Mark 6:51

KJV

And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he went up {G305} unto {G4314} them {G846} into {G1519} the ship {G4143}; and {G2532} the wind {G417} ceased {G2869}: and {G2532} they were sore {G3029} amazed {G1839} in {G1722} themselves {G1438} beyond {G1537} measure {G4053}, and {G2532} wondered {G2296}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. They were completely astounded,

Berean Standard Bible

Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. And the disciples were utterly astounded,

American Standard Version

And he went up unto them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:51 vividly portrays the immediate aftermath of Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee, a moment of profound revelation and deep astonishment. As Jesus steps into the storm-battered boat with His disciples, the raging wind instantly ceases, bringing an abrupt end to their struggle. This miraculous cessation of the storm, coupled with Jesus' supernatural appearance, leaves the disciples utterly overwhelmed, experiencing a level of amazement and wonder that transcends ordinary human comprehension, underscoring their ongoing struggle to fully grasp the divine identity and power of their Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic resolution of a dramatic episode that begins in [Mark 6:45](/mark/6-45 "Jesus Sends Disciples Ahead"). Following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand ([Mark 6:30-44](/mark/6-30-44 "The Feeding of the Five Thousand")), Jesus sends His disciples across the Sea of Galilee while He goes to pray. A severe storm arises, leaving the disciples toiling against strong winds and waves for many hours. In the fourth watch of the night (between 3 AM and 6 AM), Jesus appears, walking on the water towards them. Initially, they are terrified, mistaking Him for a ghost ([Mark 6:49-50](/mark/6-49-50 "Disciples Terrified by Jesus Walking on Water")). Jesus reassures them, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid," and then enters the boat, leading directly to the events of [Mark 6:51](/mark/6-51 "Jesus Calms the Storm"). The immediate calm that follows His entry serves as a powerful demonstration of His authority, setting the stage for subsequent encounters where the disciples' spiritual dullness is further highlighted, such as their lack of understanding regarding the loaves in [Mark 6:52](/mark/6-52 "Disciples' Hearts Hardened").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee was notorious for sudden, violent storms due to its location, nestled between hills that funneled winds down onto the water. Fishermen, like many of Jesus' disciples, were intimately familiar with its dangers. Nighttime storms were particularly perilous, making travel difficult and frightening. The Jewish worldview, influenced by Old Testament narratives, often associated control over the elements with God alone (e.g., [Psalm 107:29](/psalm/107-29 "God Stills the Storm")). Therefore, Jesus' ability to walk on water and command the wind would have been understood as a direct manifestation of divine power, challenging their preconceived notions of who He was. Their "sore amazement" reflects not just surprise at a miracle, but a profound theological shock at witnessing God's direct intervention in nature through a human form.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Divine Authority and Sovereignty over Creation**. The immediate cessation of the wind upon His entry into the boat, without a spoken command, demonstrates an inherent, undeniable power over the natural world, affirming His identity as God incarnate. This builds upon earlier demonstrations of His authority, such as His power over demons ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")) and disease ([Mark 1:34](/mark/1-34 "Jesus Heals Many")). Secondly, the disciples' reaction highlights the theme of **Spiritual Dullness and Limited Understanding**. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, including the recent feeding of thousands, their profound amazement and wonder reveal their persistent struggle to fully grasp Jesus' identity. This theme is explicitly stated in [Mark 6:52](/mark/6-52 "Disciples' Hearts Hardened") where it notes they "did not understand about the loaves, but their heart was hardened." Finally, the sudden calm symbolizes **Peace in Christ's Presence**, a recurring motif where Jesus brings order and tranquility to chaos, both physical and spiritual.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **amazed (Greek, _exístēmi'_):** From *ek* (out of) and *histēmi* (to stand), meaning "to put (stand) out of wits," "astound," or "become astounded, insane." It denotes a state of being utterly beside oneself, overwhelmed to the point of mental disorientation. The disciples' amazement was not mere surprise, but a profound shock that dislodged their normal understanding.
* **ceased (Greek, _kopázō'_):** From *kopos* (toil, labor), meaning "to tire," and figuratively, "to relax" or "to cease." This word emphasizes the sudden and complete cessation of the wind, implying that the storm, which had been toiling and exerting itself, suddenly relaxed and stopped its exertion. It highlights the immediate and effortless nature of Jesus' control.
* **wondered (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** To wonder; by implication, to admire. While *exístēmi* conveys the initial shock and disorientation, *thaumázō* describes the subsequent state of deep marvel, awe, and admiration. It suggests a contemplation of the extraordinary event, leading to a profound sense of awe at what they had witnessed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went up unto them into the ship;":** This clause describes Jesus' physical action of entering the disciples' boat. His ascent into the vessel marks the culmination of His miraculous walk on water and His direct presence with them in their distress. This act signifies His solidarity with them in their struggle and His immediate intervention.
* **"and the wind ceased:":** This is the direct, miraculous consequence of Jesus' presence. The moment He enters the ship, the powerful, relentless wind that had been tormenting them instantly and completely stops. This is a clear demonstration of His divine authority over the natural elements, occurring without a spoken word, simply by His presence.
* **"and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.":** This describes the disciples' profound reaction. "Sore amazed" (from *lian* and *exístēmi*) indicates an extreme, intense level of being "out of their wits." "In themselves" (*en heautoîs*) suggests an internal, deeply personal, and overwhelming experience of astonishment. "Beyond measure" (*ek perissoú*) intensifies this, meaning excessively or extraordinarily. Finally, "and wondered" (*kai ethaumazon*) adds a dimension of deep awe and marvel, indicating that their astonishment led to a profound contemplation of the extraordinary event and the identity of the one who performed it.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several powerful **Literary Devices** in this verse to convey the impact of the event. The immediate and complete cessation of the wind upon Jesus' entry into the boat is a striking example of **Divine Intervention**, highlighting His absolute sovereignty over creation. The phrase "sore amazed in themselves beyond measure" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme, overwhelming nature of the disciples' astonishment, conveying that their reaction went far beyond mere surprise. This hyperbole underscores their complete bewilderment and inability to fully process what they had witnessed. Furthermore, the calming of the physical storm can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing the peace and order that Jesus brings to the chaos of human life and the spiritual storms faced by His followers. The contrast between the disciples' fear and toil and Jesus' serene, effortless power also serves as a powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the vast difference between human limitation and divine omnipotence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:51 is a profound theological statement, revealing Jesus not merely as a prophet or a great teacher, but as the Lord of creation, possessing inherent divine authority. The instantaneous cessation of the wind by His mere presence in the boat unequivocally points to His deity. This miracle, following the feeding of the five thousand, was intended to deepen the disciples' understanding of who Jesus truly was, yet their "sore amazement" and subsequent "hardened hearts" ([Mark 6:52](/mark/6-52 "Disciples' Hearts Hardened")) reveal their persistent struggle to comprehend His divine nature. The calming of the storm, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' sovereignty, demonstrating that He is the one who commands the elements, a power traditionally attributed only to God in the Old Testament. It also foreshadows the ultimate peace and control He brings over all chaos, including sin and death.

