And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036}, Suffer ye {G1439} thus {G5127} far {G2193}. And {G2532} he touched {G680} his {G846} ear {G5621}, and healed {G2390} him {G846}.
But Yeshua answered, “Just let me do this,” and, touching the man’s ear, he healed him.
But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him.
But Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye them thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
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Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. -
2 Corinthians 10:1
¶ Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: -
John 17:12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. -
1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: -
1 Peter 2:23
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously: -
John 18:8
Jesus answered, I have told you that I am [he]: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: -
John 18:9
That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
Commentary on Luke 22:51 (KJV)
This verse captures a remarkable moment during the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Immediately following Peter's rash act of drawing a sword and cutting off the ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest, Jesus intervenes.
Context
The scene is set in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus had been praying just moments before. A crowd, including temple guards and elders, arrives to arrest Him, led by Judas Iscariot. In the ensuing confusion and defense by His disciples, one of them (identified as Peter in other Gospels) strikes out with a sword. This verse records Jesus' immediate response to that act of violence.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Suffer ye thus far" (Greek: Eate heos toutou) is slightly ambiguous in translation but generally means "Let this be enough," "No more of this," or "Stop now." It's Jesus telling His disciples to cease their physical resistance. The word for "healed" (Greek: iaomai) is the standard term for physical healing, often used for miraculous cures.
Commentary and Significance
Jesus' action here is deeply significant. Instead of allowing the situation to escalate with violence, He halts the conflict ("Suffer ye thus far") and performs one last act of physical healing before His passion begins. Healing the ear of the servant of the high priest, one of those involved in His arrest, is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' command to love enemies and pray for persecutors. It highlights His divine nature and authority, not used for escape or defense, but for compassion and restoration, even in His moment of vulnerability. This act is a final, tender display of His mission to bring healing and grace to a broken world, contrasting sharply with the hostility surrounding Him.
Practical Application
This verse challenges believers to consider their response when faced with opposition or injustice. Jesus' example calls us to reject violence and retaliation, even when attacked. It reminds us that true power lies not in force, but in love, compassion, and reliance on God's will. It also serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' enduring capacity to bring healing and restoration, even in the most desperate and dark circumstances. We are called to follow His example by showing grace to those who oppose us and trusting God's plan.