King James Version

What Does Mark 14:69 Mean?

Mark 14:69 in the King James Version says “And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.

Mark 14:69 · KJV


Context

67

And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

68

But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

69

And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.

70

And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.

71

But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And a maid saw him again (καὶ ἡ παιδίσκη ἰδοῦσα αὐτὸν πάλιν, kai hē paidiskē idousa auton palin)—The same servant girl (ἡ παιδίσκη, hē paidiskē, with definite article) persists, or Matthew/Luke suggest a different maid joined the accusation. And began to say to them that stood by (ἤρξατο λέγειν τοῖς παρεστῶσιν, ērxato legein tois parestōsin)—she escalates from direct confrontation to public announcement. The verb παρίστημι (paristēmi) describes bystanders, increasing pressure on Peter.

This is one of them (οὗτος ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐστιν, houtos ex autōn estin)—The demonstrative οὗτος (houtos, 'this man') points accusingly. The phrase ἐξ αὐτῶν (ex autōn, 'from them') identifies Peter as belonging to Jesus's group, using the preposition ἐκ (ek) indicating source or membership. What Peter feared—public identification as a disciple—now occurs, vindicating Jesus's prediction (14:30) and testing Peter's earlier boast (14:29).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Group identification carried legal consequences under Roman occupation. Association with executed criminals could result in arrest, interrogation, or worse. The crowd's growing awareness created mob dynamics—what began as one girl's observation became group accusation. In honor-shame cultures, public accusation demanded response to preserve reputation, pressuring Peter toward escalating denials.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the maid escalate from private question to public declaration?
  2. How does Peter's fear of 'them' (the crowd) contrast with Jesus's fearless stand before the entire Sanhedrin?
  3. What does this verse teach about the progressive nature of temptation and compromise?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

And

G2532

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

2 of 15
G3588

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

παιδίσκη3 of 15

a maid

G3814

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

ἰδοῦσα4 of 15

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

αὐτῶν5 of 15

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πάλιν6 of 15

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἤρξατο7 of 15

and began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

λέγειν8 of 15

to say

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

τοῖς9 of 15
G3588

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

παρεστηκόσιν,10 of 15

to them that stood by

G3936

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

ὅτι11 of 15

This

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Οὗτος12 of 15
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐξ13 of 15

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

αὐτῶν14 of 15

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐστιν15 of 15

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 14:69 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 Mark 14:69 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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