And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

LUKE 22:55KJV
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Luke 22:55 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:55 mean?

Luke 22:55 describes how, after Jesus was arrested, some people made a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, and Peter joined them. This sets the scene for what happens next: Peter is nearby, blending in with the group, as the events leading to his denial of Jesus unfold.

This moment takes place at night, just after Jesus has been taken to the high priest’s house. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, follows at a distance and enters the courtyard where the guards and others have gathered. The fire is a practical detail—it is cold, and people are warming themselves—but it also brings Peter into the open, where others can see and recognize him.

The Greek behind Luke 22:55

  • The word for "fire" is πῦρ (pyr), which simply means a literal fire, emphasizing the ordinary, everyday setting in which these extraordinary events take place.
  • The phrase "in the midst" uses μέσος (mesos), meaning "middle" or "center," showing that the group is gathered closely around the fire, not scattered.
  • The word for "hall" is αὐλή (aulē), which refers to a courtyard or open area inside a building complex, clarifying that this is not an indoor room but an open, communal space.
  • The verb "sat down" is καθίζω (kathizō), meaning to sit or take a seat, highlighting Peter’s choice to join the group rather than stay apart.

Why Luke 22:55 matters

  • This verse quietly sets up the dramatic moment when Peter will be recognized and challenged about his connection to Jesus, leading to his denial.
  • The details about the fire and the courtyard help readers picture the scene and understand how Peter could be seen and identified by others.
  • Luke’s careful description shows Peter’s physical closeness to the action, even as he is emotionally and spiritually conflicted, which adds depth to the story of his denial.

Where else these words appear

“together” Greek G4776 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

“kindled” Greek G681 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
  • Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

“hall” Greek G833 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 26:3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
  • 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.
  • John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

“midst” Greek G3319 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
  • Luke 10:3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
  • Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.