Bible Strands
Matthew 26:51
At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus’ companions stand during His arrest in the garden, immediately after Judas identifies Him and the arresting party advances. One companion acts in response to the immediate threat before Jesus issues His rebuke.
The words — ἐκτείνας (ekteinas) denotes the physical act of "having stretched out" or drawing the weapon. The phrase εἷς τῶν μετὰ Ἰησοῦ (heis tōn meta Iēsou) identifies the actor strictly as "one of those with Jesus," marking his proximity to the master.
The thread — The event is cross-referenced in Mark 14:47, while John 18:36 and 2 Corinthians 10:4 trace the contrast between physical defense and divine kingdom authority.
Why it lands — The text records a defensive strike that immediately triggers Jesus’ command to sheathe the blade and His pronouncement on the nature of violence. The reader is asked to recognize the futility of human force against divine purpose and the demand to relinquish control.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Mark 14:47 And one of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
- John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”
- 2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
- Luke 22:49 Those around Jesus saw what was about to happen and said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”
- Matthew 26:35 Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the other disciples said the same thing.
- Luke 22:36 “Now, however,” He told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.
- John 18:10 Then Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
- Luke 9:55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them.