MALCHUS. The name of the high priest’s servant whose ear Peter cut off in the Garden of Gethsemane at the arrest of our Lord. St. John is the only Evangelist who mentions his name ( John 18:10 ), thereby substantiating the fact that he was intimately acquainted with the high priest and his household ( John 18:16 ). The incident is related in the other three Gospels ( Matthew 26:61 , Mark 14:47 , Luke 22:50 ). On a comparison of the four accounts, it seems that Malchus pressed forward eagerly to seize Jesus, whereupon Peter struck at him with his sword. The blow, missing its main object, almost severed the ear, but not quite, as Jesus touched it and healed it.

Luke, the physician, is the only Evangelist who mentions the hearing of the ear.

Morley Stevenson.