Devine Scripture

John 18:16

What does John 18:16 mean?

A plain-English look at John 18:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 18:16 means

Peter, unable to enter the high priest's court directly, remained standing outside the door. The \"other disciple,\" who had already gained entry due to his acquaintance with the high priest, then went out. He spoke to the doorkeeper, a maid, and arranged for Peter to be admitted. This act of intervention allows Peter to be present inside the court, which is critical for the unfolding of his denial of Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but Peter was standing at the door without. So the other disciple, who was known unto the high priest, went out and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but Peter was standing at the door without. So the other disciple, who was known unto the high priest, went out and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Peter was kept outside at the door. Then this other disciple, who was a friend of the high priest, came out and had a word with the girl who kept the door, and took Peter in.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Peter was standing at the door without, therefore went forth the other disciple who was known to the chief priest, and he spake to the female keeping the door, and he brought in Peter.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Peter stood at the door without. The other disciple therefore, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the portress and brought in Peter.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but Peter stood at the door without. The other disciple therefore, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the porteress and brought in Peter.

Context

This verse directly follows the previous one, detailing how Peter gained entry to the high priest's court. It builds on the \"other disciple's\" connection to the high priest, making Peter's presence possible. This physical positioning is essential for the interaction that immediately follows, initiating Peter's three denials.

v.15And Simon Peter followed Jesus, andso didanother disciple. Now that disciple was known unto the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest;

v.16This passage

v.17The maid therefore that kept the door saith unto Peter, Art thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 14:66

    And as Peter was beneath in the court, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest;

  • Luke 22:55

    And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the court, and had sat down together, Peter sat in the midst of them.

  • Matthew 26:69

    Now Peter was sitting without in the court: and a maid came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilæan.

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