15Simon Peter was following Jesus, along with another disciple. That disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, [18:16] but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the young female slave who kept the door and brought Peter in. [18:17] The young female slave who kept the door said to Peter, 'You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?' He said, 'I am not.' [18:18] Now the slaves and the temple officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was among them, standing and warming himself.
JHN 18:15-18
Peterʼs First Denial
In the world it was spoken into
In the first-century Roman world, the high priest’s household would have been a place of significant social hierarchy and strict boundaries. The courtyard of the high priest was a semi-public space where servants, slaves, and those with connections could enter, but outsiders like Peter would have been scrutinized. The term (well-known) indicates that the other disciple had a recognized relationship with the high priest, granting him access. Peter, however, lacked this status and relied on the other disciple’s intervention. The (young female slave) who questioned Peter was likely a low-status doorkeeper, yet her role gave her authority to challenge intruders. Peter’s denial, “I am not,” reflects the intense pressure of the honor-shame culture, where admitting association with a condemned figure like Jesus would have brought social disgrace and danger. The (slaves) present were part of the household’s labor force, reinforcing the hierarchical dynamics of the scene.
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How other translations render this
JHN 18:15
- KJV
- And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
- BSB
- Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he also went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.
- Koinōnos
- Simon Peter was following Jesus, along with another disciple. That disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest,
JHN 18:16
- KJV
- But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
- BSB
- But Peter stood outside at the door. Then the disciple who was known to the high priest went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in.
- Koinōnos
- but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the young female slave who kept the door and brought Peter in.
JHN 18:17
- KJV
- 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.
- BSB
- At this, the servant girl watching the door said to Peter, “Arenʼt you also one of this manʼs disciples?” “I am not,” he answered.
- Koinōnos
- The young female slave who kept the door said to Peter, 'You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?' He said, 'I am not.
JHN 18:18
- KJV
- And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
- BSB
- Because it was cold, the servants and officers were standing around a charcoal fire they had made to keep warm. And Peter was also standing with them, warming himself.
- Koinōnos
- Now the slaves and the temple officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was among them, standing and warming himself.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
JHN 18:15
- Were following:The word translated 'were following' often described soldiers or slaves accompanying someone, implying a close, often subordinate, relationship or allegiance.
- was:The word translated 'was' here means 'known' or 'acquainted with,' indicating that this disciple had a recognized connection or familiarity with the high priest's household.
JHN 18:17
- servant girl:The term 'servant girl' specifically refers to a young female slave or bondmaid, highlighting her social status and lack of freedom.
JHN 18:18
- servants:The word translated 'servants' here specifically refers to slaves, emphasizing their status as property rather than hired employees.