Matthew 26:51
New International Version
With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

New Living Translation
But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.

English Standard Version
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

Berean Standard Bible
At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

Berean Literal Bible
And behold, one of those with Jesus, having stretched out the hand, drew his sword, and having struck the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

New American Standard Bible
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.

NASB 1995
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.

NASB 1977
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

Legacy Standard Bible
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew out his sword and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.

Amplified Bible
And one of those who were with Jesus reached out and drew his sword, and struck [Malchus] the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.

Christian Standard Bible
At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his ear.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear.

American Standard Version
And behold, one of them that were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.

Contemporary English Version
One of Jesus' followers pulled out a sword. He struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

English Revised Version
And behold, one of them that were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Suddenly, one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and cut off the ear of the chief priest's servant.

Good News Translation
One of those who were with Jesus drew his sword and struck at the High Priest's slave, cutting off his ear.

International Standard Version
Suddenly, one of the men with Jesus reached out his hand, drew his sword, and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his ear.

Majority Standard Bible
At this, one of Jesus? companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

NET Bible
But one of those with Jesus grabbed his sword, drew it out, and struck the high priest's slave, cutting off his ear.

New Heart English Bible
And look, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.

Webster's Bible Translation
And behold, one of them, who were with Jesus, stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest, and smote off his ear.

Weymouth New Testament
But one of those with Jesus drew his sword and struck the High Priest's servant, cutting off his ear.

World English Bible
Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And behold, one of those with Jesus, having stretched forth the hand, drew his sword, and having struck the servant of the chief priest, he took off his ear.

Berean Literal Bible
And behold, one of those with Jesus, having stretched out the hand, drew his sword, and having struck the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear.

Young's Literal Translation
And lo, one of those with Jesus, having stretched forth the hand, drew his sword, and having struck the servant of the chief priest, he took off his ear.

Smith's Literal Translation
And, behold, one of them with Jesus, having stretched out the hand, pulled out his sword, having struck the chief priest's servant, took away his ear.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And behold one of them that were with Jesus, stretching forth his hand, drew out his sword: and striking the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus, extending his hand, drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

New American Bible
And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear.

New Revised Standard Version
Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew a sword, and struck it at the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And behold, one of those who were with Yeshua reached his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of The High Priest and cut off his ear.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the chief priest, and cut off his ear.

Godbey New Testament
And behold, one of those along with Jesus, reaching out his hand, drew his sword, and smiting the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear.

Haweis New Testament
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretching out his hand, drew his sword, and striking at a servant of the high-priest, cut off his ear.

Mace New Testament
At which, one of Jesus's company laying his hand upon his sword, drew it, and striking at a servant of the high priest's, took off his ear.

Weymouth New Testament
But one of those with Jesus drew his sword and struck the High Priest's servant, cutting off his ear.

Worrell New Testament
And, behold, one of those with Jesus stretching forth his hand, grasped his sword; and, smiting the servant of the high priest, he struck off his ear.

Worsley New Testament
And one of them that were with Jesus, stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and striking at the high priest's servant took off his ear.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Betrayal of Jesus
50“Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him. 51At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.…

Cross References
John 18:10-11
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. / “Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”

Mark 14:47
And one of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

Luke 22:49-51
Those around Jesus saw what was about to happen and said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” / And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. / But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him.

John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”

Matthew 5:39
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.

Zechariah 13:7
Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.

John 18:4-6
Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?” / “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas His betrayer was standing there with them. / When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.

Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.

Exodus 21:24
eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

2 Kings 19:35
And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

Psalm 37:14-15
The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. / But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.


Treasury of Scripture

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 26:35
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

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.

Luke 9:55
But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

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Matthew 26
1. Jesus foretells his own death.
3. The rulers conspire against him.
6. The woman anoints his feet.
14. Judas bargains to betray him.
17. Jesus eats the Passover;
26. institutes his holy supper;
30. foretells the desertion of his disciples, and Peter's denial;
36. prays in the garden;
47. and being betrayed by a kiss,
57. is carried to Caiaphas,
69. and denied by Peter.














At that
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, indicating an immediate reaction to the unfolding events. The Greek word used here is "καὶ ἰδοὺ" (kai idou), which is often translated as "and behold" or "suddenly." It suggests a sense of urgency and surprise, highlighting the abruptness of the action that follows. This moment is a turning point, emphasizing the tension and chaos of the scene as Jesus is about to be arrested.

one of Jesus’ companions
The identity of this companion is revealed in the Gospel of John as Peter (John 18:10). The Greek term "εἷς τῶν μετὰ Ἰησοῦ" (heis tōn meta Iēsou) translates to "one of those with Jesus," indicating a close association with Christ. This phrase underscores the loyalty and impulsive nature of Peter, who is often depicted as zealous and protective of Jesus. It also reflects the human tendency to resort to violence in defense of what is cherished, contrasting with Jesus' teachings of peace and non-violence.

drew his sword
The act of drawing a sword signifies readiness for battle or defense. The Greek word "ἐξείλκυσεν" (exeilkysen) means "to draw out," suggesting a deliberate and forceful action. In the historical context, carrying a sword was common for self-defense, especially in a volatile environment like first-century Judea under Roman occupation. This action reflects the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, expecting a political or military Messiah rather than a spiritual Savior.

