Matthew 14:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} straightway {G2112} Jesus {G2424} spake {G2980} unto them {G846}, saying {G3004}, Be of good cheer {G2293}; it is {G1510} I {G1473}; be {G5399} not {G3361} afraid {G5399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But at once Yeshua spoke to them. "Courage," he said, "it is I. Stop being afraid."

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the midst of a terrifying storm on the Sea of Galilee, as the disciples struggled against the elements and mistook Jesus walking on water for a ghost, Jesus immediately spoke to them, dispelling their fear with a powerful declaration of His identity and a command to take courage. This pivotal moment underscores Jesus' divine authority over creation, His compassionate presence in human distress, and His ability to bring peace and assurance in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the larger narrative of [Matthew 14](/matthew/14 "Matthew 14 - Jesus Feeds the Multitude and Walks on Water"). Immediately preceding this event, Jesus miraculously fed over five thousand people with five loaves and two fish ([Matthew 14:15-21](/matthew/14-15-21 "Matthew 14:15-21 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand")). Following this, Jesus sent His disciples ahead across the Sea of Galilee while He dismissed the crowds and went up a mountain to pray ([Matthew 14:22-23](/matthew/14-22-23 "Matthew 14:22-23 - Jesus Prays on the Mountain")). The disciples, alone in the boat, encountered a violent storm, struggling against strong winds and waves for many hours through the night. It was in the "fourth watch of the night" (between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.) that Jesus came to them, walking on the water ([Matthew 14:24-25](/matthew/14-24-25 "Matthew 14:24-25 - Jesus Walks on Water")). Their initial reaction upon seeing Him was terror, believing they were seeing a ghost ([Matthew 14:26](/matthew/14-26 "Matthew 14:26 - Disciples' Fear")). Matthew 14:27 directly follows this moment of extreme fear, providing Jesus' immediate and authoritative response.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, a large freshwater lake surrounded by hills, was notorious for sudden and violent storms. Cold air rushing down the surrounding ravines could quickly whip the water into dangerous conditions, making travel by boat perilous, especially at night. For ancient people, the sea was often seen as a place of chaos, danger, and the unknown, sometimes associated with demonic forces or spirits. Walking on water, therefore, was not merely a display of power over nature but a profound demonstration of divine authority over chaos itself, a feat only God was understood to be capable of ([Job 9:8](/job/9-8 "Job 9:8 - God Walks on the Sea")). The disciples' immediate assumption that they were seeing a "ghost" (φάντασμα, _phantasma_) reflects a common cultural belief in spirits, particularly at night, and highlights their deep-seated fear in the face of the inexplicable.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Jesus' Divine Presence in Adversity**. Even when seemingly absent or distant, Jesus is keenly aware of His disciples' struggles and comes to them in their deepest hour of need, demonstrating His omnipresence and care. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Overcoming Fear through Christ's Identity and Word**. The disciples' terror is immediately dispelled not by a physical act of calming the storm (which comes later in [Matthew 14:32](/matthew/14-32 "Matthew 14:32 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), but by Jesus' voice and His self-identification. This underscores that true peace comes from recognizing and trusting in who Jesus is. Thirdly, the declaration "It is I" (Greek: _Egō eimi_) carries profound theological weight, hinting at **Jesus' Divine Authority and Identity**, echoing the divine name "I AM" revealed to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God Reveals His Name"). This theme of Christ's sovereignty over creation and circumstances is central to the Gospel's portrayal of Him as the Son of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **straightway (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb signifies immediacy and directness. It indicates that Jesus' response was not delayed but instantaneous, directly addressing the disciples' terror. This quick intervention highlights Jesus' attentiveness to His disciples' distress and His readiness to provide comfort and assurance at the precise moment of their greatest fear.
* **Be of good cheer (Greek, _tharséō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "courage" or "boldness," this imperative command is a call to overcome fear and be brave. It's an encouragement to take heart, to regain composure, and to trust. It implies that the antidote to their terror is not merely the absence of danger, but an internal posture of confidence rooted in the speaker's presence and authority.
