The ear that was cut in the Bible belonged to Malchus, a slave of the high priest. This incident occurred during the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Incident
During the nighttime arrest of Jesus, one of His disciples, Simon Peter, reacted by drawing a sword. In an attempt to defend Jesus, Peter struck the high priest's slave, Malchus, and cut off his right ear.
Jesus immediately intervened, instructing Peter to put his sword away, stating, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?" According to other Gospel accounts, Jesus then miraculously healed Malchus's ear. This moment underscored Jesus' non-violent approach and His acceptance of His impending fate.
Key Individuals Involved
| Individual | Role/Action | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Malchus | High priest's slave; his ear was cut | The victim of Peter's impulsive action. |
| Simon Peter | Disciple of Jesus; cut Malchus's ear with a sword | Acted in defense of Jesus, but was rebuked. |
| Jesus | The one being arrested; instructed Peter to stop | Demonstrated His commitment to non-violence and submission to God's will. |
| High Priest | Caiaphas (implied context) | Malchus was his slave, part of the arresting party. |
This event is a significant detail in the narrative of Jesus' arrest, highlighting the disciples' initial resistance and Jesus' consistent message of peace and divine will.
