Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Malchus is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of the arrest of Jesus Christ. He is identified as a servant of the high priest, Caiaphas, during the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. The account of Malchus is found in all four Gospels, with varying details that contribute to a fuller understanding of his role and the significance of the incident involving him.Biblical Account The most detailed account of Malchus is found in the Gospel of John. During the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Simon Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, drew a sword and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. The Gospel of John specifically names this servant as Malchus: "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." (John 18:10) The Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—also recount this event, though they do not mention Malchus by name. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus' response to the incident is highlighted, as He heals Malchus' ear: "But Jesus answered, 'No more of this!' And He touched the man’s ear and healed him." (Luke 22:51) Theological Significance The incident involving Malchus is rich with theological implications. It demonstrates Jesus' commitment to non-violence and His fulfillment of the prophecy of the Suffering Servant, who would not resist arrest or retaliate against His captors. Jesus' healing of Malchus' ear is a profound act of compassion and mercy, even towards those who came to arrest Him. This act underscores the message of love and forgiveness that is central to Jesus' teachings. Furthermore, the event highlights the impulsive nature of Peter, who, despite his good intentions, acted contrary to Jesus' mission. Jesus' rebuke of Peter serves as a reminder of the spiritual nature of His kingdom, which is not advanced through physical force or violence. Historical Context Malchus, as a servant of the high priest, would have been part of the temple guard or a similar group tasked with maintaining order and executing the directives of the religious authorities. His presence at the arrest of Jesus indicates the involvement of the Jewish leadership in the events leading to the crucifixion. The high priest, Caiaphas, played a significant role in the trial and condemnation of Jesus, and Malchus' involvement underscores the tension between Jesus and the religious establishment of the time. Legacy and Interpretation In Christian tradition, Malchus is often seen as a symbol of those who are caught up in the events surrounding Jesus' passion, representing both the opposition to Jesus and the recipients of His grace. The healing of Malchus' ear is sometimes interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual healing and the restoration that Jesus offers to all who encounter Him. The account of Malchus serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of Jesus' love and the call to respond to violence and hostility with peace and healing. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Malchusmy king, kingdom, or counselor Smith's Bible Dictionary Malchus(king or kingdom), the name of the servant of the high priest whose right ear Peter cut off at the time of the Saviour's apprehension in the garden. (Matthew 26:51; Mark 14:17; Luke 22:49,51; John 18:10) ATS Bible Dictionary MalchusThe servant whose right ear was cut off by Peter and miraculously restored by Christ, in Gethsemane, Matthew 26:51. The seizure of the Savior immediately after two manifestations of his divinity, Luke 22:51; John 18:6, evinces the blindness and obstinacy of mankind in sin. Easton's Bible Dictionary Reigning, the personal servant or slave of the high priest Caiaphas. He is mentioned only by John. Peter cut off his right ear in the garden of Gethsemane (John 18:10). But our Lord cured it with a touch (Matthew 26:51; Mark 14:47; Luke 22:51). This was the last miracle of bodily cure wrought by our Lord. It is not mentioned by John. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MALCHUSmal'-kus (Malchos, from melekh, i.e. "counselor" or "king"): The name of the servant of the high priest Caiaphas whose right ear was smitten off by Simon Peter at the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (compare Matthew 26:51 Mark 14:47 Luke 22:50 John 18:10). It is noteworthy that Luke "the physician" alone gives an account of the healing of the wound (Luke 22:51). As Jesus "touched his ear, and healed him," the ear was not entirely severed from the head. The words of Jesus, "Suffer ye thus far," may have been addressed either to the disciples, i.e. "Suffer ye that I thus far show kindness to my captors," or to those about to bind him, i.e. asking a short respite to heal Malchus. They were not addressed directly to Peter, as the Greek form is plural, whereas in Matthew 26:52 John 18:11, where, immediately after the smiting of Malchus, Jesus does address Peter, the singular form is used; nor do the words of Jesus there refer to the healing but to the action of his disciple. A kinsman of Malchus, also a servant of the high priest, was one of those who put the questions which made Peter deny Jesus (John 18:26). Greek 3124. Malchos -- Malchus, a slave of the high priest ... Malchus, a slave of the high priest. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Malchos Phonetic Spelling: (mal'-khos) Short Definition: Malchus Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3124.htm - 6k Library The Life of Malchus, the Captive Monk. The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He ... How Herod Slew Hyrcanus and Then Hasted Away to Caesar, and ... The Seven Sleepers Jesus Betrayed, Arrested, and Forsaken. Jesus is Arrested. Betrayed by a Kiss. How Herod Got Away from the King of Arabia and Made Haste to Go ... Peter Commits Perjury. Names of Irish Persons and Places Thesaurus Malchus (1 Occurrence)...MALCHUS. ... A kinsman of Malchus, also a servant of the high priest, was one of those who put the questions which made Peter deny Jesus (John 18:26). CM Kerr. ... /m/malchus.htm - 8k Nabathaeans Nabataeans Malchi-shua (5 Occurrences) Arrest (22 Occurrences) Trial (45 Occurrences) Imalcue Malcontents (1 Occurrence) Priest's (75 Occurrences) Bondman's (3 Occurrences) Resources What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on the Mount of Olives? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Malchus (1 Occurrence)John 18:10 Subtopics Related Terms |