Devine Scripture

John 18:10

What does John 18:10 mean?

A plain-English look at John 18:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 18:10 means

Simon Peter, acting impulsively in defense of Jesus, draws a sword and strikes Malchus, a servant of the high priest, severing his right ear. This act demonstrates Peter's fierce loyalty and willingness to fight, but also his shortsightedness, failing to grasp Jesus' ultimate mission. The naming of Malchus adds specificity and historical groundedness to the account, highlighting a real confrontation that occurred during the arrest.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Simon Peter therefore having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. Now the servant’s name was Malchus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Simon Peter therefore having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. Now the servant’s name was Malchus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, took it out and gave the high priest's servant a blow, cutting off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Simon Peter, therefore, having a sword, drew it, and struck the chief priest's servant, and cut off his right ear--and the name of the servant was Malchus--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. And the name of thee servant was Malchus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, and smote the bondman of the high priest and cut off his right ear; and the bondman's name was Malchus.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' pronouncements and the fulfillment of prophecy, injecting sudden, violent action into the narrative. It starkly contrasts with Jesus' calm authority, showcasing Peter's human impetuosity. This serves as a set-up for Jesus' rebuke and acceptance of His fate in the next verse.

v.9that the word might be fulfilled which he spake, Of those whom thou hast given me I lost not one.

v.10This passage

v.11Jesus therefore said unto Peter, Put up the sword into the sheath: the cup which the Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 14:47

    But a certain one of them that stood by drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.

  • Mark 14:30

    And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou to-day, even this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice.

  • Luke 22:33

    And he said unto him, Lord, with thee I am ready to go both to prison and to death.

  • Luke 22:49

    And when they that were about him saw what would follow, they said, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

  • John 18:26

    One of the servants of the high priest, being a kinsman of him whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?

  • Matthew 26:51

    And behold, one of them that were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.

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