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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Mark 4:35–41. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
This miracle which Christ wrought for the relief of his disciples, in stilling the storm, we had before (Mat 8:23, etc.); but it is here more fully related. Observe,
1.It was the same day that he had preached out of a ship, when the even was come, Mar 4:35. When he had been labouring in the word and doctrine all day, instead of reposing himself, he exposeth himself, to teach us not to think of a constant remaining rest till we come to heaven. The end of a toil may perhaps be but the beginning of a toss. But observe, the ship that Christ made his pulpit is taken under his special protection, and, though in danger, cannot sink. What is used for Christ, he will take particular care of.
2.He himself proposed putting to sea at night, because he would lose no time; Let us pass over to the other side; for we shall find, in the next chapter, he has work to do there. Christ went about doing good, and no difficulties in his way should hinder him; thus industrious we should be in serving him, and our generation according to his will.
3.They did not put to sea, till they had sent away the multitude, that is, had given to each of them that which they came for, and answered all their requests; for he sent none home complaining that they had attended him in vain. Or, They sent them away with a solemn blessing; for Christ came into the world, not only to pronounce, but to command, and to give, the blessing.
4.They took him even as he was, that is, in the same dress that he was in when he preached, without any cloak to throw over him, which he ought to have had, to keep him warm, when he went to sea at night, especially after preaching. We must not hence infer that we may be careless of our health, but we may learn hence not to be over nice and solicitous about the body.
5.The storm was so great, that the ship was full of water (Mar 4:37), not by springing a leak, but perhaps partly with the shower, for the word here used signifies a tempest of wind with rain; however, the ship being little, the waves beat into it so that it was full. Note, It is no new thing for that ship to be greatly hurried and endangered, in which Christ and his disciples, Christ and his name and gospel, are embarked.
6.There were with him other little ships, which, no doubt, shared in the distress and danger. Probably, these little ships carried those who were desirous to go along with Christ, for the benefit of his preaching and miracles on the other side. The multitude went away when he put to sea, but some there were, that would venture upon the water with him. Those follow the Lamb aright, that follow him wherever he goes. And those that hope for a happiness in Christ, must be willing to take their lot with him, and run the same risks that he runs. One may boldly and cheerfully put to sea in Christ's company, yea though we foresee a storm.
7.Christ was asleep in this storm; and here we are told that it was in the hinder part of the ship, the pilot's place: he lay at the helm, to intimate that, as Mr. George Herbert expresses it,
When winds and waves assault my keel,
He doth preserve it, he doth steer,
Ev'n when the boat seems most to reel.
Storms are the triumph of his art;
Though he may close his eyes, yet not his heart.
He had a pillow there, such a one as a fisherman's ship would furnish him with. And he slept, to try the faith of his disciples and to stir up prayer: upon the trial, their faith appeared weak, and their prayers strong. Note, Sometimes when the church is in a storm, Christ seems as if he were asleep, unconcerned in the troubles of his people, and regardless of their prayers, and doth not presently appear for their relief. Verily he is a God that hideth himself, Isa 45:15. But as, when he tarries, he doth not tarry (Hab 2:3), so when he sleeps he doth not sleep; the keeper of Israel doth not so much as slumber (Psa 121:3, Psa 121:4); he slept, but his heart was awake, as the spouse, Sol 5:2.
