Mark 14:69

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} a maid {G3814} saw {G1492} him {G846} again {G3825}, and began {G756} to say {G3004} to them that stood by {G3936}, This {G3754}{G3778} is {G2076} one of {G1537} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The girl saw him there and started telling the bystanders, "This fellow is one of them."

Berean Standard Bible

There the servant girl saw him and again said to those standing nearby, “This man is one of them.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:69 records the second of Peter's three denials of Jesus, occurring in the high priest's courtyard while Jesus was on trial. A young female servant, having previously identified him, again recognized Peter as one of Jesus's disciples and publicly declared this to those standing nearby. This moment intensifies the pressure on Peter, highlighting his escalating fear and the fulfillment of Jesus's earlier prophecy concerning his betrayal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the Passion narrative of Mark's Gospel, specifically following Jesus's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and His illegal trial before the Sanhedrin. Peter, having vowed unwavering loyalty to Jesus (as seen in [Mark 14:29](/mark/14-29 "Mark 14:29 - Peter's Boast")), has followed Jesus "at a distance" ([Mark 14:54](/mark/14-54 "Mark 14:54 - Peter Follows at a Distance")) into the high priest's courtyard. The immediate preceding verses ([Mark 14:66-68](/mark/14-66-68 "Mark 14:66-68 - Peter's First Denial")) describe the first denial, also initiated by a maid, setting the stage for this repeated accusation. The narrative deliberately interweaves Peter's denials with the unfolding trial of Jesus, creating a stark contrast between Jesus's steadfastness and Peter's faltering faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the courtyard of the high priest's palace in Jerusalem, likely late at night or early morning following the Passover Seder. Courtyards in large homes were semi-public spaces where servants and guards would gather, especially for warmth around a fire during the cool night hours. The "maid" (Greek: *paidiskē*) would have been a common sight in such a household, responsible for various duties, including attending to guests or those present. Her testimony, though from a person of lower social status, carried weight in this informal setting, as she was an eyewitness to Peter's presence and appearance. The atmosphere would have been tense, filled with the hushed urgency of an illicit trial and the palpable danger for anyone associated with the accused Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:69 powerfully contributes to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. It underscores the **human frailty and fear** that can overcome even the most devoted disciples, contrasting sharply with Jesus's unwavering resolve in the face of suffering. It serves as a direct **fulfillment of prophecy**, specifically Jesus's prediction in [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial") that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed twice. This highlights God's sovereign knowledge and control over events, even human failings. Furthermore, the public nature of the maid's accusation emphasizes the theme of **public witness and identification** with Christ, a challenge Peter fails at this critical moment, but one that later becomes central to his apostolic ministry (e.g., [Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Acts 2:14-41 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **maid (Greek, _paidískē'_):** G3814. A diminutive of *pais* (child), referring specifically to a young female servant or slave. The use of this term emphasizes the humble status of the accuser. It is not a powerful official or a learned scribe who exposes Peter, but an ordinary, perhaps even overlooked, household servant. This detail highlights the pervasive knowledge of Jesus's followers, even among the common people, and underscores the unexpected source of Peter's exposure.
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** G1492. This primary verb denotes not merely a casual glance but a perception, an act of recognizing or knowing. In this context, the maid "saw" Peter again, meaning she recognized him clearly and definitively. It implies an internal processing of information that leads to a firm conviction, rather than a fleeting observation. Her recognition is precise and undeniable, leading directly to her public accusation.
* **began to say (Greek, _árchomai_ G756 + _légō_ G3004):** The combination of *árchomai* ("to commence") and *légō* ("to say") indicates the initiation of speech, suggesting that the maid actively started to declare Peter's identity. This wasn't a private whisper but a public pronouncement. The phrase implies a deliberate and perhaps persistent declaration to those around her, intensifying the public scrutiny on Peter and escalating the dramatic tension of the scene.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a maid saw him again":** This clause signifies a repeated encounter and recognition. The maid, having previously identified Peter (Mark 14:66), now sees him once more, confirming her earlier suspicion or knowledge. The "again" underscores the mounting pressure on Peter as his attempts to blend in are repeatedly foiled.
* **"and began to say to them that stood by":** This describes the public nature of the accusation. The maid does not confront Peter privately but addresses the group of people gathered in the courtyard. This public declaration amplifies Peter's predicament, making his association with Jesus a matter of open discussion and scrutiny among strangers.
* **"This is [one] of them":** This is the direct and unambiguous accusation. The maid identifies Peter as one belonging to the group of Jesus's followers. The simplicity and directness of the statement leave no room for misinterpretation, placing Peter squarely in the spotlight and forcing him to respond to the charge.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:69 masterfully employs several literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the reader is fully aware of Peter's earlier boasts of loyalty and Jesus's prophecy of denial, while Peter himself is caught in the unfolding events, desperately trying to conceal his identity. The maid's simple accusation serves as a powerful catalyst in fulfilling this prophecy, creating a poignant contrast between Peter's self-confidence and his actual failure. **Foreshadowing** is evident in Jesus's earlier prediction, which now finds its precise fulfillment through the maid's words. Her seemingly insignificant role ironically becomes a crucial instrument in the divine plan. Furthermore, the scene uses **Contrast** to highlight the difference between Jesus's steadfast resolve during His trial and Peter's wavering faith under pressure. The public setting and the repeated accusation also build **Suspense**, as the reader anticipates Peter's next denial and the ultimate fulfillment of the prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:69 stands as a stark reminder of the reality of human weakness and the pervasive nature of fear, even within the hearts of devoted disciples. Peter's denial, triggered by a mere servant girl's observation, underscores that even fervent declarations of loyalty can crumble under the weight of self-preservation. Yet, this moment of profound failure also serves to highlight God's sovereign foreknowledge and the meticulous fulfillment of prophecy, demonstrating that even human sin and weakness are incorporated into the divine plan. The public nature of the accusation emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the temptation to disassociate from Christ when faced with adversity, a challenge that resonates throughout Christian history.

