Mark 4:40

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Why {G5101} are ye {G2075} so {G3779} fearful {G1169}? how is it {G4459} that ye have {G2192} no {G3756} faith {G4102}?

He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you no trust even now?"

“Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?”

And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?

Context

This powerful verse immediately follows Jesus' dramatic calming of a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, were terrified and believed their boat was about to sink, while Jesus was asleep in the stern. After His disciples woke Him, Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves, and the storm instantly ceased (Mark 4:39). His subsequent question in verse 40 addresses their profound fear and lack of trust, even after witnessing His miraculous power.

Key Themes

  • The Conflict of Fear and Faith: Jesus' rhetorical questions directly challenge the disciples' reaction. Their overwhelming fear revealed a significant deficit in their faith and trust in His divine power and presence. This highlights a universal truth: fear often takes root where faith is absent or underdeveloped.
  • Jesus' Authority and Identity: The preceding miracle undeniably showcases Jesus' sovereign control over creation. His ability to command nature with a word should have instilled confidence, not terror. His calm demeanor amidst the tempest sharply contrasted with the disciples' panic, underscoring His unique authority as the Son of God.
  • Discipleship and Spiritual Growth: This incident serves as a crucial teaching moment for the disciples. It reveals their initial struggles with fully understanding Jesus' identity and power, emphasizing the journey of faith and the need for unwavering reliance on Christ, especially in life's "storms."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "fearful" is phobos (φόβος), which denotes a strong sense of terror or fright. When Jesus asks, "how is it that ye have no faith?", the phrase "no faith" translates from apistia (ἀπιστία), meaning unbelief or a lack of trust. Jesus isn't merely acknowledging their fear; He's pointing to its root cause: a fundamental failure to trust in His ability and willingness to protect them, despite His presence.

Practical Application

Mark 4:40 resonates deeply with believers today. We all face "storms" in life—periods of crisis, uncertainty, anxiety, or overwhelming challenges. Jesus' question encourages us to examine the source of our own fears: Is it a lack of faith in God's constant presence, His immense power, or His unfailing promises? Just as He was physically present with the disciples in the boat, He is spiritually present with us through every trial.

This verse challenges us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and care, remembering that we are called to cast our anxieties on Him rather than succumb to overwhelming fear. True faith means actively choosing to believe God's Word and character, even when circumstances seem dire, knowing that He is always in control and capable of calming any storm.

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.

  • Luke 8:25

    And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

  • Matthew 8:26

    And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

  • 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?

  • Matthew 16:8

    [Which] when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

  • 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.

  • Matthew 6:30

    Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith?

  • John 6:19

    So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

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