And 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.

JOHN 18:25KJV
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John 18:25 (KJV)

What does John 18:25 mean?

John 18:25 describes Simon Peter standing and warming himself by a fire while others nearby question him about being one of Jesus’s disciples. Peter responds by denying any connection to Jesus, saying, “I am not.”

In this scene, Peter is outside the high priest’s house after Jesus has been arrested. People around the fire recognize Peter and ask if he is one of Jesus’s followers. Peter, afraid for his safety, denies knowing Jesus. This moment is part of the larger story where Peter denies Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted earlier in the Gospel.

The Greek behind John 18:25

  • The word for “denied” is ἠρνήσατο (ērnēsato), which means to refuse or disown. Here, it shows Peter’s deliberate choice to distance himself from Jesus, not just a casual “no.”
  • The phrase “I am not” uses οὐκ εἰμί (ouk eimi), a strong way to say “I am not,” emphasizing Peter’s firm denial.
  • The word for “disciples” is μαθητῶν (mathētōn), meaning students or followers, highlighting the close relationship Jesus had with those who learned from him.

Why John 18:25 matters

  • This verse shows the real fear and pressure Peter felt, helping readers understand that even devoted followers can struggle in moments of crisis.
  • John 18:25 connects directly to Jesus’s earlier prediction that Peter would deny him three times, showing the fulfillment of Jesus’s words.
  • The scene highlights the loneliness Jesus faced in his final hours, as even his closest friends distanced themselves from him.

Where else these words appear

“himself” Greek G2328 · used in 5 verses

  • 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.
  • Mark 14:67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.
  • John 18:18 And 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.

“denied” Greek G720 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 18:27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
  • Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

“Simon” Greek G4613 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
  • John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

“Art” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
  • John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.