Matthew 26:51
And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετὰ
of them which were with
G3326
μετὰ
of them which were with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
5 of 23
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρα
his hand
G5495
χεῖρα
his hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
9 of 23
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἀπέσπασεν
and drew
G645
ἀπέσπασεν
and drew
Strong's:
G645
Word #:
10 of 23
to drag forth, i.e., (literally) unsheathe (a sword), or relatively (with a degree of force implied) retire (personally or factiously)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μάχαιραν
sword
G3162
μάχαιραν
sword
Strong's:
G3162
Word #:
12 of 23
a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 23
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦλον
a servant
G1401
δοῦλον
a servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
17 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 #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερέως
of the high priest's
G749
ἀρχιερέως
of the high priest's
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
19 of 23
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 23
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
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.John 18:36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.2 Corinthians 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)Matthew 26:35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
Historical Context
Peter's sword (μάχαιρα) was likely a short blade, possibly for self-defense while traveling. Jesus had told them to buy swords (Luke 22:36-38), but when Peter used his, Jesus rebuked him—the swords were for fulfilling prophecy ('numbered with transgressors,' Isaiah 53:12), not actual combat. Malchus (Μάλχος, probably 'king' or 'counselor') was the high priest's servant, possibly Caiaphas's personal attendant. Peter's attack on the high priest's servant could have resulted in execution—Jesus's healing protected Peter from legal consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you, like Peter, fought in the flesh against what God was accomplishing through suffering?
- How does Jesus's healing of His enemy's servant (Malchus) model loving enemies even while they attack you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear (καὶ ἰδοὺ εἷς τῶν μετὰ Ἰησοῦ ἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα ἀπέσπασεν τὴν μάχαιραν αὐτοῦ καὶ πατάξας τὸν δοῦλον τοῦ ἀρχιερέως ἀφεῖλεν αὐτοῦ τὸ ὠτίον)—John 18:10 identifies 'one of them' as Peter and the servant as Malchus. The verb ἀποσπάω (apospaō, 'to draw away, to unsheathe') shows Peter drew his μάχαιρα (short sword). The blow ἀφαιρέω τὸ ὠτίον ('cut off the ear') was violent but ineffective—Peter aimed for the head but only got the ear. Luke 22:51 records Jesus healing the ear, demonstrating mercy even during His arrest.
Peter's violent response reveals misunderstanding of Jesus's mission—he fought to prevent what must happen. Well-intentioned but misguided, Peter's action would have made Jesus's followers insurrectionists, justifying Rome's brutal response. Jesus had to rebuke him (v. 52) and undo the damage (healing Malchus). Fleshly zeal without spiritual understanding creates disasters. Peter's impulsive violence contrasts with Jesus's controlled submission—showing the difference between human effort and divine obedience.