Devine Scripture

Mark 14:66

What does Mark 14:66 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 14:66 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 14:66 means

While Jesus is below enduring abuse, Peter is in the courtyard. One of the high priest’s maids approaches. The stage is set for Peter’s testing. He has followed at a distance, warmed himself at the fire, and now faces a simple yet piercing challenge. The contrast is sharp: Jesus confesses under oath; Peter will fear a servant girl. The setting exposes how easily fear can unravel resolve. God allows this to humble Peter and prepare him for future restoration and leadership shaped by grace rather than bravado.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And while Peter was down in the open square of the building, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Peter being in the hall beneath, there doth come one of the maids of the chief priest,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now when Peter was in the court below, there cometh one of the maidservants of the high priest.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Peter being below in the palace-court, there comes one of the maids of the high priest,

Context

The scene shifts from the council chamber to the courtyard. The narrative alternation places Peter’s trial next to Jesus’—a deliberate contrast. The maid’s recognition will trigger the first denial. This serial pattern of accusation and denial will repeat three times, escalating in intensity. The first cockcrow occurs after the first denial, and the second after the third, fulfilling Jesus’ precise word. The courtyard sequence will end with Peter’s bitter weeping as memory and remorse flood in.

v.65And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the officers received him with blows of their hands.

v.66This passage

v.67and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and saith, Thou also wast with the Nazarene, even Jesus.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • 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;

  • Mark 14:54

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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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