John 18:10

Authorized King James Version

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Σίμων
Simon
simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites
#2
οὖν
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
Πέτρος
Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#4
ἔχων
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#5
μάχαιραν
a sword
a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment
#6
εἵλκυσεν
drew
to drag (literally or figuratively)
#7
αὐτοῦ
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#8
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
ἔπαισεν
smote
to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than g5180); specially, to sting (as a scorpion)
#10
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἀρχιερέως
the high priest's
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#13
δούλῳ
The servant's
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#14
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ἀπέκοψεν
cut off
to amputate; reflexively (by irony) to mutilate (the privy parts)
#16
αὐτοῦ
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#17
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ὠτίον
ear
an earlet, i.e., one of the ears, or perhaps the lobe of the ear
#19
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
δεξιόν·
right
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
#21
ἦν
was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#22
δὲ
but, and, etc
#23
ὄνομα
name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#24
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
δούλῳ
The servant's
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#26
Μάλχος
Malchus
malchus, an israelite

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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