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

MARK 14:47KJV
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Mark 14:47 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:47 mean?

Mark 14:47 describes how, during Jesus’ arrest, one of the people standing nearby drew a sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. This moment shows a sudden act of violence as Jesus is being taken by the authorities.

The scene takes place in the Garden of Gethsemane, just after Jesus is betrayed by Judas and a group comes to arrest him. The verse does not name the person who used the sword, but other Gospels identify him as Peter. The servant attacked belonged to the high priest, making the act especially provocative in the tense situation.

The Greek behind Mark 14:47

  • "σπάσας" (spasas, "drew"): This word means to draw out, especially a weapon. The Greek here emphasizes a deliberate action, not an accident or a scuffle.
  • "ἐπάταξεν" (epataxen, "smote"): This verb often means to strike with force or intent to harm, highlighting the seriousness of the act.
  • "ἀφεῖλεν" (apheilen, "cut off"): This word means to take away or remove, showing that the ear was fully severed, not just injured.
  • "ὠτίον" (ōtion, "ear"): This term refers specifically to the ear, making clear the nature of the injury.

Why Mark 14:47 matters

  • Mark 14:47 clears up that the violence during Jesus’ arrest came from his own followers, not from the arresting party, which adds to the tension and drama of the moment.
  • The verse highlights the contrast between Jesus’ teachings and the actions of his followers, setting up Jesus’ response in the following verses.
  • This detail connects Mark’s account to the other Gospels, where the story is told with slight differences, helping readers see the fuller picture of what happened during Jesus’ arrest.

Where else these words appear

“drew” Greek G4685 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

“smote” Greek G3817 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 26:68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
  • Luke 22:64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
  • 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.

“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.
  • Luke 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
  • 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.

“off” Greek G851 · used in 9 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.
  • Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
  • Romans 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.