The phrase "smote off" is a term used in the Bible to describe the act of striking or cutting off, often in a violent or decisive manner. This expression is most notably associated with the event in the Garden of Gethsemane, where the Apostle Peter, in a moment of impulsive defense, cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant, Malchus.

Biblical Account:

The incident is recorded in all four Gospels, but the phrase "smote off" is specifically found in the account of the Gospel of John. In John 18:10 , it is written: "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." This act of Peter is a demonstration of his zealous nature and his desire to protect Jesus from being arrested, although it was not in alignment with Jesus' mission or teachings.

Theological Significance:

The act of smiting off Malchus' ear holds significant theological implications. It highlights the contrast between human impulsiveness and divine purpose. Jesus, who came to fulfill the Scriptures and offer Himself willingly for the salvation of mankind, rebukes Peter for his violent action. In Matthew 26:52-54 , Jesus says to Peter, "Put your sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you not think I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?"

This incident underscores the principle that the Kingdom of God is not advanced through physical violence or force but through spiritual means and obedience to God's will. Jesus' subsequent healing of Malchus' ear, as recorded in Luke 22:51 , "But Jesus answered, 'No more of this!' And He touched the man’s ear and healed him," further illustrates His compassion and the power of divine healing, even towards those who come as enemies.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the cultural and historical context of the time, carrying a sword was not uncommon for self-defense. However, the use of the sword by Peter was a misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' mission. The Jewish expectation of a Messiah was often that of a political and military leader who would liberate them from Roman oppression. Peter's action can be seen as a reflection of this expectation, yet Jesus' response redirects the focus to a spiritual liberation and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

The account of Peter smiting off the ear of Malchus serves as a moral lesson on the importance of restraint, understanding, and alignment with God's will. It teaches believers to seek divine guidance and to act in accordance with the teachings of Christ, who advocates for peace and reconciliation rather than violence. The incident also serves as a reminder of the power of Jesus to heal and restore, even in the midst of conflict and misunderstanding.

In summary, the phrase "smote off" in the biblical narrative is a powerful illustration of human zeal contrasted with divine purpose, highlighting the call for believers to follow the path of peace and obedience to God's redemptive plan.

The Life of St. George Martyr
... George slew the dragon and smote off his head, and commanded that he should be thrown
in the fields, and they took four carts with oxen that drew him out of ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of st george.htm

Matt. xxvi. 51-54.
... And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched forth his hand, and drew
his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.". ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxiv matt xxvi 51-54.htm

Conclusion
... And, behold, one of them which was with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his
sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's and smote off his ear. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/conclusion.htm

Tales by the Way
... hand. Then the audacious legionary dashed his axe on the face of the image
with all his force, and smote off its cheek. The mob ...
/.../chapter xvi tales by the.htm

The Arrest of Jesus
... 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. ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the arrest of jesus.htm

Of the Women who were Standing There, and of the Question Whether ...
... present, and who, as they beheld the things which were done, smote their breasts ...
only one who has spoken expressly of His "acquaintance" who stood afar off. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxi of the women who.htm

The History of Saul
... and slew him. And he had no sword but he went and took Goliath's own sword
and therewith smote off his head. And then the Philistines ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty
... Heber the Kenite be; for she put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the
workman's hammer, and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/britains mercies and britains duty.htm

Resignation
... The trial was over,"the darkness had vanished,"an angel had strengthened him; and
when the impetuous Peter drew his sword and smote off the servant's ear ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/resignation.htm

Righteous Hatred
... Three traitors were once executed in this country"Thistlewood was one of them,"and
when the executioner smote off the head of the first man and held it up ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

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