Mark 14:47

KJV

And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} one {G5100} of them {G1520} that stood by {G3936} drew {G4685} a sword {G3162}, and smote {G3817} a servant {G1401} of the high priest {G749}, and {G2532} cut off {G851} his {G846} ear {G5621}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but one of the people standing nearby drew his sword and struck at the servant of the cohen hagadol, cutting off his ear.

Berean Standard Bible

And one of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

American Standard Version

But a certain one of them that stood by drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:47 captures a moment of intense, impulsive action during the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. As an armed crowd descends upon Jesus, one of His disciples, later identified as Simon Peter, draws a sword and strikes a servant of the high priest, severing his ear. This dramatic incident highlights the clash between human zeal and divine purpose, setting the stage for Jesus's submissive path to the cross and underscoring the spiritual nature of His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Mark's Gospel, immediately following Judas Iscariot's treacherous kiss, which signals Jesus's identity to the arresting party. The disciples, having just failed to stay awake and pray with Jesus in His agony, are now thrust into a chaotic and violent confrontation. Mark's concise narrative emphasizes the suddenness of the attack and the immediate, albeit misguided, defensive reaction from "one of them that stood by." This event precedes Jesus's rebuke of the violence (though not explicitly recorded in Mark, it is implied by the action's cessation) and the subsequent flight of all the disciples, underscoring their fear and misunderstanding of Jesus's messianic mission, which was not to be achieved through earthly power or resistance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The arrest takes place in the Garden of Gethsemane, a familiar olive grove on the Mount of Olives, outside Jerusalem's city walls. The arresting party, comprising temple guards, chief priests, elders, and scribes, represents the religious establishment's authority, dispatched by the Sanhedrin. Their presence with "swords and staves" (Mark 14:43) indicates their intent to apprehend Jesus as a dangerous criminal, perhaps fearing a popular uprising if He were arrested publicly. The high priest's servant (identified as Malchus in [John 18:10](/john/18-10 "John 18:10 - Peter Strikes Malchus")) would have been part of this official contingent, likely a trusted attendant or even a family member, making the assault on him a direct affront to the high priestly authority. In this volatile environment, carrying and drawing a sword was a serious act, potentially escalating the situation into a full-blown riot, which the authorities were keen to avoid.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:47 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it starkly contrasts **human impulsivity and misunderstanding** with **divine sovereignty and submission**. Peter's zealous but misguided attempt to defend Jesus highlights the disciples' persistent failure to grasp the non-violent, suffering nature of Jesus's kingdom, a theme echoed throughout the passion narrative. Secondly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Jesus's authority and control**, even in His apparent vulnerability. While Mark does not explicitly record Jesus's rebuke or the healing of the ear (as [Matthew 26:52](/matthew/26-52 "Matthew 26:52 - Jesus Rebukes Peter") and [Luke 22:51](/luke/22-51 "Luke 22:51 - Jesus Heals the Ear") do), the cessation of the violence and Jesus's subsequent willing surrender imply His ultimate command over the situation. This reinforces the idea that His suffering was not a failure but a deliberate act of obedience to God's will, as He had prayed in [Gethsemane](/mark/14-32-42 "Mark 14:32-42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sword (Greek, _máchaira'_):** This term (G3162) refers to a knife or dirk, often a short sword used for close combat or self-defense. Figuratively, it can represent war or judicial punishment. In this context, it signifies a weapon of earthly power and violence, contrasting sharply with the spiritual nature of Jesus's kingdom. Peter's use of it demonstrates his reliance on human means to achieve what he perceived as justice or defense.
* **smote (Greek, _paíō'_):** The verb (G3817) means to hit, strike, or smite, often implying a single, forceful blow. It conveys the suddenness and intensity of Peter's action, an immediate and physical reaction to the perceived threat against his master. This word highlights the violent nature of the encounter and Peter's desperate attempt to intervene.
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** This noun (G1401) denotes a slave or bond-servant, indicating a position of subjection or subserviency. The victim of Peter's attack was not merely an anonymous individual but a personal attendant of the high priest, making the assault a direct challenge to the religious authority that sought to arrest Jesus. This detail underscores the high stakes of the confrontation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one of them that stood by":** This phrase refers to one of Jesus's disciples present at the arrest. Though Mark does not name him, the other Gospels identify this individual as Simon Peter ([John 18:10](/john/18-10 "John 18:10 - Peter Strikes Malchus")). His presence "stood by" suggests he was close to the action, witnessing the betrayal and arrest firsthand, leading to his impulsive reaction.
* **"drew a sword":** This describes a swift, decisive action, indicating Peter's readiness to defend Jesus physically. The act of drawing a sword signifies a commitment to engage in physical conflict, born out of a misguided zeal to protect his Lord from perceived injustice. It reveals Peter's reliance on carnal means rather than spiritual understanding.
* **"and smote a servant of the high priest":** This details the target and the nature of the attack. The "servant of the high priest" was part of the official arresting party, representing the very authority that sought to condemn Jesus. Peter's strike was direct and intentional, aimed at one of the adversaries.
* **"and cut off his ear":** This specifies the precise injury inflicted. The severing of the ear is a gruesome detail that underscores the violence of the moment and the immediate, tangible consequence of Peter's impulsive act. It also sets the stage for Jesus's compassionate intervention, as recorded in Luke's Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:47 employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and convey deeper meaning. **Irony** is prominent, as Peter's attempt to defend Jesus with a weapon of earthly power stands in stark contrast to Jesus's mission, which involves a willing surrender and the establishment of a spiritual kingdom not of this world. There is also an element of **foreshadowing**, as Peter's impulsive, misguided action here anticipates his later denial of Jesus, highlighting the disciples' human weakness and their struggle to fully comprehend Jesus's path of suffering. The scene also utilizes **contrast**, pitting the violence of the arresting mob and Peter's reaction against Jesus's calm, submissive demeanor (even if His explicit rebuke is not detailed by Mark). The **anonymity** of "one of them that stood by" in Mark's account allows the reader to initially focus on the action itself rather than the specific individual, making the impulsive human reaction more universal before other Gospels reveal Peter's identity, adding a layer of personal failure to the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:47 profoundly illustrates the fundamental difference between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. Peter's impulsive act, though born of loyalty, demonstrates a reliance on human strength and worldly methods to achieve spiritual ends, a temptation that believers still face today. Jesus's subsequent (implied) rebuke of this violence, and His willingness to submit to the Father's will, teaches that God's purposes are not achieved through force or human resistance, but through obedience, suffering, and self-sacrifice. This event underscores the truth that Jesus's kingdom "is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), and His victory would come through the cross, not the sword. It calls believers to trust in divine providence rather than resorting to carnal weapons in spiritual battles, emphasizing that true power lies in surrendering to God's sovereign plan.

