Lexical Summary Malchos: Malchus Original Word: Μάλχος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Malchus. Of Hebrew origin (Melek); Malchus, an Israelite -- Malchus. see HEBREW Melek NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Melek Definition Malchus, a slave of the high priest NASB Translation Malchus (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3124: ΜάλχοςΜάλχος (מֶלֶך Grecized; cf. Delitzsch in the Zeitschr. f. Luth. Theol., 1876, p. 605), Μαλχου, ὁ, Malchus, a servant of the high priest: John 18:10. (Cf. Hackett in B. D., under the word.) Topical Lexicon Name and MeaningΜάλχος (Malchos) is the Greek transliteration of an underlying Semitic name that carries the idea of “king” or “my king.” The name was common enough in Judea to be borne by a household servant, showing that it was not restricted to royalty but could be adopted by families of varied social standing. Biblical Occurrence The name appears once in the Greek New Testament, in John 18:10. While Matthew 26:51, Mark 14:47, and Luke 22:50–51 recount the same incident, only John identifies the servant as Malchus. Narrative Context in the Gospels 1. The Arrest in Gethsemane As the arresting party arrives, Simon Peter draws a short sword and severs “the right ear” of the high priest’s servant. John 18:10–11 states, “Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. ‘Put your sword back in its sheath!’ Jesus said to Peter. ‘Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?’” 2. Immediate Healing Luke alone records Jesus’ final miracle before the cross: “But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And He touched the man’s ear and healed him” (Luke 22:51). The compassion shown to an enemy underscores Christ’s consistent teaching on loving one’s foes. 3. Eyewitness Detail John’s explicit naming of Malchus, combined with the mention of “a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off” (John 18:26), points to firsthand knowledge within the early Christian community. It also serves the juridical purpose of verifying the historicity of the event; a living eyewitness could confirm or deny the account. Theological Significance • Messianic Obedience: Jesus’ rebuke of Peter reinforces His voluntary submission to the Father’s redemptive plan (Isaiah 53:10; John 18:11). Implications for Apostolic Witness Peter’s impulsive violence contrasts sharply with his later exhortations to suffer without retaliation (1 Peter 2:21–23). The transformation from sword-wielding disciple to suffering servant underscores the sanctifying work of the risen Christ and lends credibility to his epistles. Lessons for Christian Discipleship • Restraint: Believers are called to trust God’s providence rather than force outcomes through violence. Historical and Traditional Reflections Early Christian writers occasionally speculated that Malchus became a follower of Christ, though Scripture is silent on his later life. The very specificity of his name encourages historical inquiry and suggests that the Gospel authors expected readers to recognize the individual or verify the account. In summary, Malchus serves as a vivid reminder of Jesus’ unwavering commitment to mercy, the authenticity of the Gospel narratives, and the call for believers to embody the Lord’s own pattern of sacrificial love. Forms and Transliterations Μαλχος Μάλχος Malchos MálchosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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