Devine Scripture

John 18:17

What does John 18:17 mean?

A plain-English look at John 18:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 18:17 means

The maid who kept the door immediately questions Peter, asking, \"Art thou also one of this man’s disciples?\" Peter's direct and emphatic response is a denial: \"I am not.\" This is the first of his three denials, occurring quickly upon his entry into the courtyard. It reveals the pressure Peter was under and the initial failure of his courage, despite his earlier boast to defend Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then the girl who was the door-keeper said to Peter, Are you not one of this man's disciples? In answer he said, I am not.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then said the maid keeping the door to Peter, `Art thou also of the disciples of this man?' he saith, `I am not;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The maid therefore that was portress saith to Peter: Art not thou also one of this man's disciple? He saith I am not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The maid therefore, who was porteress, says to Peter, Art thou also of the disciples of this man? He says, I am not.

Context

This verse records the very first challenge to Peter's identity, directly resulting from his entry into the courtyard through the maid's action. It immediately sets in motion the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy concerning Peter's denial. This denial occurs as Jesus' trial is simultaneously beginning inside, creating a dual narrative of betrayal and questioning.

v.16but 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.

v.17This passage

v.18Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals; for it was cold; and they were warming themselves: and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

Cross references

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

  • John 18:8

    Jesus answered, I told you that I am he; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

  • John 18:25

    Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore unto him, Art thou also one of his disciples? He denied, and said, I am not.

  • John 18:16

    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.

  • Mark 14:66

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

  • Luke 22:54

    And they seized him, and led himaway, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed afar off.

  • John 18:5

    They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them.

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