Mark 4:39

KJV

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he arose {G1326}, and rebuked {G2008} the wind {G417}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto the sea {G2281}, Peace {G4623}, be still {G5392}. And {G2532} the wind {G417} ceased {G2869}, and {G2532} there was {G1096} a great {G3173} calm {G1055}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He awoke, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind subsided, and there was a dead calm.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm.

American Standard Version

And he awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Commentary

### 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](/mark/4 "Mark 4 - Parables of the Kingdom"). 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](/mark/4-35 "Mark 4:35 - Jesus and His disciples set out across the Sea of Galilee"). 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](/mark/4-38 "Mark 4:38 - The disciples' fearful cry to Jesus"). The miracle itself is immediately followed by Jesus' poignant question to His disciples about their lack of faith, recorded in [Mark 4:40](/mark/4-40 "Mark 4:40 - Jesus questions the disciples' faith after calming the storm"), 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](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God rules the raging sea")). 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](/mark/4-40 "Mark 4:40 - Jesus questions the disciples' faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō'_):** 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](/mark/1-25 "Mark 1:25 - Jesus rebukes an unclean spirit")) or fever (e.g., [Luke 4:39](/luke/4-39 "Luke 4:39 - Jesus rebukes Peter's mother-in-law's fever")), highlighting His absolute dominion over all forces, whether spiritual or natural.
* **Peace (Greek, _siōpáō'_):** 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.
* **be still (Greek, _phimóō'_):** 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](/psalms/107-29 "Psalm 107:29 - God stills the storm")), so too does Jesus demonstrate this same divine prerogative. The disciples' astonished question in [Mark 4:41](/mark/4-41 "Mark 4:41 - The disciples' awe and question")—"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.

* [Psalm 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God rules the raging sea")
* [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "Job 38:8-11 - God commands the sea")
* [Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus calms the storm (Matthew's account)")

### 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
* **How do I typically respond when life's "storms" arise—with fear, panic, or a turning to Christ?**
* **Where in my current life circumstances do I need to invite Jesus' "Peace, be still" to speak into chaos or anxiety?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the nature of faith in the face of overwhelming fear, and how can I grow in that faith?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jesus asleep during the storm?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: 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](/mark/1-25 "Mark 1:25 - Jesus rebukes an unclean spirit"). _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?**

Answer: 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](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The peace of God that surpasses understanding"), 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](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ is before all things and in Him all things hold together")). 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](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus gives His peace")). This passage thus affirms Jesus as the divine Son, the one who "upholds the universe by the word of his power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ upholds the universe by the word of His power")), and the ultimate source of true and lasting peace for all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 107:29

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

Psalms 89:9

Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

Psalms 65:7

Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

Psalms 29:10

The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.

Proverbs 8:29

When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

Jeremiah 5:22

Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

Job 38:11

And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?