Luke 22:50 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:50 mean?

Luke 22:50 describes how, during Jesus’ arrest, one of Jesus’ followers struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. This sudden act of violence happened as the authorities came to take Jesus away.

In this scene, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane with his disciples when a group sent by the religious leaders arrives to arrest him. One of Jesus’ disciples—later identified in other Gospels as Peter—reacts by attacking the servant of the high priest. The verse highlights the tension and confusion among Jesus’ followers as the arrest unfolds.

The Greek behind Luke 22:50

• "smote" (ἔπαισεν, epaisen): This Greek word means to strike or hit, often with force. It shows that the action was sudden and aggressive, not a minor scuffle.
• "servant" (δοῦλος, doulos): This word means a servant or slave, indicating the man attacked was not a soldier but someone serving the high priest.
• "right" (δεξιός, dexios): The detail that it was the right ear emphasizes the eyewitness nature of the account and adds vividness to the scene.

Why Luke 22:50 matters

• Luke 22:50 shows the disciples’ confusion and their instinct to defend Jesus, even though Jesus had taught peace.
• The verse sets up what follows, where Jesus heals the servant’s ear, highlighting Jesus’ compassion even toward those arresting him.
• This detail connects Luke’s account with the other Gospels, giving a fuller picture of the arrest and the disciples’ reactions.