Mark 14:47
And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρεστηκότων
that stood by
G3936
παρεστηκότων
that stood by
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
5 of 18
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μάχαιραν
a sword
G3162
μάχαιραν
a sword
Strong's:
G3162
Word #:
8 of 18
a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment
ἔπαισεν
and smote
G3817
ἔπαισεν
and smote
Strong's:
G3817
Word #:
9 of 18
to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than g5180); specially, to sting (as a scorpion)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦλον
a servant
G1401
δοῦλον
a servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
11 of 18
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 #:
12 of 18
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 #:
13 of 18
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 18
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 #:
16 of 18
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
Historical Context
Carrying swords violated Roman law for Jews, but the disciples apparently had two (Luke 22:38). Malchus, as the high priest's servant, represented establishment power. That Peter attacked a servant rather than a soldier suggests either poor aim, divine providence, or instinctive targeting of the Jewish authority figure rather than Roman force.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Peter's violent defense of Jesus teach about the danger of carnal methods for spiritual purposes?
- How does Jesus' healing of Malchus's ear demonstrate that the kingdom advances through grace, not force?
- In what areas might you be tempted to "draw a sword" for Jesus rather than trusting His sovereign purposes and methods?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And one of them that stood by drew a sword—John 18:10 identifies this as Peter wielding a μάχαιρα (machaira, a short sword or large knife). And smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear—the violent verb ἀφαίρεω (aphaireō, "cut off, remove") describes the blow that removed Malchus's ear (John 18:10). Peter's action reveals misguided zeal attempting to defend Christ through fleshly means.
The irony cuts deep: Peter defends the One who needs no defense, employs violence for the Prince of Peace, draws a sword for Him who will rebuke "all they that take the sword" (Matthew 26:52). Luke 22:51 records Jesus healing the ear, demonstrating grace toward enemy and correction of disciple in single act. Peter's sword-swing shows how religious zeal divorced from understanding of God's ways produces harmful action masquerading as faithfulness.