King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:51 Mean?

Matthew 26:51 in the King James Version says “And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the h... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 26:51 · KJV


Context

49

And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

50

And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

51

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.

52

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

53

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (καὶ ἰδοὺ εἷς τῶν μετὰ Ἰησοῦ ἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα ἀπέσπασεν τὴν μάχαιραν αὐτοῦ καὶ πατάξας τὸν δοῦλον τοῦ ἀρχιερέως ἀφεῖλεν αὐτοῦ τὸ ὠτίον)—John 18:10 identifies 'one of them' as Peter and the servant as Malchus. The verb ἀποσπάω (apospaō, 'to draw away, to unsheathe') shows Peter drew his μάχαιρα (short sword). The blow ἀφαιρέω τὸ ὠτίον ('cut off the ear') was violent but ineffective—Peter aimed for the head but only got the ear. Luke 22:51 records Jesus healing the ear, demonstrating mercy even during His arrest.

Peter's violent response reveals misunderstanding of Jesus's mission—he fought to prevent what must happen. Well-intentioned but misguided, Peter's action would have made Jesus's followers insurrectionists, justifying Rome's brutal response. Jesus had to rebuke him (v. 52) and undo the damage (healing Malchus). Fleshly zeal without spiritual understanding creates disasters. Peter's impulsive violence contrasts with Jesus's controlled submission—showing the difference between human effort and divine obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's sword (μάχαιρα) was likely a short blade, possibly for self-defense while traveling. Jesus had told them to buy swords (Luke 22:36-38), but when Peter used his, Jesus rebuked him—the swords were for fulfilling prophecy ('numbered with transgressors,' Isaiah 53:12), not actual combat. Malchus (Μάλχος, probably 'king' or 'counselor') was the high priest's servant, possibly Caiaphas's personal attendant. Peter's attack on the high priest's servant could have resulted in execution—Jesus's healing protected Peter from legal consequences.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you, like Peter, fought in the flesh against what God was accomplishing through suffering?
  2. How does Jesus's healing of His enemy's servant (Malchus) model loving enemies even while they attack you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

And

G2532

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

ἰδού,2 of 23

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

εἷς3 of 23

one

G1520

one

τῶν4 of 23
G3588

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

μετὰ5 of 23

of them which were with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

Ἰησοῦ6 of 23

Jesus

G2424

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

ἐκτείνας7 of 23

stretched out

G1614

to extend

τὴν8 of 23
G3588

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

χεῖρα9 of 23

his hand

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

ἀπέσπασεν10 of 23

and drew

G645

to drag forth, i.e., (literally) unsheathe (a sword), or relatively (with a degree of force implied) retire (personally or factiously)

τὴν11 of 23
G3588

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

μάχαιραν12 of 23

sword

G3162

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

αὐτοῦ13 of 23

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

καὶ14 of 23

And

G2532

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

πατάξας15 of 23

struck

G3960

to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)

τὸν16 of 23
G3588

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

δοῦλον17 of 23

a servant

G1401

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

τοῦ18 of 23
G3588

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

ἀρχιερέως19 of 23

of the high priest's

G749

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

ἀφεῖλεν20 of 23

and smote off

G851

to remove (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ21 of 23

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

τὸ22 of 23
G3588

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

ὠτίον.23 of 23

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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 26:51 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 Matthew 26:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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