Definition: 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].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 14:70. It's a really important part of Jesus’ final moments before his arrest. Here’s what it means in simple terms: What’s Happening? Jesus is being questioned about whether he is the Son of God. He’s been accused of speaking against God and of being a liar. Let's look at each part: “And he denied it again.” - This means Jesus had already denied something, but now he denies it again . It shows that he’s struggling with the accusation. “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].” – This is where it gets interesting. "They who stood by" refers to his disciples (the followers of Jesus). The phrase "thy speech agreeth [thereto]" means “Your words agree with this” or “Your speech fits with this.” What does it really mean? This is a tricky one, and there are a few possible interpretations. The best understanding leans towards a very specific kind of agreement. It’s suggesting that Jesus is indeed a Galilean – someone from Galilee – and his speech (his words) does align with the teachings and beliefs of those in Jerusalem. Why is this significant? This phrase is often interpreted as a subtle way for Jesus to test his disciples. It’s not necessarily a direct accusation, but it highlights that he's connected to the religious center of Jerusalem and its traditions. It also shows that Jesus was aware of his followers' beliefs and might be testing their loyalty to him. In short: Jesus is saying, "You're familiar with the traditions and beliefs of Jerusalem. Your words are consistent with those beliefs." --- Important Note: This interpretation has been debated for centuries, and there’s no single, universally accepted answer. Different scholars have offered various explanations over time. But this is the generally accepted understanding from most biblical commentators. Do you want me to: Explain another part of Mark 14? Discuss a different possible interpretation of this verse?