Devine Scripture

Matthew 26:51

What does Matthew 26:51 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 26:51 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 26:51 means

One of those with Jesus draws his sword, strikes the high priest’s servant, and cuts off his ear. This violent response shows the impulsive protection of Jesus by at least one follower, evidencing loyal but unlawful resistance. The action escalates the arrest into physical harm and demonstrates the disciples’ misunderstanding: they fight in the realm of force while Jesus’ path is sacrificial. The detail of the ear being cut off will later be miraculously healed by Jesus in other Gospels, highlighting his healing compassion even in the face of violence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And one of those who were with Jesus put out his hand, and took out his sword and gave the servant of the high priest a blow, cutting off his ear.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And lo, one of those with Jesus, having stretched forth the hand, drew his sword, and having struck the servant of the chief priest, he took off his ear.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And behold one of them that were with Jesus, stretching forth his hand, drew out his sword: and striking the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And behold, one of those with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and smiting the bondman of the high priest took off his ear.

Context

This verse comes immediately after the arrest and shows a sudden attempt at resistance. It contrasts with Jesus’ calm submission and illustrates the disciples’ instinct toward physical defense. The incident propels Jesus to rebuke armed resistance and to teach about the nature of his mission, which will follow in subsequent verses.

v.50And Jesus said unto him, Friend, do that for which thou art come. Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

v.51This passage

v.52Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

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.

  • John 18:10

    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.

  • Luke 9:55

    But he turned, and rebuked them.

  • John 18:36

    Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

  • Matthew 26:35

    Peter saith unto him, Even if I must die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

  • Luke 22:49

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

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