ὠτάριον (ōtarion)
ōtarion
ear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word ōtarion refers simply to the human ear, appearing only twice in the New Testament. In both instances, it serves as a precise anatomical detail rather than a metaphor for hearing or understanding. The term is used to describe the physical body part that was cut off during violent confrontations involving Jesus.
Mark 14:47 records one of these occurrences, where a companion of Jesus strikes the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. John 18:10 provides the other reference, specifying that Peter cut off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. These brief mentions highlight the sudden, physical violence that erupted in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Unlike words for hearing or listening, ōtarion carries no spiritual symbolism here. It grounds the narrative in tangible reality, reminding readers that the events surrounding Jesus’ arrest involved real bodies and immediate physical harm. The specific mention of the ear underscores the abruptness of the conflict before Jesus rebukes the use of the sword.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ōtarion is a simple Greek term for the human ear, appearing only twice in the New Testament. In both cases, it serves as a precise anatomical detail rather than a spiritual metaphor. It grounds the narrative of Jesus’ arrest in tangible reality, reminding us that these events involved real bodies and immediate physical harm.
When we read about Peter cutting off the ear of Malchus or the servant’s ear being severed in Mark’s account, we see the sudden violence that erupted in the Garden. This specific mention highlights the abruptness of the conflict before Jesus rebukes the use of the sword. It is a stark reminder that God’s kingdom does not advance through force.
For your faith, this detail invites you to trust in Jesus’ peace even when circumstances turn violent. You do not need to defend yourself or fight for justice with weapons. Instead, you can rest in the knowledge that Christ holds all power and chooses the way of sacrifice over retaliation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ear.1×
- ear1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὠτάριον.1×
- ὠτάριον1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 14:47
But a certain one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
This verse highlights the sudden violence as a companion strikes the high priest's servant, cutting off his ear without naming the attacker.
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John 18:10
Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
John provides specific details by identifying Peter as the one who cut off Malchus’s right ear, emphasizing the personal nature of the act.