John 18:10

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.

Then {G3767} Simon {G4613} Peter {G4074} having {G2192} a sword {G3162} drew {G1670} it {G846}, and {G2532} smote {G3817} the high priest's {G749} servant {G1401}, and {G2532} cut off {G609} his {G846} right {G1188} ear {G5621}.{G1161} The servant's {G1401} name {G3686} was {G2258} Malchus {G3124}.

Then Shim‘on Kefa, who had a sword, drew it and struck the slave of the cohen hagadol, cutting off his right ear; the slave’s name was Melekh.

Then Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

Simon Peter therefore having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. Now the servant’s name was Malchus.

John 18:10 vividly recounts a moment of intense drama during the arrest of Jesus, highlighting the impulsive nature of one of His most prominent disciples.

Context

This verse is set in the Garden of Gethsemane, just after Jesus has identified Himself to the arresting party, causing them to fall backward. As the temple guards and Roman soldiers move to apprehend Jesus, Simon Peter, witnessing this unfolding betrayal and injustice, reacts with immediate and misguided zeal. He attempts to defend his Master physically against the armed multitude that has come to take Jesus away.

Key Themes

  • Peter's Impulsiveness and Zeal: Simon Peter is consistently portrayed as passionate and quick to act, often before fully understanding the situation. His drawing of the sword demonstrates his fierce loyalty and willingness to fight for Jesus, even if it meant violent confrontation. This impulsiveness is a defining trait, evident throughout the Gospels, and it tragically contrasts with his later denial of Jesus in the same chapter.
  • The Nature of Christ's Kingdom: Jesus's immediate response to Peter's violence (found in John 18:11 and the Synoptic Gospels) makes it clear that His kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36) and is not to be advanced or defended by physical force or bloodshed. Peter's act, while well-intentioned, was contrary to the non-violent, spiritual nature of Christ's mission and kingdom.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Jesus's Submission: Peter's attempt to intervene threatened to disrupt God's predetermined plan for Jesus's crucifixion. Jesus's willingness to drink the "cup" His Father had given Him (John 18:11) underscores His complete submission to the divine will, even when it led to suffering and death.
  • Jesus's Compassion and Healing: A significant detail, though not in this verse, is Jesus's miraculous healing of Malchus's ear immediately after it was cut off (Luke 22:51). This act of mercy towards an adversary, even in the moment of His arrest, powerfully demonstrates Christ's boundless compassion and His mission to heal, not to harm.

Linguistic Insights

The servant's name, Malchus (Μάλχος), is of Semitic origin, possibly meaning "king" or "counselor." It is ironic that a servant named "King" would be involved in arresting the true King of Kings, and then be healed by Him. The Greek verb for "smote" (ἔπαισεν - epaisen) implies a striking blow, while "cut off" (ἀπέκοψεν - apekopsen) indicates the complete severance of the ear. The detail of it being the "right ear" adds to the vividness and specificity of John's account, possibly indicating an eyewitness perspective.

Practical Application

John 18:10 reminds believers that fervent devotion to Christ must be guided by His wisdom and aligned with His purposes. Our zeal should not lead us to actions that contradict the principles of love, peace, and non-violence taught by Jesus. It emphasizes that the true battles of faith are spiritual, requiring spiritual armor and methods (Ephesians 6:12), not carnal weapons. The event also highlights Jesus's unwavering commitment to the Father's plan, serving as an example of submission even in the face of injustice and suffering.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 26:54

    But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

  • Luke 22:49

    When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

  • Luke 22:51

    And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

  • 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?

  • Luke 22:33

    And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

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