John 18:18
New International Version
It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

New Living Translation
Because it was cold, the household servants and the guards had made a charcoal fire. They stood around it, warming themselves, and Peter stood with them, warming himself.

English Standard Version
Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

Berean Standard Bible
Because it was cold, the servants and officers were standing around a charcoal fire they had made to keep warm. And Peter was also standing with them, warming himself.

Berean Literal Bible
Now the servants and the officers were standing, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold and they were warming themselves. And Peter was also standing with them and warming himself.

King James Bible
And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

New King James Version
Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.

New American Standard Bible
Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself.

NASB 1995
Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself.

NASB 1977
Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself.

Amplified Bible
Now the servants and the officers had made a fire of coals, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. And Peter was with them, standing and warming himself.

Christian Standard Bible
Now the servants and the officials had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold. They were standing there warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, warming himself.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now the slaves and the temple police had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold. They were standing there warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, warming himself.

American Standard Version
Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals; for it was cold; and they were warming themselves: and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

Contemporary English Version
It was cold, and the servants and temple police had made a charcoal fire. They were warming themselves around it, when Peter went over and stood near the fire to warm himself.

English Revised Version
Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals; for it was cold; and they were warming themselves: and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The servants and the guards were standing around a fire they had built and were warming themselves because it was cold. Peter was standing there, too, and warming himself with the others.

Good News Translation
It was cold, so the servants and guards had built a charcoal fire and were standing around it, warming themselves. So Peter went over and stood with them, warming himself.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, the servants and officers were standing around a charcoal fire they had built and were warming themselves because it was cold. Peter was also standing with them, keeping himself warm.

Majority Standard Bible
Because it was cold, the servants and officers were standing around a charcoal fire they had made to keep warm. And Peter was standing with them, warming himself.

NET Bible
(Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire they had made, warming themselves because it was cold. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.)

New Heart English Bible
Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; (for it was cold) and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

Weymouth New Testament
Now because it was cold the servants and the police had lighted a charcoal fire, and were standing and warming themselves; and Peter too remained with them, standing and warming himself.

World English Bible
Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the servants and the officers were standing, having made a fire of coals, because it was cold, and they were warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, and warming himself.

Berean Literal Bible
Now the servants and the officers were standing, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold and they were warming themselves. And Peter was also standing with them and warming himself.

Young's Literal Translation
and the servants and the officers were standing, having made a fire of coals, because it was cold, and they were warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, and warming himself.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the servants and attendants stood, having made a heap of burning coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter was standing with them, and warming himself.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now the servants and ministers stood at a fire of coals, because it was cold, and warmed themselves. And with them was Peter also, standing, and warming himself.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the servants and attendants were standing before burning coals, for it was cold, and they were warming themselves. And Peter was standing with them also, warming himself.

New American Bible
Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold, and were warming themselves. Peter was also standing there keeping warm.

New Revised Standard Version
Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the servants and guards were standing and making a fire, to warm themselves because it was cold; Simon also stood with them and warmed himself.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the servants and the guards were standing and they were setting a fire to warm themselves because it was cold, but Shimeon was also standing with them and warming himself.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the servants and the attendants, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold, were standing and warming themselves. And Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

Godbey New Testament
And the servants and officers, having made a fire; because it was cold; were standing by it, and warming. And Peter was standing with them, and warming.

Haweis New Testament
Now the servants and inferior officers having made a fire, for it was cold, stood and warmed themselves: and there stood Peter with them, and warmed himself.

Mace New Testament
now the servants and officers that were there, had made a coal-fire, for it was cold, to warm themselves: and Peter stood warming himself among them.

Weymouth New Testament
Now because it was cold the servants and the police had lighted a charcoal fire, and were standing and warming themselves; and Peter too remained with them, standing and warming himself.

