Devine Scripture

Mark 14:54

What does Mark 14:54 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:54 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:54 means

Peter follows at a distance into the high priest’s courtyard and warms himself by the fire with the officers. He is torn between love and fear—near enough to see, far enough to feel safe. The fire’s warmth contrasts with the coldness of betrayal he will soon enact. Peter’s proximity invites testing; curiosity without courage leads to compromise. Mark’s focus on his position and the company he keeps sets the stage for his denials. Even as Jesus stands faithful inside, Peter wavers outside, illustrating the difference between the steadfast Savior and His failing disciple.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Peter had followed him afar off, even within, into the court of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Peter had followed him afar off, even within, into the court of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Peter had come after him at a distance, even into the house of the high priest; and he was seated with the captains, warming himself in the light of the fire.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Peter afar off did follow him, to the inside of the hall of the chief priest, and he was sitting with the officers, and warming himself near the fire.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Peter followed him afar off, even into the court of the high priest. And he sat with the servants at the fire and warmed himself.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Peter followed him at a distance, till [he was] within the court of the high priest's palace; and he was sitting with the officers and warming himself in the light [of the fire].

Context

With Jesus before the council, Mark cuts to the courtyard to follow Peter’s path. This parallel track will return after Jesus’ trial concludes. The note about Peter’s distance and warmth by the fire shows his vulnerability to recognition and fear. Meanwhile, inside, the council seeks testimony to put Jesus to death. The interleaving of scenes heightens dramatic irony: the Lord is confessing truth while His disciple will soon deny knowing Him.

v.53And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and there come together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.

v.54This passage

v.55Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found it not.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 22:44

    And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

  • John 18:15

    And 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;

  • 1 Kings 19:9

    And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of Jehovah came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

  • Matthew 26:58

    But Peter followed him afar off, unto the court of the high priest, and entered in, and sat with the officers, to see the end.

  • 1 Samuel 13:7

    Now some of the Hebrews had gone over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead; but as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

  • Matthew 26:3

    Then were gathered together the chief priests, and the elders of the people, unto the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas;

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