Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 18:10

"Simon Peter therefore having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest`s servant, and cut off his right ear. Now the servant`s name was Malchus." — John 18:10 (ASV)

The action of Peter illustrates the curious combination of loyalty and obtuseness that characterized him. Realizing that Jesus was endangered, Peter was courageous enough to come to his defense and risk his own safety. To this extent he justified his boastful promise that if all others should forsake Jesus, he would not (13:37; cf. Mark 14:29–31). In his excitement, Peter began swinging his sword, cutting off the right ear of Malchus, probably the special deputy of the high priest. The recollection of this particular man’s name suggests that this account in John rests on an eyewitness testimony.