8.His disciples encouraged themselves with their having his presence, and thought it the best way to improve that, and appeal to that, and ply the oar of prayer rather than their other oars. Their confidence lay in this, that they had their Master with them; and the ship that has Christ in it, though it may be tossed, cannot sink; the bush that has God in it, though it may burn, shall not consume. Caesar encouraged the master of the ship, that had him on board, with this, Caesarem vehis, et fortunam Caesaris - Thou hast Caesar on board, and Caesar's fortune. They awoke Christ. Had not the necessity of the case called for it, they would not have stirred up or awoke their Master, till he had pleased (Sol 2:7); but they knew he would forgive them this wrong. When Christ seems as if he slept in a storm, he is awaked by the prayers of his people; when we know not what to do, our eye must be to him (Ch2 20:12); we may be at our wits' end, but not at our faith's end, while we have such a Saviour to go to. Their address to Christ is here expressed very emphatically; Master, carest thou not that we perish? I confess this sounds somewhat harsh, rather like chiding him for sleeping than begging him to awake. I know no excuse for it, but the great familiarity which he was pleased to admit them into, and the freedom he allowed them; and the present distress they were in, which put them into such a fright, that they knew not what they said. They do Christ a deal of wrong, who suspect him to be careless of his people in distress. The matter is not so; he is not willing that any should perish, much less any of his little ones, Mat 18:14.
9.The word of command with which Christ rebuked the storm, we have here, and had not in Matthew, Mar 4:39. He says, Peace, be still - Siōpa,̇pephimōso - be silent, be dumb. Let not the wind any longer roar, nor the sea rage. Thus he stills the noise of the sea, the noise of her waves; a particular emphasis is laid upon the noisiness of them, Psa 65:7, and Psa 93:3, Psa 93:4. The noise is threatening and terrifying; let us hear no more of it. This is,
(1.)A word of command to us; when our wicked hearts are like the troubled sea which cannot rest (Isa 57:20); when our passions are up, and are unruly, let us think we hear the law of Christ, saying, Be silent, be dumb. Think not confusedly, speak not unadvisedly; but be still.
(2.)A word of comfort to us, that, be the storm of trouble ever so loud, ever so strong, Jesus Christ can lay it with a word's speaking. When without are fightings, and within are fears, and the spirits are in a tumult, Christ can create the fruit of the lips, peace. If he say, Peace, be still, there is a great calm presently. It is spoken of as God's prerogative to command the seas, Jer 31:35. By this therefore Christ proves himself to be God. He that made the seas, can make them quiet.
10.The reproof Christ gave them for their fears, is here carried further than in Matthew. There it is, Why are ye fearful? Here, Why are ye so fearful? Though there may be cause for some fear, yet not for fear to such a degree as this. There it is, O ye of little faith. Here it is, How is it that ye have no faith? Not that the disciples were without faith. No, they believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; but at this time their fears prevailed so that they seemed to have no faith at all. It was out of the way, when they had occasion for it, and so it was as if they had not had it. "How is it, that in this matter ye have no faith, that ye think I would not come in with seasonable and effectual relief?" Those may suspect their faith, who can entertain such a thought as that Christ careth not though his people perish, and Christ justly takes it ill.
Lastly, The impression this miracle made upon the disciples, is here differently expressed. In Matthew it is said, The men marvelled; here it is said, They feared greatly. They feared a great fear; so the original reads it. Now their fear was rectified by their faith. When they feared the winds and the seas, it was for want of the reverence they ought to have had for Christ. But now that they saw a demonstration of his power over them, they feared them less, and him more. They feared lest they had offended Christ by their unbelieving fears; and therefore studied now to give him honour. They had feared the power and wrath of the Creator in the storm, and that fear had torment and amazement in it; but now they feared the power and grace of the Redeemer in the calm; they feared the Lord and his goodness, and it had pleasure and satisfaction in it, and by it they gave glory to Christ, as Jonah's mariners, who, when the sea ceased from her raging, feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, Jon 1:16. This sacrifice they offered to the honour of Christ; they said, What manner of man is this? Surely more than a man, for even the winds and the seas obey him.
Historical interpretation
Eleven Centuries of Reception
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For they were worthy to hear mysteries apart, in the most secret haunt of wisdom, for they were men, who, removed from the crowds of evil thoughts, remained in the solitude of virtue; and wisdom is received in a time of quiet.
After His teaching, they come from that place to the sea, and are tossed by the waves. Wherefore it is said, And the same day, when the even was come, &c.
