Mark 6:51

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

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}.

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

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

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

Mark 6:51 describes the immediate aftermath of Jesus walking on water during a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee. This pivotal moment reveals both the astounding power of Jesus and the deep astonishment of His disciples.

Context

This verse follows directly from Jesus' miraculous walk on water. The disciples, having been sent ahead by Jesus (Mark 6:45) after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, were toiling against strong winds in the middle of the night. When Jesus appeared walking on the water, they were terrified, thinking He was a ghost. Jesus then entered the boat, and the scene described in this verse unfolds.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Divine Authority over Creation: The most striking aspect of this verse is the immediate cessation of the wind upon Jesus' entry into the boat. This demonstrates His absolute sovereignty and power over the natural elements, showcasing His divine nature. It is a clear affirmation of His lordship over all creation.
  • The Disciples' Profound Amazement: Despite having witnessed numerous miracles, including the recent feeding of thousands with a few loaves, the disciples were "sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered." This indicates a deep, almost bewildering astonishment that went beyond simple surprise. It highlights their ongoing struggle to fully grasp the identity and power of Jesus, even after such extraordinary manifestations.
  • Peace in Christ's Presence: The instant calm that descends upon the storm-tossed sea symbolizes the peace that Jesus brings. His presence literally stills the chaos, offering a powerful metaphor for how His presence can bring tranquility amidst life's most turbulent circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered" captures the intensity of the disciples' reaction. The Greek word for "amazed" (ekplēssomai, ἐκπλήσσομαι) suggests being "struck out of one's senses" or utterly astounded. The addition of "beyond measure" (perissōs, περισσῶς) intensifies this, indicating an extraordinary and overwhelming degree of astonishment. The word "wondered" (ethaumazon, ἐθαύμαζον) further emphasizes their deep marvel and awe at what they had just witnessed.

Practical Application

Mark 6:51 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in Tumultuous Times: Just as Jesus entered the disciples' storm-battered boat, He promises to be present with us in our own life storms. His calming presence can bring peace and stability even when circumstances are chaotic.
  • Continual Revelation of Christ: The disciples' profound amazement reminds us that our understanding of Jesus is a journey. Even after encountering Him in powerful ways, there is always more to learn about His character, power, and love. Our faith should continually deepen as we witness His work in our lives.
  • His Power Transcends Our Expectations: This miracle underscores that God's power is not limited by human logic or natural laws. He is capable of doing "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20), and we are called to trust in His limitless ability.
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.

  • 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.

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