and struck the servant of the high priest
The servant, identified as Malchus in John 18:10, represents the authority and power of the religious leaders who opposed Jesus. The Greek word "παῖδα" (paida) refers to a servant or slave, indicating a person of lower status. This act of violence against the high priest's servant symbolizes the clash between Jesus' followers and the established religious order. It also foreshadows the suffering and persecution that Jesus and His followers would endure.

cutting off his ear
The specific mention of the ear, "ὠτίον" (ōtion) in Greek, highlights the precision and severity of the act. In ancient times, the ear was often associated with hearing and obedience, and its removal could symbolize a loss of status or ability to hear divine truth. This act of violence is immediately corrected by Jesus, who heals the servant's ear (Luke 22:51), demonstrating His commitment to peace and healing even in the face of betrayal and arrest. This miracle serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' divine authority and compassion, contrasting with the impulsive violence of His disciple.

(51) One of them which were with Jesus.--It is remarkable that, though all four Gospels record the fact, St. John alone (John 18:10-11) records the names both of the disciple who struck the blow (Peter) and of the servant whom he attacked. The reticence of the first three Gospels in this instance, as in that of the woman with the box of ointment, must have been obviously intentional; but it is not easy to conjecture its motive.

Drew his sword.--We learn from Luke 22:33 that there were but two swords in the whole company of the twelve. One of these naturally was in Peter's possession, as being the foremost of the whole band.

A servant of the high priest's.--St. John (John 18:11) with the precision characteristic of his narrative, especially in this part of the Gospel history, gives the servant's name as Malchus, and states that it was the right ear that was cut off. He came, it would seem, not as one of the officers of the Temple, but as the personal slave of Caiaphas. Three of the four Gospels use the diminutive form of the Greek for "ear," St. Luke only (Luke 22:50) giving the primitive word. It is doubtful, however, whether the former was used with any special significance. St. Luke also (Luke 22:51) alone records the fact that our Lord touched and healed the wound thus made. . . .

Verse 51. - One of them which were with Jesus. St. John names Peter as the agent in the attack on the high priest's servant; he also alone gives the name of the servant, Malchus. Of the circumstances which led to the subsequent miracle all the evangelists give an account; the miracle itself is related only by St. Luke. Conjecture has attempted to give reasons for these deficiencies in some of the narratives, and the complementary details in others; but it is wisest to say that thus it has seemed good to the Holy Ghost who guided the writers, and there to leave the subject. Drew his sword. The apostles had evidently misunderstood the Lord's words uttered a little while before (Luke 22:36-38), "He that hath no sword, let him sell his cloke, and buy one." Two of them had then exhibited the weapons with which they had armed themselves, as if ready to repel violence And now one of these, thinking that the hour was arrived for striking a blow in his Master's defence, resorted to violence. Physical courage, indeed, Peter possessed, as was proved by his attitude in the face of fearful odds, but of moral courage he and his comrades exhibited little evidence, when, as soon as their Master was apprehended and led away, they "all forsook him, and fled" (ver. 56). Struck a (the) servant of the high priest's. The man was the high priest's servant in a special way - what we should call his bodyservant; he had evidently made himself conspicuous in the arrest, and Peter struck fiercely at his head as the foremost of the aggressors. St. John, who was acquainted with the high priest and his household, gives his name as Malchus, a Syriac word, meaning "Counsellor." Smote off his ear. The blow fell short, but inflicted a serious wound. How the mischief was repaired by the healing touch of Christ is mentioned alone by Luke the physician, for whom the incident would have special interest. We may note, in passing, that this miracle (the last which Christ worked before his death) was wholly unsolicited and unexpected on the part of the recipient, and was performed upon an enemy actually engaged in hostility. What more striking proof of the Lord's mercy and forgiveness could have been given? What better way could there be of demonstrating the nature of the kingdom which he came to establish? Thus he displayed his superhuman power even while surrendering himself to captivity and death. By this immediate action too he secured his followers from reprisal, so that they were allowed to retire unmolested, and Peter, though recognized to have been one of those in the garden (John 18:26), was not punished for his part in the transaction.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
At this,
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

one
εἷς (heis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

of
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jesus’
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

companions
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

drew
ἀπέσπασεν (apespasen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 645: From apo and spao; to drag forth, i.e. unsheathe, or relatively retire.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

sword
μάχαιραν (machairan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3162: A sword. Probably feminine of a presumed derivative of mache; a knife, i.e. Dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

struck
πατάξας (pataxas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3960: To smite, strike (as with a sword), smite to death, afflict. Probably prolongation from paio; to knock.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

servant
δοῦλον (doulon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

high priest,
ἀρχιερέως (archiereōs)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

cutting off
ἀφεῖλεν (apheilen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 851: To take away, smite off. From apo and haireomai; to remove.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

ear.
ὠτίον (ōtion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5621: An ear. Diminutive of ous; an earlet, i.e. One of the ears, or perhaps the lobe of the ear.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 26:51 Behold one of those who were (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 26:50
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