Mark 6:50

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:50 captures the disciples' terrified reaction to seeing Jesus walk on water during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, immediately after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Mistaking him for a ghost, their fear is palpable, but Jesus swiftly addresses their distress with a profound declaration of his identity—"It is I"—and a powerful command to dismiss their fears, bringing immediate calm and reassurance amidst their panic.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a sequence of events that highlight Jesus' power and the disciples' ongoing struggle to fully grasp his identity. It follows the feeding of the five thousand ([Mark 6:30-44](/mark/6-30-44 "Mark 6:30-44 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), a miracle demonstrating Jesus' authority over creation and provision. Immediately after, Jesus sends the disciples ahead across the sea while he dismisses the crowds and goes to pray on a mountain ([Mark 6:45-46](/mark/6-45-46 "Mark 6:45-46 - Jesus Sends Disciples Ahead and Prays")). As night falls, the disciples encounter a severe storm, struggling against the wind and waves ([Mark 6:47-49](/mark/6-47-49 "Mark 6:47-49 - Disciples Struggle in Storm, Jesus Walks on Water")). Their terror upon seeing Jesus walking on the water, thinking he is a ghost, sets the stage for Jesus' calming words in this verse, which then lead into his entry into the boat and the immediate cessation of the storm ([Mark 6:51](/mark/6-51 "Mark 6:51 - Jesus Enters Boat, Wind Ceases")). This narrative sequence underscores Jesus' divine authority over nature and his compassionate presence with his struggling disciples.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee was notorious for sudden, violent storms due to its geographical location, nestled between mountains that channeled strong winds. Fishermen, even experienced ones like many of the disciples, would have been acutely aware of the dangers. The belief in spirits or apparitions (phantasma) was common in Jewish culture, especially in the darkness and amidst a terrifying natural phenomenon, making their initial reaction understandable. Walking on water was a feat attributed only to God in the Old Testament (e.g., [Job 9:8](/job/9-8 "Job 9:8 - God Walks on the Waves of the Sea")), so Jesus' action was an implicit, yet profound, claim to divine power. The phrase "It is I" (Egō eimi) would have resonated with Jewish listeners, potentially echoing the divine name "I AM" revealed to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"), adding a layer of theological depth to Jesus' simple identification.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel. It highlights Jesus' **divine authority and sovereignty** over creation, demonstrated by his ability to walk on water and calm the storm. It also emphasizes the **disciples' fear and lack of understanding**, a recurring motif in Mark, as they repeatedly fail to grasp Jesus' true identity despite witnessing his miracles. The theme of **Jesus' compassionate presence amidst human struggle** is central, as he actively seeks out his distressed disciples and immediately offers reassurance. Furthermore, the declaration "It is I" subtly reinforces the theme of **Jesus' unique identity as the Son of God**, a truth progressively revealed throughout the narrative. This moment serves as a powerful illustration of Jesus' ability to bring **peace and comfort** into chaotic and fearful situations, a promise that extends beyond the physical storm to the inner turmoil of the human heart.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **troubled (Greek, _tarássō'_):** From G5015. This word describes a profound internal disturbance or agitation, akin to water being "stirred" or "roiled." It conveys the deep emotional distress, fear, and alarm experienced by the disciples, indicating that their fear was not merely superficial but penetrated to the core of their being, leaving them disoriented and panicked by the supernatural sight.
* **immediately (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** From G2112. Characteristic of Mark's fast-paced narrative, this adverb emphasizes the swiftness and directness of Jesus' action. It highlights his immediate response to the disciples' distress, demonstrating his attentiveness and compassion in stepping into their moment of terror without delay, bringing his calming presence to bear on their fear.
* **Be of good cheer (Greek, _tharséō'_):** From G2293. This imperative verb is a command to "have courage" or "be confident." It is an active call from Jesus to overcome their fear through an act of will and trust. It implies that courage is not merely the absence of fear, but a confident reliance on a greater power, in this case, Jesus' own presence and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they all saw him, and were troubled."**: This opening clause establishes the universal reaction of the disciples. Every one of them witnessed the figure on the water, and their collective response was one of profound fear and agitation. They were "troubled" (tarássō), indicating a deep internal turmoil, not merely surprise, as they mistook Jesus for a ghost, highlighting the terrifying and supernatural nature of the event from their limited perspective.
* **"And immediately he talked with them,"**: This highlights Jesus' swift and compassionate intervention. The adverb "immediately" (euthéōs) underscores the urgency and directness of his response. He did not wait for their fear to subside or for them to call out; rather, he proactively engaged them, stepping into their panic with his voice and presence, demonstrating his active care for their distress.
* **"and saith unto them, ‹Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.›"**: This is the pivotal moment of reassurance. Jesus delivers a threefold message: "Be of good cheer" (a command to take courage and confidence), "it is I" (a profound declaration of his identity, carrying the weight of the divine "I AM" and revealing the source of their peace), and "be not afraid" (a direct, authoritative command to cease their fear). These words are designed to dispel their terror and instill peace, not through a change in circumstances, but through the revelation of his sovereign and comforting person.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several powerful **literary devices** in this verse. There is clear **dramatic irony**, as the disciples are terrified, believing they are seeing a ghost, while the reader knows it is Jesus, their Lord, walking on water. This contrast heightens the tension and underscores the disciples' limited understanding of Jesus' divine nature. Jesus' words themselves are delivered in the **imperative mood** ("Be of good cheer," "be not afraid"), reflecting his divine authority and power to command not only the elements but also the emotional states of his followers. The phrase "it is I" (Greek: _Egō eimi_) functions as a subtle yet potent **allusion** to the divine name "I AM" from the Old Testament, imbuing Jesus' simple identification with profound theological significance and a claim to deity. Finally, the entire scene serves as **symbolism**, with the storm representing the chaos and trials of life, and Jesus' presence and words symbolizing his sovereignty over all fear and his ability to bring peace to troubled hearts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:50 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's presence and power amidst human fear and distress. Jesus' declaration "It is I" (Greek: _Egō eimi_) resonates deeply with the divine self-revelation of God to Moses as "I AM THAT I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name Revealed"). This is more than a simple identification; it is a claim to divine authority and presence, signifying that the one who commands the storm and dispels fear is none other than God incarnate. This moment highlights Jesus' sovereignty over creation and his compassionate nature, demonstrating that he actively seeks out and calms his people in their deepest anxieties. The disciples' fear, though understandable, points to their need for greater faith and recognition of who Jesus truly is, a theme consistently developed throughout the Gospels.

* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [John 6:20](/john/6-20 "John 6:20 - Jesus' Assurance to Disciples on the Sea")
* [Matthew 14:27](/matthew/14-27 "Matthew 14:27 - Jesus Calms Disciples' Fears")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 6:50 offers a timeless lesson for believers facing the storms of life. Like the disciples, we often find ourselves in situations that stir deep fear and anxiety—whether physical dangers, financial uncertainties, relational conflicts, or spiritual struggles. In such moments, our perception can be clouded, leading us to mistake the very source of our help for a threat. Jesus, however, is not distant; he sees our struggles, even when we feel alone and overwhelmed. His immediate response to the disciples' terror, marked by his authoritative and comforting words, reminds us that his presence is the ultimate antidote to fear. When we are troubled, the most profound reassurance comes from recognizing who Jesus is: the sovereign Lord who has power over all circumstances and who personally cares for us. His command, "Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid," is a call to shift our focus from the overwhelming circumstances to the all-sufficient person of Christ. Embracing this truth allows us to find peace and courage, knowing that the "I AM" is with us, capable of calming not only the external storms but also the internal turmoil of our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" or overwhelming circumstances are currently causing you to be "troubled" or afraid?**
* **In what ways might you be mistaking Jesus' presence or intervention in your life for something threatening or unknown?**
* **How does recognizing Jesus' divine identity ("It is I") transform your perspective on your current fears?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "be of good cheer" and "not be afraid" by trusting in Jesus' presence and authority in your situation?**

### FAQ

**Why were the disciples so troubled if they had just seen Jesus perform the miracle of feeding the five thousand?**

Answer: The disciples' reaction highlights their ongoing struggle to fully comprehend Jesus' divine identity and power, despite witnessing numerous miracles. While they had seen him feed thousands, seeing him walk on water in the darkness of a storm was an entirely new and terrifying phenomenon. Their immediate assumption was that they were seeing a ghost (a common fear in that culture), not their master. This demonstrates that even those closest to Jesus needed repeated revelations and experiences to grasp the full scope of his supernatural authority and to overcome their deeply ingrained human fears and limited understanding. Their fear was a natural human response to the truly extraordinary and unexpected.

**What is the significance of Jesus saying "It is I" (Egō eimi)?**

Answer: The phrase "It is I" (Greek: _Egō eimi_) is highly significant. While it literally means "It is I" in response to "Who is there?", in the context of Jesus' actions and identity, it carries profound theological weight. It echoes the divine name "I AM" (Hebrew: Yahweh) revealed by God to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation"). Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus uses "Egō eimi" in absolute declarations (e.g., "I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world"), signaling his divine nature. In Mark 6:50, it serves as more than mere identification; it is a subtle yet powerful declaration of his divine presence and authority, the very presence that has the inherent power to calm storms and dispel fear. It is Jesus asserting his true identity as the sovereign Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:50, with Jesus' authoritative declaration "It is I; be not afraid," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Christ, who is the embodiment of God's comforting and sovereign presence. The "I AM" who walks on water, demonstrating power over creation and fear, is the same Christ who would later conquer sin and death, the greatest sources of human terror. His command to "be of good cheer" is not a naive dismissal of danger but an invitation to find courage in his divine person, foreshadowing the peace he would ultimately offer. Jesus’ calming presence in the boat prefigures his ultimate work as the one who brings true peace to troubled hearts, a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - The Peace of God")). He is the one who, through his death and resurrection, delivers us from the fear of death and the power of the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Delivers from Fear of Death")). The temporary calm on the Sea of Galilee points to the eternal peace and security found in Christ, who declares, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace")). He is the ever-present Lord who promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age, ensuring that in him, we have nothing to fear.

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

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

¶ 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.