Mystically, however, the hinder part of the ship is the beginning of the Church, in which the Lord sleeps in the body only, for He never sleepeth who keepeth Israel; for the ship with its skins of dead animals keeps in the living, and keeps out the waves, and is bound together by wood, that is, by the cross and the death of the Lord the Church is saved. The pillow is the body of the Lord, on which His Divinity, which is as His head, has come down. But the wind and the sea are devils and persecutors, to whom He says Peace, when He restrains the edicts of impious kings, as He will. The great calm is the peace of the Church after oppression, or a contemplative after an active life.
When he disperses its waves, Habakkuk’s words are fulfilled, where he speaks of the Lord “scattering the waters in his passage.” When at his rebuke the sea is calmed, Nahum’s prophesy is fulfilled: “He rebukes the sea and makes it dry.”
Pay close attention to the Lord’s words; whenever he instructs us about the Father, he knows that by using terms of personal authority, such as “I will; be clean”; and “Peace! Be still!” and “But I say to you”; and “You deaf and dumb spirit, I command you”;18 and other similar expressions, we will be led to recognize his authority as master and creator. By these encounters we are meeting the Father of the Son, the Father who creates through the Son. This does not insinuate that the Father’s creation is imperfect, or that the Son’s energy is feeble, but shows their unity of will.
(Hom. in Matt. 28) The Lord took the disciples indeed, that they might be spectators of the miracle which was coming, but He took them alone, that no others might see that they were of such little faith. Wherefore, to show that others went across separately, it is said, And there were also with him other ships. Lest again the disciples might be proud of being alone taken, He permits them to be in danger; and besides this, in order that they might learn to bear temptations manfully. Wherefore it goes on, And there arose a great storm of wind; and that He might impress upon them a greater sense of the miracle which was to be done, He gives time for their fear, by sleeping. Wherefore there follows, And he was himself in the hinder part of the ship, &c. For if He had been awake, they would either not have feared, nor have asked Him to save them when the storm arose, or they would not have thought that He could do any such things.
(Hom. in Matt. 28) showing His humility, and thus teaching us many lessons of wisdom. But not yet did the disciples who remained about Him know His glory; they thought indeed that if He arose He could command the winds, but could by no means do so reposing or asleep. And therefore there follows, And they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
For the Lord is said to have had three places of refuge, namely, the ship, the mountain, and the desert. As often as He was pressed upon by the multitude, he used to fly to one of these. When therefore the Lord saw many crowds about Him, as man, He wished to avoid their importunity, and ordered His disciples to go over to the other side. There follows: And sending away the multitudes, they took him, &c,
(ubi sup.) Or else the ship into which He embarked, is taken to mean the tree of His passion, by which the faithful attain to the security of the safe shore. The other ships which are said to have been with the Lord, signify those, who are imbued with faith in the cross of Christ, and are not beaten about by the whirlwind of tribulation; or who, after the storms of temptation, are enjoying the serenity of peace. And whilst His disciples are sailing on, Christ is asleep, because the time of our Lord's Passion came on His faithful ones, when they were meditating on the rest of His future reign. Wherefore it is related, that it took place late, that not only the sleep of our Lord, but the hour itself of departing light, might signify the setting of the true Sun. Again, when He ascended the cross, of which the stern of the ship was a type, His blaspheming persecutors rose like the waves against Him, driven on by the storms of the devils, by which, however, His own patience is not disturbed, but His foolish disciples are struck with amazement. The disciples awake the Lord, because they sought, with most earnest wishes, the resurrection of Him whom they had seen die. Rising up, He threatened the wind, because when He had triumphed in His resurrection, He prostrated the pride of the devil. He ordered the sea to be still, that is, in rising again, He cast down the rage of the Jews. The disciples are blamed, because after His resurrection, He chid them for their unbelief. And we also when being marked with the sign of the Lord's cross, we determine to quit the world, embark in the ship with Christ; we attempt to cross the sea; but, He goes to sleep, as we are sailing amidst the roaring of the waters, when amidst the strivings of our virtues, or amidst the attacks of evil spirits, of wicked men, or of our own thoughts, the flame of our love grows cold. Amongst storms of this sort, let us diligently strive to awake Him; He will soon restrain the tempest, pour down peace upon us, give us the harbour of salvation.
