Mark 14:54
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
3 of 25
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ἀπὸ
off
G575
ἀπὸ
off
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
4 of 25
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἠκολούθησεν
followed
G190
ἠκολούθησεν
followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
6 of 25
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 25
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
ἕως
even
G2193
ἕως
even
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
8 of 25
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
εἰς
G1519
εἰς
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐλὴν
the palace
G833
αὐλὴν
the palace
Strong's:
G833
Word #:
12 of 25
a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερέως
of the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερέως
of the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
14 of 25
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
18 of 25
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπηρετῶν
the servants
G5257
ὑπηρετῶν
the servants
Strong's:
G5257
Word #:
20 of 25
an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
at
G4314
πρὸς
at
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
23 of 25
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
John 18:18And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.Matthew 26:3Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,John 18:25And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
Historical Context
Palestinian nights in early spring (Passover season, March-April) were cold, especially in Jerusalem's elevation (2,500 feet). Courtyards of wealthy homes featured central braziers where servants gathered. These open courtyards allowed Peter to observe the trial proceedings while remaining technically outside. Roman and Jewish elites often had such architectural layouts for servant areas.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual danger lies in 'following afar off' rather than complete commitment or complete withdrawal?
- How does Peter's physical comfort-seeking (warming at the fire) parallel spiritual compromise?
- Why does Mark include the detail of Peter sitting 'with the servants' rather than identifying as a disciple?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter followed him afar off (ἀπὸ μακρόθεν, apo makrothen)—The phrase reveals Peter's conflicted state: courageous enough to follow, fearful enough to keep distance. Contrast this with his earlier boast: 'Although all shall be offended, yet will not I' (14:29). Even into the palace (ἕως ἔσω εἰς τὴν αὐλήν, heōs esō eis tēn aulēn)—Peter penetrated the high priest's courtyard, likely through John's connections (John 18:15-16).
He sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire (συγκαθήμενος μετὰ τῶν ὑπηρετῶν καὶ θερμαινόμενος πρὸς τὸ φῶς, synkathēmenos meta tōn hypēretōn kai thermainomenos pros to phōs)—The present participles suggest ongoing action: Peter kept warming himself, seeking physical comfort while his Lord faced interrogation. The fire (φῶς, phōs, literally 'light') becomes ironic—Peter warms himself at the enemies' fire while the Light of the World stands trial inside.