Mark 14:69
And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδίσκη
a maid
G3814
παιδίσκη
a maid
Strong's:
G3814
Word #:
3 of 15
a girl, i.e., (specially), a female slave or servant
ἰδοῦσα
saw
G1492
ἰδοῦσα
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
4 of 15
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
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
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
6 of 15
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
λέγειν
to say
G3004
λέγειν
to say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρεστηκόσιν,
to them that stood by
G3936
παρεστηκόσιν,
to them that stood by
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
10 of 15
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
ὅτι
This
G3754
ὅτι
This
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Οὗτος
G3778
Οὗτος
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
12 of 15
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἐξ
one of
G1537
ἐξ
one of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Historical Context
Group identification carried legal consequences under Roman occupation. Association with executed criminals could result in arrest, interrogation, or worse. The crowd's growing awareness created mob dynamics—what began as one girl's observation became group accusation. In honor-shame cultures, public accusation demanded response to preserve reputation, pressuring Peter toward escalating denials.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the maid escalate from private question to public declaration?
- How does Peter's fear of 'them' (the crowd) contrast with Jesus's fearless stand before the entire Sanhedrin?
- What does this verse teach about the progressive nature of temptation and compromise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And a maid saw him again (καὶ ἡ παιδίσκη ἰδοῦσα αὐτὸν πάλιν, kai hē paidiskē idousa auton palin)—The same servant girl (ἡ παιδίσκη, hē paidiskē, with definite article) persists, or Matthew/Luke suggest a different maid joined the accusation. And began to say to them that stood by (ἤρξατο λέγειν τοῖς παρεστῶσιν, ērxato legein tois parestōsin)—she escalates from direct confrontation to public announcement. The verb παρίστημι (paristēmi) describes bystanders, increasing pressure on Peter.
This is one of them (οὗτος ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐστιν, houtos ex autōn estin)—The demonstrative οὗτος (houtos, 'this man') points accusingly. The phrase ἐξ αὐτῶν (ex autōn, 'from them') identifies Peter as belonging to Jesus's group, using the preposition ἐκ (ek) indicating source or membership. What Peter feared—public identification as a disciple—now occurs, vindicating Jesus's prediction (14:30) and testing Peter's earlier boast (14:29).