### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ōtíon**, represented by `{{G5621}}`, refers to an **earlet**, a diminutive form for an ear or perhaps the lobe of the ear. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. All instances of this word occur within the context of a single, dramatic event in the Gospels.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5621}}` is exclusively used to describe the moment a disciple of Jesus attacks a servant of the high priest. In the Garden, Simon Peter drew a sword and cut off the servant's right **ear** [[John 18:10]]. This event is recounted across the Gospels, with Matthew, Mark, and Luke also noting the severing of the **ear** ([[Matthew 26:51]]; [[Mark 14:47]]). The word appears a final time when a relative of the servant, whose **ear** Peter had cut off, identifies Peter as having been with Jesus in the garden [[John 18:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the event surrounding the **ear**:
* `{{G1401}}` **doûlos** (servant): The individual who was struck was a **servant** of the high priest. The gospels consistently identify the victim by this role, and John's account gives his name as Malchus [[John 18:10]].
* `{{G3162}}` **máchaira** (sword): This is the instrument used to cut off the **ear** `{{G5621}}`. The presence of a **sword** signifies the violent human response to Jesus's arrest, an action initiated by one of his followers [[Mark 14:47]].
* `{{G2390}}` **iáomai** (heal): This word provides the divine resolution to the violence. After the **ear** was cut off, Luke's Gospel records that Jesus touched the servant and **healed** him, demonstrating his restorative power [[Luke 22:51]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G5621}}` highlights key aspects of this biblical scene:
* **Impulsive Violence:** The act of striking the servant's **ear** is a moment of rash, human violence. It is an attempt to defend Jesus through worldly means, initiated by one of his own disciples [[Matthew 26:51]].
* **Divine Restoration:** In direct contrast to the violence, Jesus responds with miraculous healing. He touched the servant's **ear** and made him whole, demonstrating his authority over physical harm and rejecting his disciple's violent methods [[Luke 22:51]].
* **A Point of Identification:** The incident involving the **ear** becomes a crucial piece of evidence. A kinsman of Malchus, the servant, later uses the memory of seeing Peter at the scene to identify him as a follower of Jesus [[John 18:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5621}}` **ōtíon** is a highly specific term, exclusively tied to the narrative of the high priest's servant, Malchus. Its few appearances anchor a single, pivotal moment, vividly contrasting impulsive human aggression with Christ's divine power to heal. The story of this **ear** provides a powerful illustration of Jesus's response to violence, choosing restoration over retaliation even in the face of his own betrayal [[Luke 22:51]].
TRV