King James Version

What Does Mark 14:47 Mean?

Mark 14:47 in the King James Version says “And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. — study this verse from Mark chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

Mark 14:47 · KJV


Context

45

And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

46

And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

47

And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

48

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

49

I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And one of them that stood by drew a sword—John 18:10 identifies this as Peter wielding a μάχαιρα (machaira, a short sword or large knife). And smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear—the violent verb ἀφαίρεω (aphaireō, "cut off, remove") describes the blow that removed Malchus's ear (John 18:10). Peter's action reveals misguided zeal attempting to defend Christ through fleshly means.

The irony cuts deep: Peter defends the One who needs no defense, employs violence for the Prince of Peace, draws a sword for Him who will rebuke "all they that take the sword" (Matthew 26:52). Luke 22:51 records Jesus healing the ear, demonstrating grace toward enemy and correction of disciple in single act. Peter's sword-swing shows how religious zeal divorced from understanding of God's ways produces harmful action masquerading as faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Carrying swords violated Roman law for Jews, but the disciples apparently had two (Luke 22:38). Malchus, as the high priest's servant, represented establishment power. That Peter attacked a servant rather than a soldier suggests either poor aim, divine providence, or instinctive targeting of the Jewish authority figure rather than Roman force.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Peter's violent defense of Jesus teach about the danger of carnal methods for spiritual purposes?
  2. How does Jesus' healing of Malchus's ear demonstrate that the kingdom advances through grace, not force?
  3. In what areas might you be tempted to "draw a sword" for Jesus rather than trusting His sovereign purposes and methods?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
εἷς1 of 18

of them

G1520

one

δέ2 of 18

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 18

one

G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν4 of 18
G3588

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

παρεστηκότων5 of 18

that stood by

G3936

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

σπασάμενος6 of 18

drew

G4685

to draw

τὴν7 of 18
G3588

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

μάχαιραν8 of 18

a sword

G3162

a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment

ἔπαισεν9 of 18

and smote

G3817

to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than g5180); specially, to sting (as a scorpion)

τὸν10 of 18
G3588

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

δοῦλον11 of 18

a servant

G1401

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

τοῦ12 of 18
G3588

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

ἀρχιερέως13 of 18

of the high priest

G749

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

καὶ14 of 18

and

G2532

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

ἀφεῖλεν15 of 18

cut off

G851

to remove (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ16 of 18

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

τὸ17 of 18
G3588

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

ὠτίον18 of 18

ear

G5621

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 14:47 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 Mark 14:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study