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

LUKE 22:51KJV
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Luke 22:51 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:51 mean?

Luke 22:51 describes Jesus telling those present to allow what is happening, then healing the servant’s ear after it had been cut off. This shows Jesus responding calmly and compassionately, even as he is being arrested.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and the crowd that came to arrest him in the Garden of Gethsemane. One of his followers had just struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus intervenes, telling them to stop, and then touches the servant’s ear, healing the injury. The verse highlights Jesus’ refusal to respond with violence and his concern for others, even in a moment of personal danger.

The Greek behind Luke 22:51

  • The word ἅψατο (hēpsato, “touched”) is used here to describe Jesus’ physical contact with the servant’s ear. In Greek, this word often carries a sense of intentional, caring touch, not just a casual contact.
  • The word ἰάσατο (iasato, “healed”) means to restore to health or make whole. The Greek here emphasizes a complete healing, not just a temporary fix, showing the thoroughness of Jesus’ action.

Why Luke 22:51 matters

  • Luke 22:51 clarifies that Jesus does not approve of violence, even when his own life is threatened, correcting any idea that he wanted his followers to fight for him.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and power, showing that he heals even an enemy’s servant in the midst of his own arrest.
  • This moment connects to Luke’s broader theme of Jesus’ mercy and authority, highlighting that even in crisis, Jesus acts with care and control.

Where else these words appear

“ear” Greek G5621 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 26:51 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.
  • Mark 14:47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
  • John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

“ye” Greek G1439 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
  • Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
  • Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

“healed” Greek G2390 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

“touched” Greek G680 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
  • Mark 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
  • Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.