* [Matthew 26:71-72](/matthew/26-71-72 "Matthew 26:71-72 - Peter's Second Denial")
* [Luke 22:58](/luke/22-58 "Luke 22:58 - Peter's Second Denial")
* [John 18:25](/john/18-25 "John 18:25 - Peter's Second Denial")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:69 offers a profound opportunity for self-examination and spiritual growth. Peter's failure is not presented to condemn him, but to reveal a universal human propensity to prioritize personal safety over courageous allegiance to Christ. This verse challenges us to consider where our own loyalties truly lie when faced with social pressure, professional risk, or even subtle discomfort. Are we willing to openly identify with Jesus, even when it is unpopular or inconvenient? Peter's story reminds us that true strength comes not from our own resolve, but from reliance on God's sustaining grace. It compels us to pray for steadfastness, humility, and the courage to confess Christ in all circumstances, knowing that our weaknesses can become platforms for God's power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to deny or hide my association with Christ due to fear or social pressure?**
* **How does Peter's failure here encourage me to rely more on God's strength than my own?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more courageous and public witness for Christ in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Why is it significant that a "maid" recognized Peter, rather than a more authoritative figure?**

Answer: The fact that a "maid" (Greek: *paidiskē*, a young female servant) recognized Peter is highly significant. It underscores that Peter's connection to Jesus was not a secret confined to inner circles but was discernible even to ordinary people in the high priest's household. This detail emphasizes the pervasive nature of Jesus's influence and the public recognition of His followers. Furthermore, it heightens the **dramatic irony** of the situation: Peter, a strong, outspoken disciple, is exposed not by a powerful interrogator but by someone of low social status. This unexpected source of exposure makes his denial all the more poignant and highlights the inescapable nature of the truth. It also shows how God can use the most humble instruments to fulfill His prophetic word, as Jesus had predicted Peter's denial (e.g., [Mark 14:30](/mark/14-30 "Mark 14:30 - Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Mark 14:69 details Peter's profound failure, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies not in Peter's weakness, but in Jesus's perfect strength and redemptive work. At the very moment Peter was denying Him, Jesus was enduring the unjust trial, perfectly fulfilling the Father's will and providing the atoning sacrifice for the very sins of denial and cowardice that Peter was committing. Jesus, the true and faithful witness, did not deny His Father or His mission, even unto death ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")). Peter's subsequent bitter weeping ([Luke 22:62](/luke/22-62 "Luke 22:62 - Peter Weeps Bitterly")) and ultimate restoration by the risen Christ ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")) powerfully illustrate the triumph of Christ's grace over human failure. Jesus's suffering on the cross covered Peter's sin, enabling his repentance and empowering him to become a foundational apostle, boldly proclaiming the very Christ he once denied ([Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Acts 2:14-41 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon")). Thus, Peter's denial, though a dark moment, ultimately magnifies the boundless mercy and restorative power of Christ, who came to save sinners, even those who falter.

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 14:38

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly [is] ready, but the flesh [is] weak.

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.

Luke 22:58

And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

John 18:25

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.

Galatians 6:1

¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.