Matthew 26:69
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
3 of 21
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ἐκάθητο
sat
G2521
ἐκάθητο
sat
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
5 of 21
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐλῇ·
the palace
G833
αὐλῇ·
the palace
Strong's:
G833
Word #:
8 of 21
a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion
Καὶ
also
G2532
Καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσῆλθεν
came
G4334
προσῆλθεν
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
10 of 21
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 21
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
παιδίσκη
damsel
G3814
παιδίσκη
damsel
Strong's:
G3814
Word #:
13 of 21
a girl, i.e., (specially), a female slave or servant
λέγουσα
saying
G3004
λέγουσα
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Καὶ
also
G2532
Καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 21
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 21
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
19 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Cross References
Matthew 26:71And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.1 Kings 19:13And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?Acts 5:37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
Historical Context
The courtyard where Peter sat was probably torch-lit or fire-lit (John 18:18 mentions a charcoal fire). Servants and guards gathered there during the night trial. Servant girls (παιδίσκη, young female slaves) had low social status but freedom to move and speak informally. Her question was probably innocent curiosity, not accusation, making Peter's vehement denial more cowardly. His Galilean accent was recognizable—Galileans pronounced certain Hebrew letters differently than Judeans, marking them as provincials (v. 73).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Peter's failure before a mere servant girl warn that your greatest spiritual failures may come in small, unexpected moments?
- What enabled a lowly servant girl to recognize Peter's association with Jesus—and what makes your Christian identity visible to others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee (Ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἐκάθητο ἔξω ἐν τῇ αὐλῇ· καὶ προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ μία παιδίσκη λέγουσα, Καὶ σὺ ἦσθα μετὰ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Γαλιλαίου)—While Jesus endured trial inside, Peter sat (ἐκάθητο, imperfect—'was sitting') ἔξω ('outside, without') in the αὐλή (courtyard). A μία παιδίσκη ('a certain servant girl') approached, identifying Peter: Καὶ σὺ ἦσθα μετὰ Ἰησοῦ ('You also were with Jesus'). The καὶ σύ ('you also, even you') suggests she'd identified others or that Peter's Galilean accent betrayed him (v. 73). The phrase μετὰ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Γαλιλαίου ('with Jesus of Galilee') identifies Jesus by origin—Galilee, viewed with contempt (John 7:52).
Peter's first test came from unexpected source—not chief priest or armed soldier but lowly servant girl. Often our failures occur not in dramatic moments but mundane ones, not before powerful opponents but casual observers. The girl's observation was accurate—Peter had been with Jesus. Now he must choose: confess association or deny it. The setting was hostile—enemies' courtyard, Jesus on trial, disciples scattered. Yet Jesus had warned Peter specifically (26:34), giving him advantage of preparation. Still, he failed.