Where in the Bible does Peter cut off an ear?

The Bible is filled with dramatic moments, but few are as startling as the scene in which the apostle Peter cuts off a man’s ear. This event, which takes place during the arrest of Jesus, is recorded in all four Gospels, but the details and the identity of the key players become clearer when we compare each account. Let’s explore where in the Bible this incident occurs, its context, and what it means for readers today.

The Setting: The Garden of Gethsemane

The episode unfolds in the Garden of Gethsemane, a place just outside Jerusalem where Jesus often went to pray. After sharing the Last Supper with His disciples, Jesus went to Gethsemane, knowing that Judas would soon betray Him. While Jesus prayed, the disciples struggled to stay awake. Suddenly, a crowd led by Judas arrived, armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders to arrest Jesus.

The Four Gospel Accounts

Each Gospel records the chaos of Jesus’ arrest, and all mention a disciple’s violent reaction. Let’s look at each account:

Matthew 26:51-54

Matthew describes the scene this way: “With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear” (Matthew 26:51, NIV). Jesus immediately rebukes this action, saying, “Put your sword back in its place…for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).

Mark 14:47

Mark’s account is brief: “Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear” (Mark 14:47, NIV). As in Matthew, the disciple is unnamed, and Jesus’ response is not detailed here.

Luke 22:49-51

Luke adds a compassionate detail: “When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, should we strike with our swords?’ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him” (Luke 22:49-51, NIV). Luke, known as the physician, is the only one to mention the healing of the ear.

John 18:10-11

John’s Gospel is the most specific: “Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Jesus commanded Peter, ‘Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?’” (John 18:10-11, NIV).

Piecing the Story Together

Only in John’s account do we learn that it was Peter who wielded the sword and that the servant was named Malchus. This detail personalizes the event and shows John’s tendency to provide more specific information. The other Gospels focus more on the action and Jesus’ response, emphasizing His commitment to nonviolence and submission to God’s will.

The Meaning of the Incident

Peter’s impulsive act reflects his deep, if misguided, loyalty to Jesus. In the heat of the moment, Peter tries to defend his Master, perhaps hoping to prevent what Jesus had already predicted. Jesus, however, rebukes violence and, according to Luke, miraculously heals Malchus’ ear. This is a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ compassion even toward those who came to arrest Him.

The incident also highlights the difference between human understanding and God’s plan. Peter thought he was helping, but Jesus made it clear that the path to redemption would not be won by force. Instead, Jesus submits to arrest, fulfilling Scripture and showing the true nature of His kingdom.

Conclusion

The incident where Peter cuts off an ear is found in all four Gospels: Matthew 26:51, Mark 14:47, Luke 22:50, and John 18:10. Each account brings different details to light, but together they offer a vivid picture of the dramatic night Jesus was arrested. This story teaches about restraint, compassion, and the importance of following God’s will, even when we are tempted to take matters into our own hands.