Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 14:47

"But a certain one of them that stood by drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear." — Mark 14:47 (ASV)

John tells us that it was Peter who wielded the sword and that the servant’s name was Malchus . Apparently Peter aimed at his head; but Malchus sidestepped, and Peter only caught his ear. Jesus’ rebuke to Peter (Matthew 26:52) and the restoration of the ear are not recorded by Mark.