Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.

LUKE 22:54KJV
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Luke 22:54 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:54 mean?

Luke 22:54 describes how Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest’s house, while Peter followed at a distance to see what would happen. The verse shows the beginning of Jesus’ trial and highlights Peter’s cautious but continued presence nearby.

In this scene, Jesus has just been seized by the authorities after being betrayed by Judas. The group leads Jesus to the home of the high priest, where religious leaders will question him. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, does not flee completely but keeps his distance, setting up the events where Peter will later deny knowing Jesus.

The Greek behind Luke 22:54

  • The word "off" is translated from μακρόθεν (makrothen), which means "from afar" or "at a distance." This detail emphasizes Peter’s hesitancy and fear, showing he wants to stay close enough to see what happens but not so close as to be identified with Jesus.
  • The word "followed" comes from ἠκολούθει (ēkolouthei), which means "to follow along." In this context, it suggests Peter’s divided loyalty—he is not abandoning Jesus entirely, but he is not openly standing with him either.

Why Luke 22:54 matters

  • Luke 22:54 sets the stage for Peter’s denial, showing his physical and emotional distance from Jesus even before the denials take place.
  • The verse highlights the contrast between Jesus’ boldness in facing his accusers and Peter’s fear and uncertainty, which is a key theme in the surrounding narrative.
  • By mentioning the high priest’s house, the verse connects Jesus’ arrest to the formal religious proceedings that will lead to his crucifixion, anchoring the story in its historical and religious context.

Where else these words appear

“brought” Greek G1521 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
  • Acts 7:45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;
  • Acts 21:29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

“off” Greek G3113 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 26:58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
  • Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
  • Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

“they” Greek G4815 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
  • Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
  • Acts 12:3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.(Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

“led” Greek G71 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
  • Luke 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
  • Acts 17:15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.