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.
Parallel translations
- WEB 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 struck off his ear.
- BSB At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
- NKJV 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.
- NASB 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.
- NLT But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
One of Jesus's companions draws a sword and cuts off the high priest's servant's ear. Misguided zeal seeks to defend Jesus by force.
Overview
A disciple, identified in John as Peter, tries to protect Jesus with violence, wounding the servant Malchus. The impulsive act, though brave, misunderstands the nature of Jesus's mission and kingdom. Jesus's response, recorded in the next verses, will redirect zeal away from the sword toward trust in God's purpose.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- Mark 14:47And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
- John 18:36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
- 2 Cor 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
- Luke 22:49–51When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
- John 18:10–11Then 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.
- Luke 22:36–38Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
- Matt 26:35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
- Luke 9:55But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
How Matthew 26:51 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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