And rising, he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea: Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Indeed, rising, he rebuked the wind, because he subdued the pride of the devil, who had the power of death, while celebrating his resurrection. He also commanded the sea to be silent and restored calm, because by overcoming death and rising from the grave, he subdued the mad rage of the Jews, who had shouted, shaking their heads: If he is the Son of God, let him come down from the cross, and we will believe him (Matt. 27). It is noteworthy according to the letter that all creatures are aware of their Creator. For those to whom he rebukes and commands, they feel the One commanding. Not by the error of heretics, who think that all things are living beings, but by the majesty of the Creator. For those things that are insensible to us are sensible to Him.
Therefore He allowed them to fall into the fear of danger, that they might experience His power in themselves, who saw others benefitted by Him. But He was sleeping upon the pillow of the ship, that is, on a wooden one.
But He arising, rebukes first the wind, which was raising the tempest of the sea, and causing the waves to swell, and this is expressed in what follows, And he arose, and rebuked the wind; then He commands the sea; wherefore it goes on, And he said to the sea, Peace, be still.
He rebuked His disciples, for not having faith; for it goes on, And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have not faith? For if they had had faith, they would have believed that even when sleeping, He could preserve them safe. There follows, And they feared with a great fear, and said one to another, &c. For they were in doubt about Him, for since He stilled the sea, not with a rod like Moses, nor with prayers as Elisha at the Jordan, nor with the ark as Joshua, the son of Nun, on this account they thought Him truly God, but since He was asleep, they thought Him a man.
(non occ.) For from the troubling of the sea there arises a certain sound, which appears to be its voice threatening danger, and therefore, by a sort of metaphor, He fitly commands tranquillity by a word signifying silence: just as in the restraining of the winds, which trouble the sea with their violence, He uses a rebuke. For men who are in power are accustomed to curb those, who rudely disturb the peace of mankind, by threatening to punish them; by this, therefore, we are given to understand, that, as a king can repress violent men by threats, and by his edicts sooth the murmurs of his people, so Christ, the King of all creatures, by His threats restrained the violence of the winds, and compelled the sea to be silent. And immediately the effect followed, for it continues, And the wind ceased, which He had threatened, and there arose a great calm, that is, in the sea, to which He had commanded silence.
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Summary
Mark 4:39 presents a profound demonstration of Jesus Christ's absolute authority over creation, recording His miraculous calming of a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. This pivotal moment reveals Jesus not merely as a teacher or prophet, but as the divine Son of God, capable of commanding the very elements and bringing immediate, profound tranquility to a chaotic and life-threatening situation.
Context
Literary Context
This dramatic event is strategically placed within Mark's Gospel, following a series of parables about the Kingdom of God in Mark 4. Jesus has just concluded His teaching, and the disciples are tasked with crossing the Sea of Galilee to the other side, as recounted in Mark 4:35. The sudden, violent squall that erupts catches the disciples, many of whom are experienced fishermen, completely off guard and fills them with terror, leading to their desperate cry to Jesus in Mark 4:38. The miracle itself is immediately followed by Jesus' poignant question to His disciples about their lack of faith, recorded in Mark 4:40, highlighting the theological implications of His power.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake situated in a deep basin surrounded by hills, is historically notorious for its sudden and violent storms. Cold air rushing down from the surrounding heights can funnel into the basin, creating fierce squalls with little warning, making travel by boat perilous. For the disciples, many of whom were seasoned fishermen familiar with the lake's temperament, their abject terror underscores the severity of this particular storm. The Jewish understanding of the time attributed control over the elements, especially the sea, exclusively to God (e.g., Psalm 89:9). Thus, Jesus' ability to command the wind and waves was not merely an impressive feat but a profound theological statement, challenging their preconceived notions about His identity.
