Mark 6:48

KJV

And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he saw {G1492} them {G846} toiling {G928} in {G1722} rowing {G1643}; for {G1063} the wind {G417} was {G2258} contrary {G1727} unto them {G846}: and {G2532} about {G4012} the fourth {G5067} watch {G5438} of the night {G3571} he cometh {G2064} unto {G4314} them {G846}, walking {G4043} upon {G1909} the sea {G2281}, and {G2532} would {G2309} have passed by {G3928} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He saw that they were having difficulty rowing, because the wind was against them; so at around four o'clock in the morning he came toward them, walking on the lake! He meant to come alongside them;

Berean Standard Bible

He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them,

American Standard Version

And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:48 vividly portrays Jesus' divine omniscience, sovereign power over creation, and compassionate intervention during a severe storm on the Sea of Galilee. As His disciples struggled against a contrary wind, Jesus, from a distant mountain, saw their arduous toil. In the darkest and most challenging hour of the night, He miraculously came to them, walking on the water, demonstrating His authority and revealing His presence amidst their distress, even appearing at first as if He would pass them by.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after two significant events in Mark's Gospel: the miraculous feeding of the five thousand ([Mark 6:35-44](/mark/6-35-44 "Mark 6:35-44 - Feeding the Five Thousand")) and Jesus' subsequent dismissal of the crowds and His disciples. Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat to Bethsaida while He goes up a mountain to pray ([Mark 6:45-46](/mark/6-45-46 "Mark 6:45-46 - Jesus Sends Disciples Away and Prays")). The storm and Jesus' walking on water serve as a powerful follow-up to the feeding miracle, further revealing His divine identity and power to His disciples, who are still struggling to fully grasp who He is, as evidenced by their later astonishment ([Mark 6:51-52](/mark/6-51-52 "Mark 6:51-52 - Disciples' Astonishment")). This narrative also parallels accounts in [Matthew 14:22-33](/matthew/14-22-33 "Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus Walks on Water") and [John 6:16-21](/john/6-16-21 "John 6:16-21 - Jesus Walks on the Sea"), providing a multi-faceted perspective on the event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake, was known for its sudden and violent storms due to its location, nestled between hills that created wind tunnels. Fishing was a primary industry, and the disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, would have been intimately familiar with its dangers. The "fourth watch of the night" refers to the Roman system of dividing the night into four three-hour watches. The fourth watch was from 3 AM to 6 AM, just before dawn. This detail highlights the prolonged nature of the disciples' struggle and the lateness of the hour, emphasizing their exhaustion and the extreme conditions they faced, far from shore and in the deepest part of the night. Their "toiling in rowing" indicates not merely hard work but a desperate struggle against overwhelming natural forces.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 6:48 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Divine Sovereignty and Omniscience**. Even while physically distant on the mountain, Jesus "saw" their struggle, demonstrating His awareness of His disciples' plight, an attribute typically ascribed to God alone. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Jesus' Authority Over Creation**. His ability to walk on the tumultuous sea unequivocally establishes Him as Lord over the natural world, echoing Old Testament descriptions of God's power over the waters ([Job 9:8](/job/9-8 "Job 9:8 - God Walks on the Waves") and [Psalm 77:19](/psalms/77-19 "Psalm 77:19 - God's Path Through the Sea")). Thirdly, the timing of His intervention, in the "fourth watch of the night," highlights the theme of **Divine Intervention in Desperate Times**, often when human strength and hope are at their lowest ebb. Finally, the intriguing phrase "and would have passed by them" introduces the theme of **Intentional Revelation and Testing of Faith**, suggesting Jesus' deliberate action to draw their attention and reveal His glory, reminiscent of God's self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 33:19-22](/exodus/33-19-22 "Exodus 33:19-22 - God's Glory Passes By").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** G1492. This primary verb means "to see" literally or figuratively, and by implication, "to know." In the perfect tense, it conveys a sense of having perceived and thus knowing. Here, it emphasizes Jesus' comprehensive awareness of their situation, not just a casual glance. He *knew* their struggle and distress, even from a distance.
* **toiling (Greek, _basanízō'_):** G928. Derived from a word meaning "to torture," this verb conveys a sense of being tormented, distressed, or severely troubled. It describes the disciples' struggle as more than just hard work; it was an agonizing, painful effort against overwhelming odds, indicating their extreme exhaustion and the severity of the storm.
* **contrary (Greek, _enantíos'_):** G1727. This adjective means "opposite" or "antagonistic." It describes the wind as directly opposing their efforts, making progress impossible. This word underscores the hostile and unyielding nature of the forces arrayed against them, highlighting the futility of their human efforts without divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saw them toiling in rowing;":** This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus' divine awareness. Despite being on a mountain alone, praying, Jesus possessed a supernatural perception of His disciples' dire circumstances. The word "toiling" (G928, _basanízō_) vividly describes their severe distress and agonizing struggle against the powerful winds and waves, emphasizing the futility of their human strength.
* **"for the wind was contrary unto them:":** This explanatory clause provides the reason for their "toiling." The wind was "contrary" (G1727, _enantíos_), meaning it was directly opposing their efforts, making any forward movement by rowing exceptionally difficult, if not impossible. This highlights the natural forces arrayed against them and their helplessness.
* **"and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, ":** This part of the verse details Jesus' miraculous intervention. The "fourth watch of the night" (3 AM - 6 AM) signifies the darkest and most desperate hour, when the disciples would have been utterly exhausted and perhaps losing hope. Jesus' arrival, "walking upon the sea," is a profound demonstration of His divine power and authority over creation, an act attributed to God alone in the Old Testament.
* **"and would have passed by them.":** This intriguing phrase suggests Jesus' initial intention was not immediately to join them but to appear as if He would continue past. This action serves as a deliberate revelation, designed to draw their attention, test their faith, and provoke a response, reminiscent of God's self-revelation to His prophets in the Old Testament. It underscores the intentionality of His presence and the profound lesson He intended to impart.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:48 is rich with **Symbolism**. The "sea" often symbolizes chaos, danger, and the forces beyond human control, while the "boat" can represent the church or the disciples' journey of faith. The "contrary wind" and "toiling" symbolize the trials, opposition, and struggles believers face in life. Jesus walking *upon* the sea powerfully symbolizes His absolute **Sovereignty** and **Dominion** over all chaotic forces and human limitations. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony** in Jesus appearing to "pass by them." This creates suspense and highlights the disciples' limited understanding of who He is, contrasting with the reader's growing awareness of His divine nature. Furthermore, the timing in the "fourth watch of the night" serves as a **Thematic Motif**, often representing the darkest hour before dawn, a time when human resources are depleted and divine intervention is most clearly seen as miraculous.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:48 is a profound theological statement about the person and power of Jesus Christ. It unequivocally presents Him as more than a prophet or a wise teacher; He is the Lord of creation, possessing authority over the very elements. His ability to "see" their struggle from a distance speaks to His omniscience and omnipresence, assuring believers that no trial goes unnoticed by Him. His intervention in the darkest hour, when human strength failed, underscores God's perfect timing and His faithfulness to His people, often revealing His power most clearly in moments of utter helplessness. This passage invites us to trust in Christ's sovereign care, even when the "winds" of life are contrary and our "toiling" seems in vain.