Worrell New Testament
And the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals (because it was cold), and were warming themselves; and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

Worsley New Testament
And the servants and officers stood there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold, and were warming themselves: and Peter was standing with them and warming himself.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Peter's First Denial
17At this, the servant girl watching the door said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of this man’s disciples?” “I am not,” he answered. 18 Because it was cold, the servants and officers were standing around a charcoal fire they had made to keep warm. And Peter was also standing with them, warming himself. 19Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching.…

Cross References
Matthew 26:69-75
Meanwhile, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him. “You also were with Jesus the Galilean,” she said. / But he denied it before them all: “I do not know what you are talking about.” / When Peter had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” ...

Mark 14:66-72
While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the servant girls of the high priest came down / and saw him warming himself there. She looked at Peter and said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.” / But he denied it. “I do not know or even understand what you are talking about,” he said. Then he went out to the gateway, and the rooster crowed. ...

Luke 22:55-62
When those present had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. / A servant girl saw him seated in the firelight and looked intently at him. “This man also was with Him,” she said. / But Peter denied it. “Woman, I do not know Him,” he said. ...

John 13:36-38
“Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.” / “Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.” / “Will you lay down your life for Me?” Jesus replied. “Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.

John 15:18-20
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.

John 16:1-4
“I have told you these things so that you will not fall away. / They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. / They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me. ...

John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

Matthew 26:3-5
At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, / and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. / “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”

Mark 14:1-2
Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him. / “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”

Luke 22:2-6
and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people. / Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. ...

Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.

Psalm 26:4-5
I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites. / I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked.

Psalm 35:11-12
Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. / They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul.

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 69:4
Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.


Treasury of Scripture

And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

who.

John 18:25
And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.

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.

Luke 22:55,56
And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them…

for.

Luke 22:44
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Peter.

Genesis 49:6
O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.

1 Kings 19:9
And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Jump to Previous
Charcoal Coals Cold Fire Front Lighted Officers Officials Peter Police Servants Slaves Standing Stood Themselves Warm Warmed Warming
Jump to Next
Charcoal Coals Cold Fire Front Lighted Officers Officials Peter Police Servants Slaves Standing Stood Themselves Warm Warmed Warming
John 18
1. Judas betrays Jesus.
6. The officers fall to the ground.
10. Peter cuts off Malchus' ear.
12. Jesus is taken, and led unto Annas and Caiaphas.
15. Peter's denial.
19. Jesus examined before Caiaphas.
25. Peter's second and third denial.
28. Jesus arraigned before Pilate.
36. His kingdom.
40. The Jews prefer Barabbas.














Because it was cold
The phrase "because it was cold" sets the scene for the events that unfold. The coldness of the night not only describes the physical environment but also metaphorically reflects the spiritual and emotional chill of the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. The Greek word for cold, "ψυχρός" (psychros), can also imply a lack of warmth or compassion, which is fitting given the betrayal and denial that occur in this chapter. This detail reminds us of the harsh conditions Jesus faced, both physically and spiritually, as He approached His ultimate sacrifice.

the servants and officers
The "servants and officers" refer to those who were part of the high priest's household and the temple guard. These individuals were likely accustomed to following orders without question, representing the worldly powers and authorities that stood in opposition to Jesus. Their presence around the fire highlights the contrast between the earthly authority they represent and the divine authority of Christ. Historically, these groups were tasked with maintaining order and carrying out the will of the religious leaders, often without understanding the deeper spiritual implications of their actions.

were standing around a charcoal fire
The "charcoal fire" is a significant detail, as it is mentioned only twice in the New Testament, both times in relation to Peter's denial (here and in John 21:9). The Greek word "ἀνθρακιά" (anthrakia) specifically refers to a fire made with charcoal, which produces a distinct smell and warmth. This fire serves as a physical and symbolic focal point, drawing Peter into a moment of weakness and fear. The fire's warmth contrasts with the coldness of the night, yet it also becomes a place of spiritual testing for Peter.

they had made to keep warm
The act of making a fire "to keep warm" is a natural human response to cold, yet it also symbolizes the attempts of the world to find comfort and security in temporal things. The warmth of the fire provides temporary relief, but it cannot address the deeper spiritual needs of the soul. This phrase invites reflection on where we seek our comfort and security, challenging us to find our true warmth in the presence of Christ rather than in the fleeting comforts of the world.