Key Themes
Mark 4:39 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. The most prominent is Jesus' Authority Over Nature, unequivocally demonstrating His divine sovereignty and power over the natural world. This miracle is a powerful revelation of His true identity, moving beyond His role as a teacher or healer to reveal Him as the Son of God with dominion over all creation. Another crucial theme is Peace in the Midst of Chaos, as Jesus brings immediate and complete calm to a life-threatening situation, contrasting sharply with the disciples' fear and highlighting His unique ability to provide security and tranquility in overwhelming circumstances. Finally, the passage powerfully explores the theme of Faith vs. Fear, as the disciples' terror underscores their limited understanding of Jesus' true identity and power, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent challenge to them to cultivate deeper trust in Him, as seen in Mark 4:40.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
G2008 - This word signifies "to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by implication, forbid." Jesus' action is not a gentle request or a prayer, but a direct, authoritative command, implying a forceful silencing or prohibition. This same verb is used elsewhere in the Gospels for Jesus rebuking demons (e.g., Mark 1:25) or fever (e.g., Luke 4:39), highlighting His absolute dominion over all forces, whether spiritual or natural.
G4623 - Derived from a word meaning "silence" or "hush," this term means "to be dumb" or, figuratively, "to be calm (as quiet water)." It is an imperative, a direct order for the storm to become silent, to cease its raging. The implication is a forceful imposition of quietude, not a gentle suggestion.
G5392 - This verb literally means "to muzzle," as one would muzzle a wild animal to prevent it from biting or making noise. When applied to the sea, it conveys a powerful image of Jesus forcibly subduing the chaotic elements, bringing them under His complete control as if they were a dangerous, unruly beast.
Verse Breakdown
"And he arose, and rebuked the wind"
Jesus, awakened from His sleep, immediately takes decisive action. His "arising" signifies His readiness to act, and His "rebuking" of the wind indicates an authoritative confrontation, treating the natural phenomenon as if it were a sentient entity under His direct command. This is not a plea to God, but a direct exercise of divine power.
"and said unto the sea, 'Peace, be still.'"
This is the core of Jesus' command, addressed directly to the tumultuous sea. The two imperative verbs, "Peace" (meaning "be silent") and "be still" (meaning "be muzzled"), convey an absolute and forceful decree. Jesus speaks with the authority of the Creator, commanding the very fabric of the natural world to obey His will.
"And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."
The immediate and complete outcome of Jesus' command. The wind did not merely lessen; it "ceased" (Greek, kopázō, G2869, meaning "to tire, i.e., to relax"). Furthermore, the sea did not just become less turbulent; there was a "great calm" (Greek, galḗnē, G1055, meaning "tranquillity"). This instantaneous and total cessation of the storm, transforming violent chaos into profound tranquility, underscores the supernatural nature of the event and the unparalleled power of Jesus.
Literary Devices
Mark 4:39 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. Personification is evident as Jesus "rebukes" the wind and commands the sea to "be still" or "be muzzled," treating these inanimate forces as if they were unruly beings capable of understanding and obeying a direct command. This imbues the natural elements with a sense of agency, making Jesus' dominion over them even more striking. The passage also utilizes Dramatic Irony, as the disciples, experienced sailors, are terrified and believe they are perishing, while the one true source of salvation, Jesus, is calmly asleep in the boat, fully aware of His power. Finally, the storm itself functions as Symbolism, representing the chaos, fear, and overwhelming challenges that often arise in human life, while Jesus' immediate and complete calming of it symbolizes His divine power to bring peace, order, and security into the deepest anxieties and crises of existence.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Mark 4:39 stands as a profound theological statement, revealing Jesus as far more than a human teacher or prophet; He is the divine Lord of creation. This miracle directly echoes Old Testament portrayals of God's unique sovereignty over the natural world, particularly His control over the tumultuous seas. Just as the God of Israel "stills the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea are hushed" (Psalm 107:29), so too does Jesus demonstrate this same divine prerogative. The disciples' astonished question in Mark 4:41—"What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"—underscores the unprecedented nature of this event and points directly to Jesus' divine identity. This miracle is a powerful testament to Jesus' authority, confirming His claim to be one with the Father, exercising the very power that brought the cosmos into being and sustains it.
