New Testament · Gospel

Mark 14:66

Betrayal Begins

While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the servant girls of the high priest came down Mark 14:66 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Mark 14:66, in plain English

Meanwhile, Peter is still down in the courtyard when one of the high priest's servant girls comes over.

Why it's here

Mark brilliantly cuts between Jesus bravely declaring who He is upstairs and Peter about to deny any connection to Him downstairs.

Who's speaking

Mark shifts the focus to Peter's scene in the courtyard.

Where it sits in the story

Two stories are happening at once. Jesus faces the most powerful leaders in the land with courage. Peter is about to crumble before a servant girl.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The narrative shifts to the courtyard below where Peter remains, and one of the high priest's paidiskai (servant girls) approaches him.

Language and setting

Mark intercuts between Jesus' trial above and Peter's denial below, creating a powerful literary contrast between Jesus' faithfulness and Peter's failure.

Voice

The narrator transitions to Peter's storyline in the courtyard.

Significance

Mark cuts between two scenes: upstairs, Jesus boldly confesses His identity; downstairs, Peter is about to deny even knowing Him.

In context

Mark 14:64–68

64You have heard the blasphemy. What is your verdict?”

65Then some of them began to spit on Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in His face.

66While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the servant girls of the high priest came down

67and saw him warming himself there. She looked at Peter and said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.”

68But he denied it. “I do not know or even understand what you are talking about,” he said. Then he went out to the gateway, and the rooster crowed.

Read all of Mark 14 — A woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume while Judas negotiates his price. The Last Supper, Gethsemane, and Peter's denial unfold in rapid succession.

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