King James Version

What Does Luke 22:50 Mean?

Luke 22:50 in the King James Version says “And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.”

Luke 22:50 · KJV

Context

48

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

49

When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

50

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51

And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

52

Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. John's Gospel identifies this disciple as Peter and the servant as Malchus (John 18:10). The Greek afeilen to ous autou to dexion (ἀφεῖλεν τὸ οὖς αὐτοῦ τὸ δεξιόν, 'took off his right ear') indicates a deliberate slash aimed at the head. Peter, a fisherman trained in knife-work, likely aimed to kill but only struck the ear. The dexion (right ear) detail suggests eyewitness testimony—such specificity serves no theological purpose but authenticates the account.

Peter's action embodies misguided zeal—courage without wisdom, passion without principle. He would defend Jesus with violence but within hours would deny knowing Him (v. 57). This reveals the flesh's inconsistency: bold one moment, cowardly the next. The target, a servant of the high priest, held no real power—Peter struck someone powerless while the true enemies surrounded them. This mirrors how religious zeal often attacks symptoms rather than root problems.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Malchus, as the high priest's servant, was likely a trusted administrator, possibly overseeing the arrest party. His name (Hebrew Melek, 'king') is recorded despite his low status, perhaps because he became known in the early church. Cutting off an ear would disqualify someone from priestly service under Mosaic law (Leviticus 21:17-23), adding insult to injury. Peter's use of a machaira (μάχαιρα)—a short sword or large knife—was practical for fishermen but illegal for common Jews to carry into public spaces.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Peter's violent defense followed by denial reveal about human nature?
  2. How can religious zeal become destructive when divorced from Christ's Spirit?
  3. Why does Jesus heal an enemy's servant rather than reward Peter's 'defense'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπάταξεν2 of 17

“smote”

G3960

to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)

εἷς3 of 17

“one”

G1520

one

τις4 of 17
G5100

some or any person or object

ἐξ5 of 17

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτοῦ6 of 17

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὸν7 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δοῦλον8 of 17

“the servant”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

τοῦ9 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχιερέως10 of 17

“of the high priest”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

καὶ11 of 17

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀφεῖλεν12 of 17

“cut off”

G851

to remove (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ13 of 17

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὸ14 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὖς15 of 17

“ear”

G3775

the ear (physically or mentally)

τὸ16 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δεξιόν17 of 17

“right”

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 22:50 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 22:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 18:10-11Mark 14:47Matthew 26:51-542 Corinthians 10:4Romans 12:19

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 22 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes