Luke 22:50
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 17
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
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦλον
the servant
G1401
δοῦλον
the servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
8 of 17
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 #:
9 of 17
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 #:
10 of 17
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 17
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 14:47And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.Romans 12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.2 Corinthians 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Historical Context
Malchus, as the high priest's servant, was likely a trusted administrator, possibly overseeing the arrest party. His name (Hebrew Melek, 'king') is recorded despite his low status, perhaps because he became known in the early church. Cutting off an ear would disqualify someone from priestly service under Mosaic law (Leviticus 21:17-23), adding insult to injury. Peter's use of a machaira (μάχαιρα)—a short sword or large knife—was practical for fishermen but illegal for common Jews to carry into public spaces.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Peter's violent defense followed by denial reveal about human nature?
- How can religious zeal become destructive when divorced from Christ's Spirit?
- Why does Jesus heal an enemy's servant rather than reward Peter's 'defense'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. John's Gospel identifies this disciple as Peter and the servant as Malchus (John 18:10). The Greek afeilen to ous autou to dexion (ἀφεῖλεν τὸ οὖς αὐτοῦ τὸ δεξιόν, 'took off his right ear') indicates a deliberate slash aimed at the head. Peter, a fisherman trained in knife-work, likely aimed to kill but only struck the ear. The dexion (right ear) detail suggests eyewitness testimony—such specificity serves no theological purpose but authenticates the account.
Peter's action embodies misguided zeal—courage without wisdom, passion without principle. He would defend Jesus with violence but within hours would deny knowing Him (v. 57). This reveals the flesh's inconsistency: bold one moment, cowardly the next. The target, a servant of the high priest, held no real power—Peter struck someone powerless while the true enemies surrounded them. This mirrors how religious zeal often attacks symptoms rather than root problems.