ὠτίον (ōtion)
ōtion
ear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word ōtion is a diminutive form meaning "ear." It appears only three times in the New Testament, specifically in the accounts of Jesus’ arrest found in Matthew 26:51, Luke 22:51, and John 18:26. In these narratives, the term identifies the body part that is struck or cut during the confrontation.
Its use as a diminutive adds a layer of specificity to the scene. Rather than referring to the ear in a general sense, it points to the small, delicate structure itself. This detail highlights the physical violence involved, as Peter cuts off the ear of the servant Malchus. The sources note that this Greek term corresponds to the Hebrew word for ear used in the Septuagint, linking the New Testament event to broader biblical imagery.
Translators typically render ōtion simply as "ear," preserving the straightforward nature of the text. The diminutive form does not necessarily imply affection but rather precise anatomical reference. By focusing on this small part of the body, the Gospel writers emphasize the suddenness and intimacy of the conflict, grounding the theological significance of Jesus’ submission in a concrete physical action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ōtion refers to an ear, specifically using a diminutive form that highlights the small, delicate nature of the body part. In the Gospels, this term appears during the arrest of Jesus, when Peter strikes the servant Malchus and cuts off his ear. This specific vocabulary choice draws attention to the sudden violence and physical intimacy of the moment, grounding a theological crisis in a tangible human action.
Yet the story does not end with injury. Jesus immediately touches the ear and heals it, demonstrating that His mission is one of restoration rather than retaliation. For us, this reminds us that God’s power often works through gentle acts of mercy, even when we are surrounded by conflict or fear. It invites us to trust in a Savior who cares for the smallest details of our lives.
When we face moments of tension or confusion, we can look to Jesus’ response. He did not escalate the violence but offered healing instead. This offers a quiet hope that God is present in our most chaotic moments, bringing peace where there was once harm.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ear;1×
- ear.1×
- ear1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὠτίου1×
- ὠτίον·1×
- ὠτίον.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:51
Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
This verse records the initial act of violence where Peter cuts off the ear, establishing the physical reality of the confrontation.
-
Luke 22:51
But Jesus answered, “Let me at least do this”—and he touched his ear and healed him.
Here Jesus heals the ear, showing His power to restore what was broken and rejecting the path of vengeance.
-
John 18:26
One of the servants of the high priest, being a relative of him whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?”
This occurrence highlights the personal nature of the conflict, as a relative of the injured servant confronts Peter directly.