Mark 14:47
What does Mark 14:47 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 14:47 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 14:47 means
A bystander draws a sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Zeal without understanding erupts in misguided violence. The act attempts to defend Jesus by force, contrary to His path of submission. It reveals the disciples’ confusion: they expected a fight; Jesus chooses the cross. The detail about the servant’s ear shows eyewitness realism and underlines the disparity between Jesus’ teaching and His followers’ impulse. The kingdom will not be advanced by the sword. This moment contrasts human reaction with divine resolve and further isolates Jesus in His chosen obedience.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But a certain one of them that stood by drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But a certain one of them that stood by drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But a certain one of those who were near took out his sword, and gave the servant of the high priest a blow, cutting off his ear.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and a certain one of those standing by, having drawn the sword, struck the servant of the chief priest, and took off his ear.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And one of them that stood by, drawing a sword, struck a servant of the chief priest and cut off his ear.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But a certain one of those who stood by, having drawn his sword, struck the bondman of the high priest, and took off his ear.
Context
Immediately after Jesus is seized, a sudden, impulsive defense is mounted by one present. Mark does not name him here, keeping focus on Jesus’ response rather than the swordsman’s identity. The following verses record Jesus’ rebuke to the arresting party and His framing of the event as Scripture’s fulfillment. The brief clash highlights tension and chaos, but Jesus’ words restore interpretive order, and the narrative then moves to universal desertion by the disciples.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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 22:49
And when they that were about him saw what would follow, they said, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
- 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.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 14
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 14.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Burnout as a Christian
When ministry, work, or caregiving has emptied you — scripture for refilling.