The word "malchus" is spelled phonetically as /ˈmælkəs/. The first syllable "mal" is pronounced with a short "a" sound as in "cat," followed by the "k" sound. The second syllable "chus" is pronounced with a "ch" sound like in "church" and a short "u" sound as in "up." This word refers to the servant of the high priest in the New Testament. Careful attention to the IPA transcription can enhance one's ability to accurately read, write, and pronounce this term.
Malchus is a noun of Greek origin, derived from the word "Malchos." In historical and biblical contexts, it refers to a particular individual mentioned in the New Testament. Malchus is primarily known for his role in the arrest of Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, as recounted in the Gospel of John.
In terms of biblical significance, Malchus is identified as a servant or slave of the high priest Caiaphas. When a group of soldiers, led by Judas Iscariot, arrived to seize Jesus, they were accompanied by Malchus. In the ensuing chaos, the apostle Peter, attempting to defend Jesus, drew his sword and struck Malchus, cutting off his right ear. However, Jesus miraculously healed Malchus' ear, showing compassion and demonstrating his divine power.
Malchus' involvement in this pivotal event symbolizes the conflict between Jesus and those seeking to arrest him. His role also underscores Jesus' display of love and non-violence, as he healed the servant's wound instead of perpetuating violence.
Beyond his biblical significance, Malchus refers to a person who played a minor role in the religious narrative and whose name has become synonymous with the incident itself. It also serves as a metaphor for acts of compassion amidst adversity.
The word "malchus" has an interesting etymology, tracing back to ancient Greek and Hebrew roots.
In Greek, the word "malchus" (Μάλχος) likely originated from the Hebrew word "melek" (מֶלֶךְ), meaning "king". This is supported by the fact that "malchus" is often used in ancient Greek literature to refer to a king or ruler.
From there, the term "malchus" was adopted into Latin as "malleus", which means "mallet" or "hammer". This Latin term was later borrowed into various other languages, including Old English, where it became "mæl", meaning both "mallet" and "measure of land".