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 AccountThe 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 SignificanceThe 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 ContextMalchus, 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 InterpretationIn 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 (compareMatthew 26:51Mark 14:47Luke 22:50John 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 inMatthew 26:52John 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).
C. M. Kerr
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
...Library
The Life ofMalchus, the Captive Monk.
... The Life ofMalchus, the Captive Monk. The life ofMalchus was written at Bethlehem,
ad, 391....Malchus was an old man, Ia youth, when he told me these things....
The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He...
... CHAPTER I The early life of Malachy. Having been admitted to Holy Orders
he associates withMalchus. [Sidenote: 1095.] 1. Our Malachy...
How Herod Slew Hyrcanus and Then Hasted Away to Caesar, and...
... injurious treatment of their family, but to anticipate their future hopes, as he
safely might; and desired him to write about these matters toMalchus, who was...
The Seven Sleepers
... And then in this city were founden seven Christian men, that is to wit, Maximian,
Malchus, Marcianus, Denis, John, Serapion, and Constantine....
Jesus Betrayed, Arrested, and Forsaken.
... evidently struck a downward blow atMalchus' head, andMalchus would have been
killed had he not dodged.] Now the servant's name wasMalchus....
Jesus is Arrested.
... and cried out, 'Master, shall we strike with the sword?' Peter, who was more impetuous
than the rest, seized the sword, and struckMalchus, the servant of the...
Betrayed by a Kiss.
... Conspicuous among the watch wereMalchus, the high priest's servant, and Balbus....
"Alas!" criedMalchus, "I am wounded; my ear is off."....
How Herod Got Away from the King of Arabia and Made Haste to Go...
... As for Herod, the great miseries he was in did not discourage him, but made him
sharp in discovering surprising undertakings; for he went toMalchus, king of...
Peter Commits Perjury.
... Then Selpha, the leader of the band, brought Jesus into the chamber of Caiaphas,
the high priest, Balbus andMalchus holding the cords by which his hands were...
Names of Irish Persons and Places
... MacCarthy Mac (meic) Carthaig Maelisa }Malchus Mael IsaMalchus } Malachy Malachias
Mael Maedoc Moriarty Ua Muirchertaig Munster Mumonia Muma Murrough...
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.
...Nabathaeans
... In 47 BCMalchus I assisted Caesar, but in 40 BC refused to assist Herod against
the Parthians, thus provoking both the Idumean Dynasty and the Romans....
Nabataeans
... In 47 BCMalchus I assisted Caesar, but in 40 BC refused to assist Herod against
the Parthians, thus provoking both the Idumean Dynasty and the Romans....
Malchi-shua (5 Occurrences)
Malchi-shua. Mal'chishu'a, Malchi-shua.Malchus . Easton's Bible Dictionary...
(ASV BBE DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS). Mal'chishu'a, Malchi-shua.Malchus ....
Arrest (22 Occurrences)
... On their rallying, the impetuous Peter drew his sword, and cut off the ear of one
of them,Malchus, the servant of the high priest (John 18:6-10)....
Trial (45 Occurrences)
... On their rallying, the impetuous Peter drew his sword, and cut off the ear of one
of them,Malchus, the servant of the high priest (John 18:6-10)....
Imalcue
... appointed him to be one of the king's friends (11:57). In Josephus (Ant.,
XIII, v, 1) the name is given asMalchus. J. Hutchison....
Malcontents (1 Occurrence)
Priest's (75 Occurrences)
... John 18:10 Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest's
servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name wasMalchus....
Bondman's (3 Occurrences)
... 18:10 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 wasMalchus....
Resources
What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on the Mount of Olives? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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