New Testament
Matthew 26:71
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When he moved out to the gateway, another servant girl noticed him and told the people standing there, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth."
Compare translations
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.
What Matthew 26:71 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Peter is outside in the courtyard after Jesus' arrest. A servant girl recognizes him and points him out to others, claiming he was with Jesus. This moment highlights Peter's struggle with fear and his desire to distance himself from Jesus during a critical time. The servant girl's accusation serves as a reminder of the scrutiny and pressure faced by Jesus' followers. Peter's denial of association with Jesus is a pivotal moment in the narrative, showcasing the tension between loyalty and self-preservation. This incident foreshadows Peter's later repentance and restoration after Jesus' resurrection, illustrating the theme of forgiveness and redemption. The verse emphasizes the challenges of standing firm in faith when faced with opposition or danger, a situation many believers can relate to in their own lives.
How to apply Matthew 26:71 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own faith under pressure. When faced with challenges, we may feel tempted to distance ourselves from our beliefs. It's important to stand firm in our faith and remember that even in moments of weakness, there is always the opportunity for forgiveness and restoration.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Peter Denies Jesus (Matthew 26:69–75)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 26:71
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 26:71
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 26:71 mean?
Matthew 26:71 describes a moment when Peter is recognized by a servant girl as someone who was with Jesus. This highlights Peter's fear and his struggle to maintain his association with Jesus during a time of danger.
What is the significance of Peter's denial in Matthew 26:71?
Peter's denial in this verse illustrates the tension between loyalty to Jesus and the fear of public scrutiny. It marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, foreshadowing his later repentance and the theme of redemption.
What does the servant girl say in Matthew 26:71?
In Matthew 26:71, the servant girl tells those around her that Peter was with Jesus of Nazareth. This accusation puts Peter in a difficult position, reflecting the pressure faced by Jesus' followers.
How does Matthew 26:71 relate to themes of fear and loyalty?
Matthew 26:71 showcases Peter's fear of association with Jesus, highlighting the struggle between personal safety and loyalty to faith. It serves as a reminder of the challenges believers may face when their faith is tested.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.