Mark 6:50

For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

For {G1063} they all {G3956} saw {G1492} him {G846}, and {G2532} were troubled {G5015}. And {G2532} immediately {G2112} he talked {G2980} with {G3326} them {G846}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Be of good cheer {G2293}: it is {G1510} I {G1473}; be {G5399} not {G3361} afraid {G5399}.

for they had all seen him and were terrified. However, he spoke to them. "Courage," he said, "it is I. Stop being afraid!"

for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: โ€œTake courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.โ€

for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he straightway spake with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

Commentary

Commentary on Mark 6:50 KJV

This verse captures a pivotal moment during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, immediately following Jesus' feeding of the five thousand. The disciples were in a boat, struggling against strong winds and waves while Jesus was alone on the mountain praying.

Context

After the miraculous feeding (Mark 6:30-44), Jesus sent the disciples ahead by boat to Bethsaida and dismissed the crowds. He then went up into the mountain to pray (Mark 6:45-46). As night fell, the disciples were far out on the sea, being tossed by a storm. Jesus saw their struggle from the mountain and came to them, walking on the water (Mark 6:47-49). Seeing a figure walking on the water in the darkness terrified them, thinking it was a ghost. This verse describes their reaction and Jesus' immediate response to their fear.

Key Themes

  • Fear and Panic: The disciples' reaction highlights the natural human response to the overwhelming and the unknown, especially in perilous circumstances.
  • Jesus' Presence Amidst Trouble: Jesus comes to his disciples precisely when they are in distress, demonstrating his awareness and care for them even when he seems distant.
  • Divine Identity and Authority: Jesus' declaration "It is I" carries significant weight, revealing his authority over creation and his unique relationship with God.
  • Reassurance and Peace: Jesus' words "Be of good cheer; be not afraid" are a powerful command that brings comfort and dispels fear simply through his presence and identity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase translated "It is I" is the Greek phrase Egล eimi (แผฮณฯŽ ฮตแผฐฮผฮน). While it can simply mean "It is I" in response to "Who is there?", in the context of Jesus' actions and identity, it often carries deeper theological significance, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses ("I AM THAT I AM" - Exodus 3:14). This suggests more than just identification; it is a subtle yet powerful declaration of his divine nature and presence, which has the inherent power to calm storms and fears.

Reflection and Application

Like the disciples, we often face storms in life โ€“ periods of difficulty, uncertainty, and fear. This verse reminds us that Jesus sees our struggles and comes to us in our distress. His presence is the ultimate source of peace and reassurance. When we feel overwhelmed and afraid, we can hear his voice saying, "Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid." Recognizing who Jesus is โ€“ the sovereign Lord โ€“ transforms our perspective and enables us to face our fears with faith. His identity is our security.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 14:27

    But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

  • 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.

  • John 6:20

    But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

  • 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.

  • Luke 24:38

    And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

  • Luke 24:41

    And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

  • John 20:19

    ยถ Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.
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