Reflection and Application
Mark 4:39 offers profound comfort and a powerful challenge for believers navigating the "storms" of life today. Just as Jesus brought immediate and absolute calm to a literal tempest, He possesses the same divine power to bring peace to our personal anxieties, financial crises, health struggles, relational conflicts, or any overwhelming circumstance. This passage reminds us that no matter how turbulent our lives become, Jesus is ultimately in control. Even when it feels as though He is "asleep" to our troubles, He is present, aware, and capable of intervening with sovereign power. Our call, like that of the disciples, is to turn to Him in our moments of fear and desperation, trusting that His command, "Peace, be still," can transform our chaos into tranquility. This miracle challenges us to cultivate a deeper faith that transcends our immediate fears, believing in His omnipotence to bring resolution and peace that surpasses all understanding, even when circumstances seem dire.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Jesus asleep during the storm?
Jesus being asleep during the storm highlights both His genuine humanity and His profound trust in His Father. As a fully human being, He experienced fatigue and needed rest. His ability to sleep soundly amidst such a violent tempest also demonstrates His complete peace and confidence in God's sovereignty, knowing that He was in His Father's hands and that His mission would not be thwarted. This deep rest also served a narrative purpose, setting the stage for the disciples' desperate cry and the dramatic demonstration of His divine power.
What does "Peace, be still" truly mean in this context?
The Greek words Jesus uses—Siōpa, pephimōso—are far more forceful than a gentle suggestion. Siōpa means "be silent" or "be quiet," often used for silencing unruly individuals or even demons, as seen in Mark 1:25. Pephimōso is a perfect imperative meaning "be muzzled" or "be gagged," implying a forceful subjugation, as one would muzzle a dangerous animal. Thus, Jesus' command is not a request to inanimate forces but an authoritative, divine rebuke, demonstrating His absolute dominion and power over the elements themselves, as if they were sentient beings under His direct control.
How does this miracle relate to my daily life and personal challenges?
This miracle serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual and emotional "storms" we face in life. Just as Jesus commanded the literal wind and waves, He has the authority and power to speak peace into our anxieties, fears, and chaotic circumstances. The passage encourages us to bring our "storms"—whether they are financial troubles, health crises, relational conflicts, or internal turmoil—to Jesus. It reminds us that His presence brings calm, His power transcends our limitations, and His peace, as described in Philippians 4:7, can guard our hearts and minds even in the most tumultuous times.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Mark 4:39 is a profound Christ-centered passage, revealing Jesus as the embodiment of God's sovereign power over creation. This miracle is not merely an isolated act of power but a direct manifestation of His divine identity, echoing the Old Testament's portrayal of Yahweh as the one who commands the seas and calms their waves. In Jesus, the Creator God has entered His creation, demonstrating His inherent authority over all things. His ability to speak a word and bring immediate, absolute calm to the raging elements points forward to His ultimate victory over all chaos, including sin and death. He is the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:16-17). The peace He commands in the storm foreshadows the peace He offers to humanity—not merely an absence of conflict, but a holistic well-being and reconciliation with God, a peace that He gives, "not as the world gives" (John 14:27). This passage thus affirms Jesus as the divine Son, the one who "upholds the universe by the word of his power" (Hebrews 1:3), and the ultimate source of true and lasting peace for all who trust in Him.