And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

MATTHEW 26:71KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 26:71 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:71 mean?

Matthew 26:71 describes how Peter, after leaving the courtyard, was recognized by another servant girl who pointed him out to the people nearby, saying that he was also with Jesus of Nazareth. This verse shows that Peter’s attempt to avoid attention failed, as others continued to identify him as a follower of Jesus.

The setting is the night of Jesus’ arrest. Peter is trying to stay close to see what happens to Jesus, but he is afraid of being associated with Him. The verse highlights the growing pressure on Peter as more people notice him, setting up the moment when he will deny knowing Jesus, just as Jesus had predicted.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:71

  • The word for "porch" (προαύλιον, proaulion) refers to an entryway or gateway area, indicating that Peter moved from the main courtyard to a more public or exposed place, making it easier for others to spot him.
  • The phrase "another" (ἄλλη, allē) shows that this is a second servant girl, not the same one as before, emphasizing that multiple people are recognizing Peter.
  • The Greek for "with" (μετά, meta) carries the sense of close association or companionship, underlining the accusation that Peter was not just nearby, but actually connected with Jesus.

Why Matthew 26:71 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Peter’s denial was not a one-time slip, but happened under repeated and increasing pressure from different people, showing the intensity of the situation.
  • The mention of "Jesus of Nazareth" ties Peter directly to Jesus’ identity and reputation, making the accusation more specific and harder for Peter to deny.
  • By showing how Peter is singled out even after moving locations, the verse highlights the inevitability of his confrontation and the fulfillment of Jesus’ earlier warning about Peter’s denial.

Where else these words appear

“porch” Greek G4440 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
  • Revelation 21:15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

“Nazareth” Greek G3480 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
  • Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

“there” Greek G1563 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

“another” Greek G243 · used in 141 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
  • Acts 15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.