Reference

John 18:10

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
8

Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

9

That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

10

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

11

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

12

Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,

Counter-Arguments

The strongest case that this verse does not belong in this theme.

Destruction / Perishing Language

The verse describes a physical act of violence resulting in injury, not a statement about the fate of the wicked. The "cut off" refers to a literal ear, not a metaphorical destruction or perishing in the context of divine judgment.

Annihilation / Destruction

The verse describes an act of violence where an ear is cut off, but it does not describe the wicked being destroyed, consumed, perishing, or ceasing to exist as a result of judgment. The servant, Malchus, is injured but not annihilated or destroyed.