Comment: What was the meaning of the original quote that Ron is quoting

While most people are focused on what they think Dr Paul meant by the quote (or they simply assume what he meant without asking), the more important question to me is what the original quote meant.

What did Jesus mean when he said "those who live by the sword will die by the sword"?

Matthew 26, verse 50: "Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took him. And suddenly one of those with Jesus stretched out his hand and took his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus said, "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword, or do you think that I cannot now pray to my Father and he will provide me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?"

I'd love to hear people's thoughts on what the original quote meant. I want folks to have their own ideas before I offer my interpretation.