Tiny but Mighty: ὠτίον (Strong’s G5621: otion) – The Ear that Changed History

Strong’s G5621: A diminutive of ous (ear), otion refers to a small ear or earlobe. This tender term gained prominence in the New Testament during Jesus’s arrest when Peter cut off the high priest’s servant’s ear, highlighting both human violence and divine healing.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word ὠτίον (otion) is a diminutive form of the more common ous (ear), carrying a sense of tenderness or smallness. This specific term appears in the dramatic scene of Jesus’s arrest, where it takes on profound significance. While it literally means “little ear,” its usage in the Gospel accounts underscores both human aggression and divine compassion. The severing and healing of Malchus’s ear represents a powerful contrast between Peter’s impulsive violence and Jesus’s healing mercy, even in His moment of arrest. This word continues to remind believers of Christ’s commitment to healing and peace, even in the face of hostility.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὠτίον, otion, /oh-TEE-on/
• Detailed pronunciation: oh as in “go”, TEE as in “tea”, on as in “on”
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• ous (ear) – root word
• -ion – diminutive suffix indicating smallness or endearment

D – Defining Meanings

• Small ear
• Earlobe
• Diminutive form of ear

For compound words: The diminutive suffix -ion modifies the root word ous to create a more specific or intimate reference to the ear

Translation Options:

• Little ear – captures the diminutive nature most precisely
• Earlobe – specifies the anatomical part
• Small ear – emphasizes the size distinction

E – Exploring Similar Words

οὖς (ous) /ooce/ – the standard word for ear, more general in usage
See G3775

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

The word follows standard neuter second declension patterns:
Nominative: ὠτίον
Genitive: ὠτίου
Dative: ὠτίῳ
Accusative: ὠτίον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The diminutive ὠτίον represents an interesting case in New Testament Greek vocabulary. BDAG notes its specific usage in the synoptic gospels during Jesus’s arrest. Thayer’s emphasizes its diminutive nature, while LSJ provides evidence of its usage in medical contexts. Vine’s notes that while it’s a diminutive form, it’s often used with the same meaning as the base word οὖς. Strong’s highlights its connection to hearing and understanding, while Moulton and Milligan document its presence in papyri related to medical matters.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And 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 [ὠτίον] ear.

Additional References:
Mark 14:47
Luke 22:51
John 18:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὠτίον appears at a crucial moment in Jesus’s arrest, where it becomes a powerful symbol of both human violence and divine healing. While Peter’s action in cutting off the ear represented resistance through violence, Jesus’s healing of Malchus’s ear demonstrated the kingdom’s way of peace and restoration. This small anatomical term thus carries immense theological weight, showing how Christ responds to opposition with healing and grace, even in His darkest hour.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in all four gospel accounts of Jesus’s arrest
2. It’s one of the few medical terms used in describing Jesus’s healing miracles
3. Ancient medical texts used this specific term when discussing ear surgeries

Strong’s G5621: A diminutive of ous (ear), otion refers to a small ear or earlobe. This tender term gained prominence in the New Testament during Jesus’s arrest when Peter cut off the high priest’s servant’s ear, highlighting both human violence and divine healing.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: anatomy, healing, miracles, ear, diminutive, Peter, arrest, Jesus, Malchus, violence, peace​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​