Mark 14:67

KJV

And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when she saw {G1492} Peter {G4074} warming himself {G2328}, she looked {G1689} upon him {G846}, and said {G3004}, And {G2532} thou {G4771} also {G2532} wast {G2258} with {G3326} Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3479}.

Complete Jewish Bible

saw Kefa warming himself, took a look at him, and said, "You were with the man from Natzeret, Yeshua!"

Berean Standard Bible

and saw him warming himself there. She looked at Peter and said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.”

American Standard Version

and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and saith, Thou also wast with the Nazarene, even Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:67 marks the initial, critical moment of Peter's denial of Jesus, directly fulfilling Jesus' earlier prophecy. As Peter seeks warmth in the high priest's courtyard amidst the chaos of Jesus' illegal trial, a sharp-eyed servant girl recognizes him, identifying him by his association with "Jesus of Nazareth" and setting in motion the painful sequence of his three denials. This verse powerfully illustrates human vulnerability under pressure and the precise unfolding of divine foreknowledge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and His subsequent transfer to the high priest's palace for an unlawful trial. The narrative in [Mark 14](/mark/14 "Mark 14 - The Passion Narrative Begins") moves swiftly from Jesus' agony and betrayal to His unjust interrogation, while simultaneously tracking Peter's actions. Peter, despite his earlier bold declarations of loyalty, follows Jesus "at a distance" ([Mark 14:54](/mark/14-54 "Mark 14:54 - Peter Follows at a Distance")), entering the courtyard of the high priest. The scene is one of intense tension, fear, and impending crisis, where loyalty is tested and prophecies begin to materialize. The maid's recognition of Peter here directly precipitates the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial") concerning Peter's three denials before the rooster crows twice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the courtyard of the High Priest, likely Caiaphas, during the Jewish Feast of Passover. This was a time of heightened religious and political sensitivity in Jerusalem, with Roman authorities ever watchful for unrest. Jewish law required trials to be held during the day, not at night, and in public, not in private residences, highlighting the illegality of Jesus' proceedings. The courtyard would have been bustling with temple guards, servants, and curious onlookers, creating a volatile environment. A servant girl (παιδίσκη, *paidiskē*) would have been a common fixture in such a household, responsible for various duties, including attending to the gate or the household's needs. Her role, though humble, gave her a vantage point to observe those entering and lingering. The act of "warming himself" was practical given the cool night air, but it also placed Peter in a public, exposed position.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:67 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Human Weakness and Frailty**, particularly in the face of fear and persecution. Despite Peter's fervent pledge to die with Jesus rather than deny Him ([Mark 14:31](/mark/14-31 "Mark 14:31 - Peter's Pledge of Loyalty")), his resolve crumbles under the simple accusation of a servant girl. Secondly, it highlights the **Infallible Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus' precise foretelling of Peter's denials begins to unfold. This demonstrates divine sovereignty even amidst human failure. Thirdly, the verse subtly emphasizes the **Cost of Discipleship** and the pressure to conform or deny one's faith when associated with a condemned figure. Peter's attempt to blend in by warming himself with the servants ultimately fails, revealing the difficulty of concealing one's true allegiance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **emblépō (Greek, _emblépō'_):** This verb, translated "looked upon," signifies a fixed, discerning gaze, more intense than a casual glance. It implies the servant girl carefully observed Peter, recognized him, and made a deliberate identification. Her gaze was not merely seeing, but perceiving clearly, leading to her direct accusation.
* **ēn (Greek, _ēn'_):** The imperfect tense of the verb "to be," translated "wast," indicates a continuous or ongoing state in the past. When the servant girl says, "thou also wast with Jesus," she is referring to Peter's persistent association with Jesus, not just a momentary encounter. This implies a known, established relationship that makes Peter's denial particularly poignant.
* **Nazarēnós (Greek, _Nazarēnós'_):** Translated "of Nazareth," this term identifies Jesus by His hometown. While seemingly a simple geographical descriptor, "Jesus of Nazareth" was often used by those who did not fully grasp or acknowledge His divine identity, or by those who sought to dismiss Him. For the servant girl, it was a common and undeniable way to link Peter to the publicly known, yet now condemned, figure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when she saw Peter warming himself":** This clause sets the scene for the initial confrontation. Peter, attempting to remain inconspicuous yet drawn by the need for warmth and perhaps a desire to stay near the events, places himself in a vulnerable position. The act of "warming himself" (thermaínō) is mundane, yet it makes him visible and identifiable to those around him.
* **"she looked upon him, and said":** This describes the servant girl's action. Her "looking upon" (emblépō) is an act of deliberate recognition, not accidental. The directness of her gaze and subsequent speech indicates her certainty in identifying Peter. This simple act by a seemingly insignificant person initiates the profound crisis for Peter.
* **"And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.":** This is the core of the accusation. The "also" (kaí) suggests that Peter is not merely present but is one of a recognized group associated with Jesus. The phrase "wast with" (ēn metá) emphasizes his prior, continuous companionship with Jesus. The identifier "Jesus of Nazareth" is a common, public designation, making Peter's connection undeniable in the eyes of the servant girl and, by extension, anyone else who might have heard her. This statement is a direct challenge to Peter's allegiance and a trigger for his subsequent denials.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Peter, who had so confidently declared his unwavering loyalty to Jesus ([Mark 14:31](/mark/14-31 "Mark 14:31 - Peter's Bold Declaration")), is now exposed by a humble servant girl while seeking physical comfort. His attempt to warm himself physically contrasts sharply with the chilling realization of his spiritual coldness and impending denial. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing** and **Prophecy Fulfillment**, as the maid's words directly initiate the sequence of events Jesus had precisely predicted ([Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")). The narrative uses **Contrast** between the powerful, condemned Jesus undergoing trial and the seemingly insignificant servant girl whose simple observation holds immense power to expose Peter's identity and loyalty. This highlights how divine plans can unfold through the most unexpected means.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:67 serves as a stark reminder of the reality of human frailty and the profound pressure of discipleship. It underscores that even those closest to Jesus are susceptible to fear and failure when confronted with persecution. Theological themes of divine foreknowledge and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan are also evident, as Jesus' prophecy concerning Peter's denial begins its precise fulfillment. This moment, though painful, is not the end of Peter's story; rather, it is a necessary part of his journey of humility and eventual restoration, revealing God's grace even in the midst of human weakness.

* [Matthew 26:69-70](/matthew/26-69-70 "Matthew's Account of Peter's First Denial")
* [Luke 22:56-57](/luke/22-56-57 "Luke's Account of Peter's First Denial")
* [John 18:17](/john/18-17 "John's Account of Peter's First Denial")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 14:67 is a poignant mirror for every believer. Peter, the rock, the bold disciple, succumbs to the fear of association with a condemned Jesus. This should humble us, reminding us that our own strength and resolve are insufficient when faced with genuine pressure. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are there situations where we subtly deny our association with Christ, perhaps through silence, inaction, or by conforming to worldly values? Peter's failure here is not presented to condemn him, but to illustrate the universal human struggle with fear and the profound need for divine grace. It reminds us that authentic discipleship often requires courage to stand with Christ, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Yet, it also offers immense hope, knowing that even in our failures, God's grace is sufficient to restore and empower us, just as He later restored Peter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to subtly deny my association with Jesus in my daily life, whether at work, among friends, or in social settings?**
* **How does Peter's initial denial challenge my understanding of my own spiritual strength and reliance on God?**
* **What fears or pressures might lead me to compromise my faith, and how can I prepare myself to stand firm?**
* **How does the knowledge of Peter's later restoration encourage me in my own moments of failure or weakness?**

### FAQ

**Why was it significant that a "servant girl" recognized Peter?**

Answer: It highlights the unexpected nature of divine providence and the pervasive knowledge of Jesus' followers. It wasn't a powerful official or a Roman soldier, but a humble servant girl (*paidiskē*) who recognized Peter. This emphasizes that even in a chaotic and high-stakes environment, the identity of Jesus' associates was known, even by those in seemingly insignificant positions. It also adds to the irony and humiliation of Peter's denial, as he is exposed not by a formidable adversary, but by someone he might have easily dismissed, underscoring the depth of his fear.

**What was the significance of the phrase "Jesus of Nazareth"?**

Answer: The phrase "Jesus of Nazareth" was a common and widely recognized identifier for Jesus during His earthly ministry. It distinguished Him from others named Jesus and linked Him directly to His hometown in Galilee. For many, it carried connotations of His humble origins, and sometimes, a dismissive tone (e.g., [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can anything good come out of Nazareth?")). In this context, it served as a straightforward, undeniable connection that the maid used to identify Peter's association with the accused Prophet. It was a public, undeniable fact that Peter "was with" this specific, well-known individual.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:67, depicting Peter's initial denial, powerfully underscores the contrast between human frailty and Christ's unwavering faithfulness. While Peter falters under the simple accusation of a servant girl, Jesus, at the very same hour, stands resolute before His accusers, perfectly fulfilling the will of His Father. Peter's denial highlights the profound need for a Savior who is not subject to fear or weakness. Jesus, the true and faithful witness ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")), never denies His identity or His mission, even unto death. His suffering and eventual crucifixion are not a result of His own failure, but the very act of His perfect obedience and self-sacrifice for the sins of humanity, including the very sin of denial committed by His closest disciple. Peter's fall, therefore, points to the steadfast love and redemptive work of Christ, who, even in His agony, interceded for Peter ([Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31-32 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter")), ensuring his restoration and future service. Thus, Peter's denial, rather than being the end of his story, becomes a vivid testament to the boundless grace and restorative power of the Lord Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills all righteousness and redeems all human failure.

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 14:54

And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

John 19:19

¶ And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Matthew 21:11

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Mark 1:24

Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

John 1:45

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

John 1:49

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.