Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

MATTHEW 26:69KJV
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Matthew 26:69 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:69 mean?

Matthew 26:69 describes Peter sitting outside in the courtyard of the high priest’s house when a servant girl approaches him and says that he was also with Jesus of Galilee. This moment begins the account of Peter’s denial of Jesus, as he is recognized by someone in the crowd.

The scene takes place after Jesus has been arrested and taken to the high priest’s residence for questioning. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, has followed at a distance and is now in a vulnerable position among strangers. The servant girl’s statement puts Peter on the spot, identifying him as a companion of Jesus at a time when it is dangerous to be associated with Him.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:69

  • The word παλάτιον (palation, "palace") is often understood as a large house or courtyard, not necessarily a royal palace. In this context, it refers to the residence of the high priest, where the trial is taking place.
  • The term παιδίσκη (paidiskē, "damsel") means a young female servant or slave girl, highlighting that the person confronting Peter is not a figure of authority but someone of low social status.
  • The phrase "Jesus of Galilee" (Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Γαλιλαίου, Iēsou tou Galilaiou) singles out Jesus by His regional background, which may have made His followers more recognizable or suspicious to others in Jerusalem.

Why Matthew 26:69 matters

  • This verse sets the stage for Peter’s denial, showing how even a simple question from a servant girl can be threatening in a hostile environment.
  • The identification of Jesus as "of Galilee" emphasizes the outsider status of both Jesus and His followers in Jerusalem, underlining the risk Peter faces.
  • The verse highlights the tension and fear among Jesus’ disciples after His arrest, helping readers understand the pressure Peter was under and the significance of his later actions.

Where else these words appear

“Galilee” Greek G1057 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 14:70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
  • Luke 22:59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
  • Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

“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 14:66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
  • 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.

“damsel” Greek G3814 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 14:66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
  • 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.

“without” Greek G1854 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.