New Testament
Mark 14:47
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One of the bystanders drew a sword, struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his ear.
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And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
What Mark 14:47 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment of violence during the arrest of Jesus. One of the people present, likely a disciple, reacts impulsively by drawing a sword and attacking a servant of the high priest. This act of aggression results in the servant losing his ear. This incident highlights the tension and fear surrounding Jesus' arrest, as well as the disciples' struggle to protect him. It also serves as a contrast to Jesus' teachings about peace and non-violence. Instead of responding with aggression, Jesus later heals the servant's ear, demonstrating his commitment to love and forgiveness even in the face of betrayal and violence. This moment foreshadows the challenges the disciples will face as they navigate their faith in a hostile environment.
How to apply Mark 14:47 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of responding to conflict with wisdom rather than impulsive actions. In moments of stress or fear, we should seek peaceful solutions and remember the teachings of Jesus about love and forgiveness, even when faced with hostility.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Arrest (Mark 14:43–52)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 14:47 mean?
Mark 14:47 describes a moment during Jesus' arrest when one of his followers reacts violently by cutting off the ear of a servant of the high priest. This act of aggression contrasts with Jesus' teachings on peace and highlights the fear and tension surrounding his arrest.
What is the significance of the ear being cut off in Mark 14:47?
The cutting off of the servant's ear in Mark 14:47 symbolizes the impulsive nature of human reactions to fear and danger. It also sets the stage for Jesus' later act of healing, which emphasizes his message of love and forgiveness even in moments of violence.
What does this verse reveal about the disciples' behavior?
This verse shows that the disciples were willing to protect Jesus, but their response was impulsive and violent. It highlights their struggle to understand Jesus' teachings about non-violence in a moment of crisis.
How does Mark 14:47 relate to the theme of forgiveness?
Mark 14:47 illustrates the contrast between violence and forgiveness, as Jesus later heals the servant's ear despite the attack. This act reinforces the importance of forgiveness and love, even in the face of betrayal.
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