King James Version

What Does Luke 22:51 Mean?

Luke 22:51 in the King James Version says “And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 22:51 · KJV

Context

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?

53

When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

Read Luke 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Jesus' final miracle before the cross is healing an enemy—the only Gospel miracle performed for someone opposing Him. Eate heōs toutou (ἐᾶτε ἕως τούτου, 'permit until this') can mean 'stop, no more of this' (forbidding further violence) or 'permit this [arrest] to proceed.' Both meanings apply: Jesus forbids resistance and submits to His captors. The phrase hapsamenos tou ōtiou iasato auton (ἁψάμενος τοῦ ὠτίου ἰάσατο αὐτόν, 'touching the ear, he healed him') shows Jesus exercising divine power even as He surrenders to arrest.

This miracle demonstrates Christ's character: He heals while being betrayed, shows mercy to enemies, and undoes His disciples' damage. It fulfills His teaching to 'love your enemies' (Luke 6:27-28) and 'bless them that curse you.' The irony is profound—Jesus is arrested for claiming to be God, and immediately proves His deity by miraculous healing. Yet the arrest continues, showing how sin blinds: Malchus experiences Christ's power but still assists His enemies.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This healing is unique to Luke's Gospel, written by a physician (Colossians 4:14) who would naturally note medical details. That no Gospel suggests Malchus converted demonstrates the hardness possible even after experiencing miracles. The healing had practical benefit—had Jesus allowed the injury to stand, Peter could have faced assault charges before Roman authorities. Christ's healing thus protected His disciple even while rebuking him. This was likely Jesus' last public miracle before the resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus heal someone who came to arrest Him? What does this reveal about grace?
  2. How should Christians respond when their 'defense' of Christ causes damage?
  3. What does Malchus' apparent non-conversion teach about the limits of miracles in producing faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἀποκριθεὶς1 of 15

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 15
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 15

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν5 of 15

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἐᾶτε6 of 15

“Suffer ye”

G1439

to let be, i.e., permit or leave alone

ἕως7 of 15

“far”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τούτου·8 of 15

“thus”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

καὶ9 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ἁψάμενος10 of 15

“he touched”

G680

properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)

τοῦ11 of 15
G3588

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

ὠτίου12 of 15

“ear”

G5621

an earlet, i.e., one of the ears, or perhaps the lobe of the ear

αὐτόν13 of 15

“him”

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

ἰάσατο14 of 15

“and healed”

G2390

to cure (literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν15 of 15

“him”

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

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 22:51 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 22:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 10:1Romans 12:21John 17:121 Peter 2:21-23John 18:8-9

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