Luke 22:50

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

And {G2532} one {G1520}{G5100} of {G1537} them {G846} smote {G3960} the servant {G1401} of the high priest {G749}, and {G2532} cut off {G851} his {G846} right {G1188} ear {G3775}.

One of them struck at the slave of the cohen hagadol and cut off his right ear.

And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

And a certain one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his right ear.

Commentary

Luke 22:50 captures a dramatic and impulsive moment during the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, revealing human reactions amidst a divinely orchestrated event.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus with a kiss and the arrival of a large crowd, including temple guards and Roman soldiers, sent to arrest Jesus. The disciples, witnessing the imminent capture of their Master, question whether they should defend Him with swords. Before Jesus could fully respond, one disciple takes action. While Luke's account doesn't name the individuals, John 18:10 specifically identifies the disciple as Simon Peter and the servant as Malchus, a servant of the high priest, Caiaphas. This incident sets the stage for Jesus's remarkable act of compassion in the very next verse, where He miraculously heals the severed ear, a detail unique to Luke's Gospel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Impulsivity vs. Divine Will: Peter's action, though likely stemming from loyalty and a desire to protect Jesus, represents a human, physical response that was contrary to God's predetermined plan for Jesus's arrest and crucifixion. It highlights the tension between human zeal and divine submission.
  • The Nature of Jesus's Kingdom: Jesus's immediate rebuke to Peter, as recorded in Matthew 26:52 ("put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword"), emphasizes that His kingdom is not advanced through violence or worldly means (John 18:36).
  • Compassion and Power: The subsequent healing of Malchus's ear (Luke 22:51) showcases Jesus's immense power and His boundless compassion, even toward an adversary, providing a profound example of loving one's enemies in the midst of extreme personal peril.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's "smote" translates the Greek word epaisen (แผ”ฯ€ฮฑฮนฯƒฮตฮฝ), meaning "struck" or "hit." The term "servant" comes from doulos (ฮดฮฟแฟฆฮปฮฟฯ‚), which often denotes a bondservant or slave, indicating Malchus's subordinate position in the high priest's household. The specific detail that it was the "right ear" adds a vivid, almost forensic, precision to the account, making the subsequent healing even more impressive and undeniable.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder that our intentions, however good, must be submitted to God's will and methods. Like Peter, we may be tempted to react impulsively or resort to worldly tactics when faced with perceived threats or injustices. However, the example of Jesus calls us to trust in God's sovereignty and to embody His kingdom's values of non-violence, love, and compassion, even towards those who oppose us. It teaches us that our true battle is not against flesh and blood but is spiritual (Ephesians 6:12), and our defense lies in God's power and wisdom, not our own. We are called to reflect Christ's character, even when it means enduring suffering or injustice, trusting that ultimate justice belongs to the Lord.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • John 18:11

    Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

  • 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.

  • 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 26:51

    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?

  • Romans 12:19

    Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
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