* [Matthew 26:52](/matthew/26-52 "Matthew 26:52 - Jesus Rebukes Peter's Use of the Sword")
* [Luke 22:51](/luke/22-51 "Luke 22:51 - Jesus Heals the Servant's Ear")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle is Not Against Flesh and Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:47 serves as a powerful reminder that our zeal for God must always be tempered by understanding His will and His methods. Like Peter, we can be quick to react impulsively to perceived threats or injustices, attempting to "fix" situations in our own strength or through worldly means. However, this passage calls us to a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan, even when it involves suffering or appears to contradict our expectations of how God should act. It challenges us to lay down our "swords"—our reliance on self-sufficiency, anger, or retaliation—and instead embrace the path of humility, non-resistance, and compassion, even towards those who oppose us. In a world that often values power and immediate retribution, Jesus's response to Peter's violence, and His subsequent submission, teaches us that true spiritual victory is found not in fighting *for* Him with carnal weapons, but in following *Him* in His path of self-giving love and obedience. We are called to embody His kingdom's values, which are peace, grace, and sacrificial love, rather than force or aggression.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to act impulsively, relying on my own strength or methods rather than trusting God's timing and plan?**
* **How does Jesus's response to Peter's violence challenge my understanding of spiritual warfare and the nature of God's kingdom?**
* **Am I willing to extend compassion and grace to those who oppose me, even when it feels counterintuitive or difficult?**
* **What "swords" (e.g., anger, control, retaliation) do I need to lay down in my walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who was "one of them that stood by" who drew the sword?**

Answer: While Mark's Gospel does not explicitly name him, other Gospel accounts identify this individual as Simon Peter. [John 18:10](/john/18-10 "John 18:10 - Peter Strikes Malchus") specifically states, "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." This detail from John's Gospel clarifies the identity of the impulsive disciple.

**Why didn't Jesus allow Peter to fight or defend Him with the sword?**

Answer: Jesus explicitly forbade the use of the sword because His kingdom is not of this world and is not established or defended by physical force. As He stated in [Matthew 26:52](/matthew/26-52 "Matthew 26:52 - Jesus Rebukes Peter"), "Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." His mission was to fulfill prophecy through His willing suffering and sacrifice, not through armed resistance. He also told Peter in [John 18:11](/john/18-11 "John 18:11 - Jesus Accepts His Father's Cup"), "Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" This demonstrated His submission to the Father's will and His commitment to establishing a spiritual kingdom through love and truth, not violence.

**What happened to the high priest's servant after his ear was cut off?**

Answer: Although Mark's account is concise, [Luke 22:51](/luke/22-51 "Luke 22:51 - Jesus Heals the Servant's Ear") provides a crucial detail: "And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him." This miraculous act of compassion by Jesus, even in the midst of His arrest and betrayal, highlights His divine power and His unwavering commitment to love, even towards His adversaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:47, though a scene of human impulsivity and violence, powerfully points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Peter's misguided attempt to defend Jesus with a sword underscores the essential truth that the Messiah's victory would not be achieved through earthly power or resistance, but through self-sacrificial love and submission to the Father's will. Jesus's implicit (in Mark) and explicit (in other Gospels) rejection of violence, coupled with His willingness to be arrested, fulfills prophecies of the suffering servant who would not resist His oppressors ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")). His subsequent act of healing the servant's ear, as recorded in [Luke 22:51](/luke/22-51 "Luke 22:51 - Jesus Heals the Servant's Ear"), stands as a profound demonstration of His divine nature and boundless compassion, even towards those who sought His harm. This moment reveals Jesus as the ultimate healer, not just of physical ailments, but of the spiritual wounds of humanity, foreshadowing His atoning work on the cross where He would bear the ultimate injustice to bring about reconciliation. The scene ultimately affirms that Jesus's kingdom is spiritual, founded on grace and truth, and achieved through His perfect obedience and sacrificial love, rather than by any human force or intervention.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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 18:10

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?