And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

MARK 14:66KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 14:66 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:66 mean?

Mark 14:66 describes Peter being downstairs in the courtyard of the high priest’s house when one of the high priest’s servant girls approaches him. This sets the scene for the events that follow, where Peter will be recognized and questioned about his connection to Jesus.

The verse takes place during the night after Jesus has been arrested and taken to the high priest’s residence. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, is nearby but not inside with Jesus; he is in the lower courtyard area. The mention of the maid of the high priest signals the beginning of Peter’s coming denials, which are a key part of the story in this chapter.

The Greek behind Mark 14:66

  • The word "beneath" (κατώ G2736, katō) is often understood as "downstairs" or "in the lower part," highlighting that Peter is not in the main hall but in a separate, less prominent area of the building.
  • "Palace" (αὐλή G833, aulē) refers to a courtyard or open area within a large house, not a palace in the modern sense. This helps clarify the setting as the open courtyard of the high priest’s residence, not a royal palace.
  • "Maids" (παιδίσκη G3814, paidiskē) means a young female servant or slave girl. The use of this word shows that the person who approaches Peter is a servant, not a person of authority.

Why Mark 14:66 matters

  • This verse marks the beginning of Peter’s denial, a significant moment that fulfills Jesus’ earlier prediction and highlights Peter’s fear and humanity.
  • The details about the setting and the people involved help the reader picture the scene and understand the social dynamics at play—Peter is in a vulnerable position, surrounded by those loyal to the high priest.
  • Understanding the layout and the people present in the high priest’s courtyard gives context to Peter’s actions and the pressure he faces, making his denials more understandable in light of the circumstances.

Where else these words appear

“beneath” Greek G2736 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
  • John 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

“palace” 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.

“maids” Greek G3814 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
  • Luke 22:56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
  • Galatians 4:22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

“one” Greek G3391 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • 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?
  • Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;