Bible Dictionaries
Malchus

Holman Bible Dictionary

(mal' kuhss) Personal name meaning “king,” common among the Idumaeans and Palmyrenes, especially for their kings or tribal chiefs. High priest's servant whose ear Peter cut off (John 18:10 ). The name is unusual for slaves who commonly had names such as Onesimus (“Useful”; Philippians 1:10-11 ). Perhaps the slave was chief of the Temple guard. Only Luke recorded the healing of the ear (Luke 22:51 ). Possibly Luke desired to stress Jesus' compassion in the midst of His passion (compare Luke 23:28 ,Luke 23:28,23:34 ,Luke 23:34,23:43 ) or respect shown to the high priest and his representative (compare Acts 23:4 ).