John 6:20

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

But {G1161} he saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, It is {G1510} I {G1473}; be {G5399} not {G3361} afraid {G5399}.

but he said to them, “Stop being afraid, it is I.”

But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.”

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

Commentary

John 6:20 captures a pivotal moment of divine revelation and comfort amidst a terrifying storm. After miraculously feeding over five thousand people, Jesus sent His disciples ahead by boat while He went up a mountain to pray. As night fell and a fierce storm arose, the disciples struggled against the wind and waves. Jesus then came to them, walking on the water.

Context

This verse is part of the broader narrative in John chapter 6, which emphasizes Jesus' identity and divine power. Following the miracle of feeding the five thousand (John 6:1-15), the disciples embark across the Sea of Galilee. They encounter a violent storm, highlighting their human limitations and vulnerability. Their fear upon seeing Jesus approach, thinking He was a ghost, sets the stage for His profound declaration. This event is also recorded in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52), underscoring its significance in the early Christian tradition.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Presence and Authority: Jesus' ability to walk on water demonstrates His supernatural power and control over creation, asserting His divine nature.
  • Revelation of Identity: The phrase "It is I" is more than a simple identification; it carries profound theological weight, revealing who Jesus truly is.
  • Overcoming Fear: The command "be not afraid" is a recurring theme in scripture, often spoken by God or His messengers during moments of divine encounter or crisis, offering assurance and peace.
  • Jesus as Sovereign Lord: Even in the midst of chaos and danger, Jesus is in control, capable of calming both the storm and the hearts of His disciples.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated as "It is I" is Egō eimi (ἐγώ εἰμι). This is a highly significant phrase in the Gospel of John, echoing God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14 ("I AM THAT I AM"). Throughout John's Gospel, Jesus uses Egō eimi in absolute declarations, such as "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58) or "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11). In this context, it signifies not merely His physical presence but His divine identity and authority, intended to dispel the disciples' fear and instill faith.

Practical Application

John 6:20 offers immense comfort and strength for believers today. Just as Jesus appeared to His disciples in their moment of greatest fear and distress, He promises His presence to us in our own "storms" of life—whether they are anxieties, uncertainties, or overwhelming challenges. His words, "It is I; be not afraid," remind us that recognizing Christ's sovereignty and presence is the antidote to fear. When we are tempted to despair or feel overwhelmed, remembering that Jesus is with us and in control can bring profound peace and courage. This verse encourages us to fix our eyes on Him, trusting in His power and His unwavering care, even when circumstances seem most frightening.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 14:27

    But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

  • Matthew 14:31

    And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

  • Isaiah 43:1

    ¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

  • Isaiah 43:2

    When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

  • Isaiah 44:8

    Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? ye [are] even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any].

  • Isaiah 41:10

    ¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Revelation 1:17

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
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