And Peter was standing with them
Peter's choice to stand "with them" indicates his physical proximity to those who opposed Jesus, but it also suggests a deeper spiritual alignment at that moment. Despite his earlier declarations of loyalty, Peter finds himself in a place of compromise and vulnerability. This phrase serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of associating too closely with worldly influences, especially when our faith is being tested. It underscores the importance of standing firm in our convictions, even when we feel isolated or pressured.

warming himself
The image of Peter "warming himself" by the fire is poignant, as it captures his internal struggle between fear and faith. The warmth he seeks is temporary and external, contrasting with the enduring and internal warmth of the Holy Spirit that he will later receive. This moment of seeking physical comfort foreshadows Peter's denial, highlighting the human tendency to prioritize immediate relief over spiritual integrity. It serves as a call to believers to seek the true warmth and strength that comes from a relationship with Christ, especially in times of trial.

(18) And the servants and officers stood there.--i.e., in the quadrangular court. The "servants" "are the household servants or slaves of the high priest. The officers are the Temple servants. (Comp. Note on John 18:3.)

A fire of coals.--In the Greek this phrase is expressed by one word which occurs again in the New Testament in John 21:9; and in the LXX. in Ecclesiasticus 11:30; Ecclesiasticus 11:32; and 4Ma 9:20. It means a glowing fire. One of the Greek translators (Aquila) uses it in Psalm 119:4 (English version Psalm 120:4 : "coals of juniper"--that is, of the broom plant). . . .

Verse 18. - The εἰστήκεισαν δὲ implies the conditions under which the first fearful fall of Peter was accomplished. Now the servants and the officers were standing (imperfect tense), having made (πεποιηκότες, perfect participle) a fire of coals (ἀνθρακιάν), congeries prunarum ardentium (cf. John 21:9; Ecclus. 11:32, "a glowing fire;" Aquila, Psalm 120:4), because it was cold (in the dead of the night, even in April, at the present day, the temperature falls considerably, and the cold is felt far more keenly in these climates in contrast with the heat of the sun by day): and Peter was standing with them, standing and warming himself. The whole construction of the sentence implies that this was how matters stood while the examination was going on to which John then reverts. The synoptists know or say nothing of this first examination, which bears upon it strong marks of authenticity.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

it was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

cold,
ψῦχος (psychos)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5592: Cold. From psucho; coolness.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

servants
δοῦλοι (douloi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

officers
ὑπηρέται (hypēretai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5257: From hupo and a derivative of eresso; an under-oarsman, i.e. subordinate.

were standing around
Εἱστήκεισαν (Heistēkeisan)
Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

a charcoal fire
ἀνθρακιὰν (anthrakian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 439: A coal-fire, a heap of burning coals. From anthrax; a bed of burning coals.

they had made
πεποιηκότες (pepoiēkotes)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

to keep warm.
ἐθερμαίνοντο (ethermainonto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2328: To warm; mid: I warm myself. From therme; to heat.

And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Peter
Πέτρος (Petros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

also
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

standing
ἑστὼς (hestōs)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

with
μετ’ (met’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

them,
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

warming himself.
θερμαινόμενος (thermainomenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2328: To warm; mid: I warm myself. From therme; to heat.


Links
John 18:18 NIV
John 18:18 NLT
John 18:18 ESV
John 18:18 NASB
John 18:18 KJV

John 18:18 BibleApps.com
John 18:18 Biblia Paralela
John 18:18 Chinese Bible
John 18:18 French Bible
John 18:18 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: John 18:18 Now the servants and the officers were (Jhn Jo Jn)
John 18:17
Top of Page
Top of Page