Devine Scripture

Luke 22:51

What does Luke 22:51 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 22:51 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 22:51 means

Jesus swiftly answers, “Suffer ye them thus far,” halting further violence and permitting the arrest to proceed. He then touches the servant’s ear and heals him. In the midst of betrayal and injustice, He displays mercy and power. The healing removes any pretext to accuse Him of fomenting violent revolt and embodies His teaching to love enemies. His touch shows that even as He is bound, He remains the compassionate Lord in control of the moment. This final miracle before the cross testifies to the character of His kingdom—restorative, not coercive. Jesus chooses the path of suffering love, not self-defense, thus ensuring He will be reckoned with transgressors according to Scripture and complete His redemptive mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye them thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye them thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus, answering, said, Put up with this, at least. And touching his ear, he made it well.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus answering said, `Suffer ye thus far,' and having touched his ear, he healed him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus answering, said: Suffer ye thus far. And when he had touched his ear, he healed him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus answering said, Suffer thus far; and having touched his ear, he healed him.

Context

After a disciple wounds the high priest’s servant, Jesus stops the escalation and miraculously heals the injury, reasserting His authority and mercy. He then turns to address the chief priests, temple captains, and elders who have come to arrest Him, questioning their use of swords and clubs as if He were a robber. This transition moves from a personal act of compassion to a public indictment of their unjust actions, setting up His acknowledgment of the hour of darkness.

v.50And a certain one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his right ear.

v.51This passage

v.52And Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and elders, that were come against him, Are ye come out, as against a robber, with swords and staves?

Cross references

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

  • Romans 12:21

    Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

  • 1 Peter 2:21

    For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

  • John 17:12

    While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

  • John 18:8

    Jesus answered, I told you that I am he; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

  • 2 Corinthians 10:1

    Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

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