Luke 22:50

Luke 22:50, in plain English

One of the disciples doesn't wait for an answer — he swings his sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant.

Why it's here

Fear and love drove this act. The disciple was trying to protect Jesus, but violence was never part of Jesus' plan.

Who's speaking

Luke records this impulsive act without naming the disciple, showing how panic can override everything you've learned.

Where it sits in the story

It happened in a flash — a sword, a scream, blood. The disciple meant well, but he was fighting the wrong battle with the wrong weapons. What happens next shows the staggering difference between how the world responds to threats and how Jesus does.

The scholarly reading

One disciple (identified as Peter in John 18:10) strikes the doulou tou archiereōs (servant of the high priest), cutting off his ōtion to dexion (right ear). Only Luke, the physician, specifies it was the right ear.

Language and setting

John identifies the striker as Peter and the servant as Malchus. The attack on the high priest's servant was a serious offense that could have justified lethal force against all the disciples.

Voice

Luke narrates the violent response of a disciple who acted before Jesus could answer the question in verse 49.

Significance

Someone acts before Jesus can respond. A sword flashes and the high priest's servant loses his right ear. The very violence Jesus warned against in verse 51 erupts from His own follower — Peter fights with a weapon while Jesus is about to heal with His hands.

48But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49Those around Jesus saw what was about to happen and said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”

50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

51But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him.

52Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple officers, and elders who had come for Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against an outlaw?

Read all of Luke 22 — The upper room, a betrayer's kiss, a servant's ear, and Peter's denial by firelight. The longest night in history begins.