In Greek the verb translated had is a participle dependent on the verb drew, while cutting off is a finite verb. Good News Translation restructures (as do most other modern translations) in a way that is more natural in English. In fact, if one translated the Greek text literally into English, it would suggest two separate actions on Peter’s part (“striking” and “cutting off”). Obviously striking of the High Priest’s slave and cutting off his right ear are one and the same action, and Good News Translation makes this clear. The word translated sword (so most translations) literally means “knife” or “dagger,” suggesting a small weapon that could easily be concealed. All four Gospels mention this incident, but only John gives the names of the persons involved, Simon Peter and Malchus. The various Gospels use three different Greek words for ear, and it may be that in John and Mark the reference is only to the “earlobe.” However, most translations render ear. Only John and Luke specify that it was the right ear.

A literal translation of the Good News Translation rendering, struck the High Priest’s slave, cutting off his right ear, could be misunderstood, especially if the choice of a verb for struck suggests repeated blows. It is important here to use a term which indicates only one movement of the sword. In some languages it would be appropriate to say “Peter pulled out his sword and swung it at the High Priest’s slave. In so doing, he cut off the slave’s right ear.” In other languages it might be better to say “Peter pulled out his sword and cut off the right ear of the High Priest’s slave.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .