Mark 14:70

Mark 14:70, in plain English

Peter denies it again. But a little while later, the people standing nearby say to him, 'You've got to be one of them. Your accent gives you away as a Galilean.'

Why it's here

Peter's accent was like a neon sign. People from Galilee spoke differently than those in Jerusalem, and there was no hiding where he was from.

Who's speaking

The bystanders press Peter with a third accusation based on his speech.

Where it sits in the story

Peter can deny knowing Jesus with his words, but his own voice gives him away. You can't truly hide who you are or where you've come from.

The scholarly reading

Peter denies a second time. Shortly after, the bystanders themselves identify him as Galilean, likely recognizing his distinct northern dialect as evidence.

Language and setting

The Galilean dialect was noticeably different from Judean speech, with distinctive pronunciation of gutturals. Matthew 26:73 explicitly mentions Peter's accent gave him away.

Voice

Bystanders accuse Peter based on his recognizable Galilean accent.

Significance

Peter's second denial doesn't end the questioning. His Galilean accent betrays his connection to Jesus of Nazareth, just as the firelight earlier exposed his face.

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.

69There the servant girl saw him and again said to those standing nearby, “This man is one of them.”

70But he denied it again.

71But he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak!”

72And immediately the rooster crowed a second time.

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.