But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Peter's impulsive defense is often the focus, Jesus' command "No more of this!" and immediate healing are crucial. He's not just stopping Peter; he's also using this moment to show mercy to his attackers, demonstrating a radical love that even extends to those arresting him.
But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just as Judas arrives with a mob to arrest Jesus, one of Jesus' disciples, impetuously acting to defend his master, strikes a servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus immediately intervenes, rebuking the disciple's violence and then, with a touch, miraculously heals the severed ear. This act of compassion happens in the midst of his own capture, highlighting his unwavering love even as darkness closes in.
When his disciples were ready to fight, Jesus said something unexpected. What did he mean by 'Suffer ye thus far'?
This phrase, 'Suffer ye thus far,' is a powerful, yet often misunderstood, command from Jesus in a moment of intense conflict.
A Call to Restraint
When Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, the other disciples were ready to join the fray. Jesus' words are primarily directed at them. He's saying, 'Stop. Let this happen. Don't resist any further.' It’s a command to cease their violent response and allow events to unfold as they must, even though it leads to his arrest.
A Plea for Mercy?
Some scholars also suggest Jesus might have been speaking to the arresting party. In this view, his words translate to, 'Allow me to go this far – just to heal the man’s ear.' It’s a compassionate plea to pause the chaos and show mercy, even to those arresting him. The immediate healing of the ear supports this interpretation, as it demonstrates Jesus’ unyielding kindness.
In the midst of a chaotic arrest, Jesus stops to perform a miracle. What does this act of healing reveal about his mission?
The most striking part of this moment is Jesus' immediate act of healing Malchus’ ear. This wasn't just a display of power; it was a profound act of grace.
Mercy Amidst Betrayal
Jesus’ arrest is happening because of a disciple’s betrayal. Yet, instead of focusing on the injustice or the violence, Jesus turns his attention to the wounded servant. He doesn't wait for an apology or a change of heart from his enemies. He simply acts out of compassion.
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A Glimpse of the Kingdom
This healing is a powerful preview of Jesus' kingdom. It’s a realm where violence is met with compassion, where enemies are loved, and where suffering is met with restoration. Even as he is being handed over to darkness, Jesus displays the light and life of God’s reign.
This incident occurs at the very moment Jesus is being arrested, a culmination of religious and political tension. His immediate act of healing, rather than resisting or retaliating, underscores his mission of mercy even amidst his own suffering and betrayal.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Arrest in Gethsemane
Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by a detachment of soldiers and temple guards in the Garden of Gethsemane.
c. AD 30
Peter's Attempted Defense
In the ensuing chaos of Jesus' arrest, Peter draws a sword and strikes the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
c. AD 30
Jesus Heals the Servant's Ear
Jesus rebukes Peter's action and, in a moment of profound mercy, touches the servant's ear and heals the wound.
c. AD 30
Disciples Flee
Following Jesus' arrest and the confrontation, all of his disciples forsake him and flee.
c. AD 30
Jesus Before the High Priest
Jesus is taken to the house of the high priest, Annas, and then Caiaphas, where his trial begins.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' instruction to Peter to put away his sword, highlighting Jesus' consistent teaching against using violence, even in His own defense.
John 18:10-11This passage identifies Peter as the one who struck the servant, providing further context to the event and Jesus' response to the disciple's impulsive action.
Isaiah 53:7This Old Testament prophecy describes the suffering servant being led like a lamb to the slaughter, underscoring Jesus' willing submission to arrest and His fulfillment of Scripture, even when violently opposed.
Matthew 5:39Jesus' teaching to 'turn the other cheek' in the Sermon on the Mount provides the foundational principle for His action in Luke 22:51, showing His commitment to non-retaliation.
1 Peter 2:23This New Testament passage directly references Jesus' example during His suffering, encouraging believers not to threaten or retaliate but to entrust themselves to God.
clarkeLuke 22:51: "And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him."
Suffer ye thus far - Or, Suffer me to go thus far. As they had now a firm hold of Christ, Matthew 26:50 , he wished them to permit him to go as far as Malchus, whose ear was cut off, that he might heal it. See the objections brought against this interpretation answered by Kypke; and see the examples he produces. However, the words may be understood as an address to his disciples: Let them proc…
vincentLuke 22:51: "And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him."
Suffer ye thus farThis is variously interpreted. I think the text requires that the words should be addressed to the disciples, and taken as the answer to the question, shall we smite, etc. The meaning then is, permit them to go so far as to seize me. The expression thus corresponds with Matthew 26:52,Ear (ὠτίου)This time Luke uses the diminutive. Wyc., little ear.HealedOnly Luke records the…
While Peter's impulsive defense is often the focus, Jesus' command "No more of this!" and immediate healing are crucial. He's not just stopping Peter; he's also using this moment to show mercy to his attackers, demonstrating a radical love that even extends to those arresting him.
Just as Judas arrives with a mob to arrest Jesus, one of Jesus' disciples, impetuously acting to defend his master, strikes a servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus immediately intervenes, rebuking the disciple's violence and then, with a touch, miraculously heals the severed ear. This act of compassion happens in the midst of his own capture, highlighting his unwavering love even as darkness closes in.
Just as Judas arrives with a mob to arrest Jesus, one of Jesus' disciples, impetuously acting to defend his master, strikes a servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus immediately intervenes, rebuking the disciple's violence and then, with a touch, miraculously heals the severed ear. This act of compassion happens in the midst of his own capture, highlighting his unwavering love even as darkness closes in.
"But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him." — While Peter's impulsive defense is often the focus, Jesus' command "No more of this!" and immediate healing are crucial. He's not just stopping Peter; he's also using this moment to show mercy to his…
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Last reviewed October 2026