John 18:26
One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλων
the servants
G1401
δούλων
the servants
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
5 of 23
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερέως
of the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερέως
of the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
7 of 23
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
συγγενὴς
his kinsman
G4773
συγγενὴς
his kinsman
Strong's:
G4773
Word #:
8 of 23
a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman
οὗ
whose
G3739
οὗ
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀπέκοψεν
cut off
G609
ἀπέκοψεν
cut off
Strong's:
G609
Word #:
11 of 23
to amputate; reflexively (by irony) to mutilate (the privy parts)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
12 of 23
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὠτίον
ear
G5621
ὠτίον
ear
Strong's:
G5621
Word #:
14 of 23
an earlet, i.e., one of the ears, or perhaps the lobe of the ear
εἶδον
Did
G1492
εἶδον
Did
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
18 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 18:10Then 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.John 18:1When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
Historical Context
Malchus, whose ear Peter severed (John 18:10), was slave to the high priest, making his relative part of the temple establishment's inner circle. These families of chief priests controlled temple operations through nepotism. That Jesus healed this enemy (His last miracle before crucifixion) demonstrates love of enemies in action, not just teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the healed servant's kinsman still opposing Jesus illustrate that even miracles don't overcome hardened hearts?
- What does Peter's denial to the very person who witnessed Jesus's healing mercy teach about fear's power to distort truth?
- When has your fear of consequences led you to deny Christ before those who have the most evidence of His power in your life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off—This eyewitness (συγγενὴς ὢν, syngenēs ōn, 'being a relative') adds specificity and danger. The servant wasn't asking generally but confronting Peter with direct evidence: Did not I see thee in the garden with him? (Οὐκ ἐγώ σε εἶδον, ouk egō se eidon)—'Did not I myself see you?'
Peter's third denial comes to the one person with physical proof (the healed ear, Luke 22:51) and personal grievance. Providence orchestrated the most compelling witness at Peter's most vulnerable moment. This kinsman's presence reminds us that miracles don't automatically produce faith—he saw divine healing yet opposed Christ.