Malchus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Malchus in the Bible?
Malchus was a servant of the high priest Caiaphas whose right ear was cut off by Simon Peter during the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane; the Gospel of Luke uniquely records that Jesus healed Malchus' wound immediately after the incident.
SIGNIFICANCE
The narrative of Malchus provides insight into the character of Jesus by demonstrating his commitment to non-violence and mercy even in the face of hostile arrest, contrasting the aggressive actions of his followers with his own peaceful response.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Malchus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Malchus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Malchus clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Malchus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/malchus/