Mark 14:66
And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρου
as Peter
G4074
Πέτρου
as Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 14
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐλῇ
the palace
G833
αὐλῇ
the palace
Strong's:
G833
Word #:
7 of 14
a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion
ἔρχεται
there cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
there cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 14
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδισκῶν
of the maids
G3814
παιδισκῶν
of the maids
Strong's:
G3814
Word #:
12 of 14
a girl, i.e., (specially), a female slave or servant
Historical Context
Large aristocratic homes in Jerusalem featured multi-level architecture with courtyards accessible from the street. The 'upper' area contained formal reception rooms where the Sanhedrin met; the 'lower' courtyard served as servant quarters. Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem's Upper City (where Caiaphas likely lived) confirm such layouts. The charcoal fire around which servants gathered was both for warmth and light, making Peter's face visible.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the spiritual significance of Peter being 'beneath' while Jesus is 'above' facing trial?
- Why does Mark emphasize that Peter's challenger was merely a servant girl, not a threatening authority?
- How does Peter's physical warmth-seeking at the fire contrast with the spiritual heat Jesus endures?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And as Peter was beneath in the palace (Καὶ ὄντος τοῦ Πέτρου κάτω ἐν τῇ αὐλῇ, Kai ontos tou Petrou katō en tē aulē)—The word κάτω (katō, 'below') creates physical and spiritual geography. While Jesus stands trial 'above,' Peter remains 'beneath' in the courtyard, symbolizing his moral descent from the Upper Room's bold declarations. There cometh one of the maids of the high priest (ἔρχεται μία τῶν παιδισκῶν τοῦ ἀρχιερέως, erchetai mia tōn paidiskōn tou archiereōs)—A παιδίσκη (paidiskē) was a young female servant, possibly the doorkeeper John mentioned (John 18:17).
Mark's narrative technique interweaves Jesus's faithful confession (vv. 60-64) with Peter's impending denial, creating dramatic irony. While the Master faces the full Sanhedrin's hostility with truth, the servant crumbles before a servant girl's question. The 'maid' (παιδίσκη) contrasts with Peter's earlier self-image as mighty defender (14:29, 47)—undone not by soldiers but by a young woman's recognition.