and restoration, even after significant failure. It encourages us to cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit, to remain vigilant in prayer, and to remember that true strength comes not from our own resolve, but from Christ's sustaining power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to deny or compromise my faith, even subtly?**
* **How does Peter's immediate failure, despite his earlier bold declarations, challenge my understanding of my own spiritual strength and reliance on God?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater vigilance and dependence on God's strength in anticipation of future trials or temptations?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter deny Jesus, especially after his earlier bold claims of loyalty?**

Answer: Peter's denial in [Luke 22:56](/luke/22-56 "Luke 22:56 - Peter's First Denial") and subsequent verses is a complex interplay of human fear, self-reliance, and the overwhelming pressure of the moment. Despite his genuine love and loyalty for Jesus, expressed in his declaration to go to prison and even death ([Luke 22:33](/luke/22-33 "Luke 22:33 - Peter's Boast")), Peter had not yet fully grasped the nature of Jesus' kingdom or the spiritual battle at hand. His earlier attempt to defend Jesus with a sword ([Luke 22:50](/luke/22-50 "Luke 22:50 - Peter's Sword")) showed a reliance on physical strength rather than divine power. When confronted by a simple servant girl, the immediate threat of association with an arrested, condemned man, combined with the shock and confusion of the events unfolding, likely triggered a primal instinct for self-preservation. This moment highlights the difference between intellectual assent and the courage required to stand firm in the face of real danger, revealing Peter's human frailty and his need for the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, which he would later receive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:56, though depicting Peter's profound failure, ultimately points to the perfect faithfulness of Christ. Peter's denial underscores the reality of human weakness and the inability of even the most devoted disciple to perfectly uphold their commitment without divine aid. In stark contrast to Peter's fear-driven denial, Jesus, even in His own moment of intense suffering and trial, remained steadfast, never denying His identity or His mission. He perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father, enduring the accusations and suffering for the very sins, including Peter's, that humanity would commit. Furthermore, Jesus' foreknowledge of Peter's denial ([Luke 22:34](/luke/22-34 "Luke 22:34 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial")) and His subsequent gaze at Peter after the third denial ([Luke 22:61](/luke/22-61 "Luke 22:61 - Jesus Looks at Peter")) reveal His compassionate understanding and intercessory love for His disciples. This moment of human failure is ultimately swallowed up by Christ's perfect work on the cross, which provides forgiveness and restoration for all who stumble. Peter's eventual restoration, as seen in [John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter"), is a powerful testimony to the grace of the risen Christ, who does not abandon His own but mercifully restores them to service, transforming their weakness into a platform for His glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 14:66

¶ And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

Mark 14:68

But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

Mark 14:6

And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

John 18:17

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.

Matthew 26:69

¶ Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

Mark 14:17

And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.