King James Version

What Does John 18:16 Mean?

John 18:16 in the King James Version says “But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake ...” — study this verse from John chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

John 18:16 · KJV

Context

14

Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

15

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.

16

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.

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.

18

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.

Read John 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"But Peter stood at the door without" (ὁ δὲ Πέτρος εἱστήκει πρὸς τῇ θύρᾳ ἔξω/ho de Petros heistēkei pros tē thyra exō)—while John entered with Jesus, Peter remained outside at the θύρα (thyra, "door, gate"). The perfect tense εἱστήκει (heistēkei, "was standing") emphasizes his stationary position, unable to enter. The adverb ἔξω (exō, "outside, without") will become significant—Peter's physical position outside the courtyard symbolizes his impending spiritual distancing through denial.

"Then went out that other disciple...and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter" (ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ μαθητὴς ὁ ἄλλος...καὶ εἶπεν τῇ θυρωρῷ, καὶ εἰσήγαγεν τὸν Πέτρον/exēlthen oun ho mathētēs ho allos...kai eipen tē thyrōrō, kai eisēgagen ton Petron)—John's action is charitable, using his connections to bring Peter inside. The θυρωρός (thyrōros, "doorkeeper") was typically a slave or servant, here specifically feminine.

The verb εἰσάγω (eisagō, "brought in, led in") shows John facilitating Peter's entry through personal intervention. This seemingly kind act ironically leads to Peter's downfall—the very doorkeeper who admits him will trigger his first denial (v.17). Sometimes gaining access to situations beyond our spiritual readiness places us in greater danger. Peter's boldness in the garden (v.10) evaporates in the courtyard.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Doorkeepers in large households wielded significant power despite low social status, controlling access and identifying visitors. A female doorkeeper was common, as this was considered suitable work for slave women. Her later challenge to Peter (v.17) wasn't official interrogation but casual conversation—yet it undid Peter more effectively than Roman swords. John's connections to the high priestly household, while providing valuable eyewitness access, also placed both disciples in morally compromised territory. They were now inside the very power structure executing their Lord, surrounded by His enemies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can well-intentioned help (John bringing Peter in) sometimes place people in spiritual danger beyond their readiness?
  2. What does Peter's inability to enter on his own merit symbolize about access to God apart from Christ's mediation?
  3. Why do you think Peter's courage in the garden evaporated in the courtyard?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ὁ1 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 27

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

Πέτρον3 of 27

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

εἱστήκει4 of 27

“stood”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

πρὸς5 of 27

“at”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τῇ6 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θύρᾳ7 of 27

“the door”

G2374

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

ἔξω8 of 27

“without”

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

ἐξῆλθεν9 of 27

“went out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

οὖν10 of 27

“Then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὁ11 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητὴς12 of 27

“disciple”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ὁ13 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄλλος14 of 27

“that other”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ὅς15 of 27

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἦν16 of 27

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

γνωστὸς17 of 27

“known”

G1110

well-known

τῷ18 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχιερεῖ,19 of 27

“unto the high priest”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

καὶ20 of 27

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν21 of 27

“spake”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῇ22 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θυρωρῷ23 of 27

“unto her that kept the door”

G2377

a gate- warden

καὶ24 of 27

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰσήγαγεν25 of 27

“brought in”

G1521

to introduce (literally or figuratively)

τὸν26 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Πέτρον27 of 27

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 18:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 18:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:55-57Mark 14:66-68Matthew 26:69

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