This and That

66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. 68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.

Mark 14:66-68 NIV

We have covered a brief sample analysis on this site about Peter's denial.

We aim to highlight specific linguistic principles in each verse to give a deeper insight into what is being said. Frequently our analysis skims the surface but we hope it enables you to apply it in everyday life, noting when you hear or read certain things.

In the above verse, Peter is quoted as having denied being with Jesus.

One of the servant girls says, 'You were with that Nazarene, Jesus.' In using the word 'that,' we get an understanding of her thoughts and feelings towards Jesus. The word 'that' distances herself from him. In language, the shortest answer is the best and can speak to logic and truth (context considered). Extra words can speak to emotion as revealed here.

The servant girl could have said, 'You were with Jesus.' Instead, she adds the words, 'that Nazarene.' We would consider why?

We have blogged previously about the Speed of Transmission, the time it takes for our brain to process our thoughts into words being instantaneous. This allows us to 'say what we mean and mean what we say.' It's automatic and flows unless there is cause for interruption. It can reveal our true thoughts, attitudes and personality via 'leakage' which we will cover in another blog.

Here, the language is inclusive of 'that Nazarene,' which can speak not only to Jesus as a person but the wider group of 'Nazarenes,' potentially seen as outsiders by the Jewish community.

Wherever there is a 'this' there is a 'that.' The former brings something close whereas 'that' indicates distance. For example, someone might ask you to pass them a pen, pointing to one away from them but closer to you by saying, 'please can you pass me 'that' pen?' You might respond by saying, 'this' one?' The same can be said for 'these' and 'those.' One word indicates closeness, the other indicates distance.

Whenever you hear the word 'that,' consider if it's what you would expect to hear in context. You might be able to think of some more examples from everyday life.

Consider, 'What's that smell?' versus 'What's this smell?' Which would you consider to be the statement which reflects the pleasant smell?

Language can be logical if we know how to decode it in context.