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John 18:17
ESV The servant girl at the door said to Peter, "You also are not one of this man 's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not."
NIV "You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?" she asked Peter. He replied, "I am not."
NASB Then the slave woman who was the doorkeeper *said to Peter, 'You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?' He *said, 'I am not.'
CSB Then the servant girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, "You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?" "I am not." he said.
NLT The woman asked Peter, 'You’re not one of that man’s disciples, are you?' 'No,' he said, 'I am not.'
KJV Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.
NKJV Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”

What does John 18:17 mean?

Prior verses indicated that John was known to the family of the high priest (John 18:15–16), so when Peter hesitated to come into the courtyard, John was able to get him access. The doorkeeper, however, either recognized Peter's face, or possibly noticed his Galilean accent (Matthew 26:73). Either way, out of suspicion or curiosity, she brings up the possibility of Peter being a follower of Jesus.

The phrasing used here is rhetorical. The servant girl expects a "no" answer. In her mind, it would be foolish for someone whose master was under arrest to put himself in harm's way. This was not Jesus' intention, either (John 18:8).

At this point, Peter's posturing takes a dramatic turn. Earlier this same evening, he had claimed willingness to die for Christ (John 13:37). To the credit of his bravery, at least, he attempted to fight back when Jesus was under arrest (John 18:10). And he's secretly followed along to at least see what happens to his Master (Matthew 26:58). Now, under a different kind of threat, and without Christ by his side, Peter gives in to fear. He lies and claims he's not a follower of Christ.

This is what Jesus predicted would happen (John 13:38), and Peter will make this same denial two more times (John 18:25–27).
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