* [Job 9:8](/job/9-8 "God Alone Walks on the Waves")
* [Psalm 77:19](/psalms/77-19 "God's Path Through the Sea")
* [Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:48 offers immense comfort and challenge for contemporary believers. In a world often marked by "contrary winds"—whether personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual battles—this verse reminds us that Jesus is never unaware of our "toiling." He sees our efforts, our exhaustion, and our despair. His timing is always perfect, even if it feels delayed to us. Just as He allowed His disciples to struggle for hours before intervening, He may permit us to experience the depths of our own limitations so that His power and presence might be more profoundly revealed. We are called to cultivate a deep trust in His sovereignty, knowing that when we are at our weakest, He is ready to demonstrate His strength. This passage encourages us to persevere in faith, knowing that our Lord is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, ready to walk into our storms and bring His peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like you are "toiling in rowing" against a "contrary wind"?**
* **How does the knowledge that Jesus "sees" your struggle impact your perspective on your current difficulties?**
* **What does Jesus' timing—intervening in the "fourth watch of the night"—teach you about God's perfect timing in your own life?**
* **How can you cultivate greater trust in Jesus' sovereignty and power, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus wait until the "fourth watch of the night" to come to the disciples?**

Answer: Jesus' timing in the "fourth watch of the night" (3 AM - 6 AM) is significant. It allowed the disciples to experience the full extent of their human limitation and the severity of the storm. This prolonged struggle would have led to exhaustion, fear, and a sense of hopelessness, making Jesus' miraculous appearance all the more impactful and clearly divine. It teaches us that God often allows us to reach the end of our own resources before He intervenes, not out of indifference, but to reveal His power more clearly and to deepen our dependence on Him. His intervention in their darkest hour served to test and strengthen their faith, demonstrating that He is present and powerful even when all seems lost.

**Why would Jesus "have passed by them"? Was He being uncaring?**

Answer: The phrase "and would have passed by them" is not an indication of indifference but a deliberate act of revelation. In the Old Testament, God "passed by" figures like Moses ([Exodus 33:19-22](/exodus/33-19-22 "Exodus 33:19-22 - God's Glory Passes By")) and Elijah ([1 Kings 19:11](/1_kings/19-11 "1 Kings 19:11 - God Passes By Elijah")) to reveal His glory and presence. By appearing to pass by, Jesus intended to capture their full attention and make His divine presence and power undeniable. It was a test of their perception and faith, forcing them to recognize Him and cry out. This action served to deepen their understanding of His true identity as the Son of God, who has authority over creation, and to show them that He is actively engaged in their lives, even in the midst of their fear and confusion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:48 is a powerful Christological statement, revealing Jesus not merely as a great teacher or prophet, but as the incarnate God, sovereign over all creation. His ability to "see" His disciples' struggle from a distance foreshadows His omnipresent and omniscient nature, a divine attribute that assures believers that [He knows our frame and remembers that we are dust](/psalms/103-14 "Psalm 103:14 - God Knows Our Frame"). His miraculous walk upon the tumultuous sea is a direct demonstration of His divine authority, echoing Old Testament descriptions of God alone treading upon the waves ([Job 9:8](/job/9-8 "God Walks on the Waves")). This act points to Jesus as the ultimate Lord who conquers chaos and brings order, a theme fully realized in His victory over sin and death on the cross. Just as He came to His struggling disciples in the darkest hour, Jesus, the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), continually comes to His church, intervening in our deepest needs and fears. This passage foreshadows His ultimate redemptive work, where He, as the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), actively seeks out and saves His sheep from the storms of sin and despair, proving Himself to be the [Resurrection and the Life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life") who has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

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

Job 9:8

Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

Luke 24:28

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

Luke 12:38

And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find [them] so, blessed are those servants.

Isaiah 54:11

¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Genesis 32:26

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

Matthew 14:24

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

Psalms 93:4

The LORD on high [is] mightier than the noise of many waters, [yea, than] the mighty waves of the sea.