* [Matthew 8:26-27](/matthew/8-26-27 "Jesus Calms the Storm")
* [Psalm 107:29](/psalm/107-29 "God Stills the Storm")
* [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Christ, Creator and Sustainer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 6:51 offers profound insights for our spiritual journey. Like the disciples, we often find ourselves battling the storms of life – financial hardship, relational conflict, illness, or profound grief. We may toil in our own strength, feeling overwhelmed and fearful, much like the disciples rowing against the wind. Yet, this passage reminds us that Jesus is not distant from our struggles; He sees us in our distress and comes to us, even walking on the turbulent waters of our circumstances. His entry into the boat, bringing instant calm, assures us that His presence alone is sufficient to quell the most violent storms. Our "sore amazement" should not be at the problem, but at the boundless power and unwavering peace of Christ. This passage calls us to invite Jesus into the "boat" of our lives, trusting that His presence brings not just relief, but a profound, supernatural peace that transcends our understanding and calms our anxieties. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to His power, to a deep, experiential trust in His sovereign control over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" are you currently facing in your life, and how might you invite Jesus' calming presence into them?**
* **In what areas of your faith do you still experience "sore amazement" or a struggle to fully grasp Jesus' power, even after witnessing His work?**
* **How does the immediate cessation of the wind upon Jesus' entry into the boat encourage your trust in His ability to bring peace to chaotic situations?**

### FAQ
**Why were the disciples so amazed if they had already seen Jesus perform other miracles?**

Answer: The disciples' profound amazement, described as being "sore amazed in themselves beyond measure," goes beyond simple surprise. While they had indeed witnessed many miracles, including the recent feeding of the five thousand ([Mark 6:30-44](/mark/6-30-44 "The Feeding of the Five Thousand")), this particular event was different. Walking on water and instantly calming a storm by His mere presence were direct demonstrations of divine power over creation, a power traditionally attributed only to God (e.g., [Psalm 107:29](/psalm/107-29 "God Stills the Storm")). It challenged their understanding of Jesus' identity in a new and overwhelming way. Mark explicitly states in [Mark 6:52](/mark/6-52 "Disciples' Hearts Hardened") that "they did not understand about the loaves, but their heart was hardened." This indicates a spiritual dullness or a lack of full comprehension of Jesus' divine nature, even after repeated signs. Their amazement stemmed from the realization that Jesus was not just a powerful prophet, but God Himself, exercising absolute sovereignty over the natural world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:51 beautifully foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment found in the New Covenant. Jesus' effortless calming of the storm and His sovereign command over creation point directly to His divine nature as the pre-existent Word through whom all things were made ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "The Word Was God")). This display of power over the physical elements is a microcosm of His greater triumph over the spiritual chaos of sin and death. Just as He brought immediate peace to the turbulent Sea of Galilee, so He brings ultimate peace and reconciliation to a world alienated from God through sin ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ")). His entry into the disciples' boat, bringing calm, symbolizes His redemptive work in entering humanity's brokenness, taking on our storms, and through His death and resurrection, providing a lasting peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/phil/4-7 "The Peace of God")). He is not merely a storm-calmer, but the Lord of all creation who, by His very presence, inaugurates a new creation where all things are made new and all chaos is ultimately subdued under His feet ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

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.

Psalms 93:3

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

Psalms 93:4

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

Mark 4:41

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Matthew 14:28

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

Matthew 14:32

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Mark 2:12

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.