King James Version

What Does John 18:17 Mean?

John 18:17 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from John chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

John 18:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

Read John 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The doorkeeper's casual question initiates Peter's tragic denials: "Art not thou also one of this man's disciples?" (Μὴ καὶ σὺ ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν εἶ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τούτου;/Mē kai sy ek tōn mathētōn ei tou anthrōpou toutou). The particle μή (mē) expects a negative answer—she's not accusing but curiously asking, perhaps noticing Peter's provincial Galilean accent (Matthew 26:73). The phrase "this man" (τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τούτου/tou anthrōpou toutou) carries subtle contempt—not "Jesus" or "the rabbi," but dismissively "this man."

The adverb "also" (καί/kai) suggests she already knew John was a disciple, making Peter guilty by association. Her question wasn't threatening—just a servant's idle curiosity—yet it shattered Peter's resolve. Hours earlier he had declared, "Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee" (Matthew 26:35). Moments ago he had drawn a sword against armed soldiers (v.10). Now a slave girl's simple question breaks him.

"He saith, I am not" (λέγει, Οὐκ εἰμί/legei, Ouk eimi)—Peter's denial directly inverts Jesus's repeated "I am" (Ἐγώ εἰμι/Egō eimi) declarations. Where Jesus boldly proclaimed divine identity (v.5, 8), Peter shamefully denies human association. The emphatic negation Οὐκ εἰμί (Ouk eimi, "I am not") echoes throughout the courtyard—Peter's first step into apostasy, fulfilling Jesus's prediction (13:38).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The courtyard setting was semi-public, with servants, guards, and officials mingling around a charcoal fire (v.18). Admitting discipleship could result in arrest or at least interrogation and possible beating. Peter's fear was not entirely irrational—association with condemned criminals was dangerous under Roman occupation. Yet Jesus had just demonstrated that His followers would be released (v.8-9), and John stood openly in the courtyard as a known disciple. For John's readers, this account served multiple purposes: honest reporting of apostolic failure, warning against denial under persecution, and highlighting Christ's foreknowledge and grace. Peter's restoration (John 21:15-17) would follow, demonstrating that failure isn't final.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did a servant girl's casual question break Peter when armed soldiers did not?
  2. How does Peter's 'I am not' contrast with Jesus's 'I am' declarations, and what does this reveal about discipleship?
  3. What is the difference between rational caution in persecution and sinful denial of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
λέγει1 of 22

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

οὖν2 of 22

“Then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἡ3 of 22
G3588

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

παιδίσκη4 of 22

“the damsel”

G3814

a girl, i.e., (specially), a female slave or servant

ἡ5 of 22
G3588

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

θυρωρός6 of 22

“that kept the door”

G2377

a gate- warden

τῷ7 of 22
G3588

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

Πέτρῳ8 of 22

“unto Peter”

G4074

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

Μὴ9 of 22

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

καὶ10 of 22

“also”

G2532

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

σὺ11 of 22

“thou”

G4771

thou

ἐκ12 of 22

“one of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν13 of 22
G3588

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

μαθητῶν14 of 22

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

εἶ15 of 22

“Art”

G1488

thou art

τοῦ16 of 22
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου17 of 22

“man's”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τούτου18 of 22

“this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

λέγει19 of 22

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἐκεῖνος20 of 22

“He”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

Οὐκ21 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰμί22 of 22

“I am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

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 18:17 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 18:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:69-70Mark 14:66-68Luke 22:56-57John 18:25John 21:15John 18:16

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