Mark 4:39

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.

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}.

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

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.

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.

Mark 4:39 powerfully illustrates the unparalleled authority of Jesus Christ over creation. This verse records one of the most dramatic demonstrations of His divine power, where He calms a raging storm with a mere word, transforming chaos into profound tranquility.

Context

This miraculous event occurs as Jesus and His disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat. A sudden and violent squall, characteristic of the region's geography, overtakes them. While the experienced fishermen among the disciples are terrified and believe they are perishing, Jesus is found asleep in the stern. Their desperate cry for help in Mark 4:38 prompts His immediate and awe-inspiring response.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority Over Nature: The central theme is Christ's absolute dominion over the natural world. His command is not a plea but a direct, authoritative order that the wind and sea instantly obey, demonstrating His divine sovereignty. This miracle reveals Him as more than just a prophet or teacher.
  • Peace in the Midst of Chaos: Jesus brings immediate and complete calm to a life-threatening situation. This supernatural peace contrasts sharply with the disciples' fear, highlighting His ability to provide security and tranquility in overwhelming circumstances.
  • Faith vs. Fear: The disciples' terror underscores their lack of understanding regarding Jesus' true identity and power. Jesus' subsequent question to them in Mark 4:40, "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" serves as a powerful lesson on trusting God even when circumstances seem dire.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Peace, be still" (KJV) translates from the Greek: Siōpa, pephimōso (σιώπα, πεφίμωσο).

  • Siōpa (σιώπα): This word means "be silent" or "be quiet." It is a strong command, often used for silencing unruly individuals or even demons, as seen in Mark 1:25.
  • Pephimōso (πεφίμωσο): This is a perfect imperative verb meaning "be muzzled" or "be gagged." It implies a forceful silencing, as if subduing a wild animal.
The use of such forceful language, typically reserved for sentient beings or evil spirits, emphasizes that Jesus' command to the storm was not merely a suggestion to inanimate forces, but an authoritative rebuke demonstrating His complete dominion and power over all things, including the elements themselves.

Practical Application

Mark 4:39 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. Just as Jesus calmed the literal storm, He has the power to bring peace to our personal storms – whether they are anxieties, financial crises, health struggles, or relational conflicts. This verse encourages us to:

  • Trust in His Sovereignty: Recognize that no matter how turbulent life becomes, Jesus is ultimately in control. His power transcends all earthly circumstances.
  • Seek His Presence: Even when it feels like Jesus is "asleep" to our troubles, He is present and aware. Our call should be to Him, just as the disciples called out.
  • Cultivate Faith Over Fear: This passage challenges us to grow in our faith, believing in His ability to bring calm and resolution, rather than succumbing to fear and despair. The same God who commanded the winds and waves to be still can bring the peace of God that surpasses all understanding into our lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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