* **afraid (Greek, _phobéō'_):** This verb means "to frighten" or, in the passive voice as used here, "to be alarmed" or "to fear exceedingly." It describes the disciples' intense emotional state of terror and dread. The command "be not afraid" directly confronts and seeks to dispel this profound fear, emphasizing that Jesus' presence negates the cause for alarm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying,"**: This opening clause emphasizes the immediacy and intentionality of Jesus' intervention. Despite the chaos of the storm and the disciples' panic, Jesus acts decisively and directly. The use of "straightway" (G2112, _euthéōs_) highlights His promptness, indicating His awareness of their plight and His swift movement to alleviate their distress, even before they could fully articulate their fear.
* **"Be of good cheer;"**: This is Jesus' first command, an imperative of encouragement. It's a call for the disciples to take courage and overcome their fear. This command acknowledges their state of panic but immediately redirects their focus from the overwhelming circumstances to an internal state of hope and confidence. It's an invitation to trust in His presence, which is the true source of "good cheer" or courage.
* **"it is I;"**: This is the pivotal declaration of the verse. The Greek phrase _Egō eimi_ (G1473, G1510) can simply mean "It is me," identifying Himself to those who thought He was a ghost. However, in the context of Jesus' divine actions (walking on water) and other uses of this phrase in the Gospels (e.g., [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Before Abraham was, I AM")), it carries profound theological weight, echoing the divine self-identification of God to Moses as "I AM" ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name Revealed")). This statement is not just an identification but a divine disclosure, asserting His unique, sovereign identity and authority over all things, including the storm and the realm of spirits.
* **"be not afraid."**: This is Jesus' second command, directly addressing and negating the disciples' fear. It is a direct prohibition against a state of terror. Coupled with "Be of good cheer" and "it is I," this command serves as a powerful assurance that His presence removes all legitimate grounds for fear. His divine authority and identity are the ultimate antidote to human anxiety and dread in the face of life's overwhelming challenges.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:27 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Self-Identification** through the phrase "it is I" (_Egō eimi_). This declaration, especially when combined with Jesus' miraculous ability to walk on water, transcends a simple identification and serves as a profound theological statement, hinting at His divine nature and authority, echoing the covenant name of God. The verse also features **Imperative** commands ("Be of good cheer," "be not afraid"), which are direct, authoritative instructions designed to elicit an immediate response from the terrified disciples. These commands highlight Jesus' sovereignty and His ability to command not only the elements but also the emotional state of His followers. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between the disciples' intense fear and Jesus' calming, authoritative presence and words. This contrast underscores the transformative power of encountering Christ in the midst of chaos, demonstrating that His presence is the ultimate source of peace and courage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:27 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering presence and sovereign power in the midst of human weakness and fear. Jesus' immediate response to His terrified disciples reveals a compassionate Savior who does not leave His people to flounder in their storms. His declaration, "It is I," is a theological anchor, asserting His divine identity and authority over all creation, including the natural elements and the spiritual realm. This moment prefigures the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, assuring believers that no storm of life, no matter how overwhelming, can separate them from His watchful eye and powerful hand. It is a testament to the truth that true peace and courage are found not in the absence of trouble, but in the certain presence of the Lord.

* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear")
* [John 6:20](/john/6-20 "John 6:20 - It is I")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:27 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers navigating the storms of life. Like the disciples, we often find ourselves in situations where we feel overwhelmed, alone, and afraid, struggling against forces beyond our control. Whether these are personal crises, societal anxieties, or spiritual battles, our natural inclination is often to panic or despair. Yet, Jesus' words echo across the centuries: "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." This passage reminds us that Jesus is never distant from our struggles; He sees our distress and comes to us in the midst of our deepest fears. Our task is to recognize His presence, hear His voice, and trust in His sovereign identity. His "It is I" is the antidote to our "What is that?" or "Who is that?" It is His divine presence, not the absence of the storm, that brings true peace and courage. This calls us to cultivate a deeper awareness of Christ's immanence in our lives, to listen for His reassuring voice in the chaos, and to rest in the knowledge that the One who calms the seas is with us, holding all things in His powerful hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" are you currently facing that cause you fear or anxiety?**
* **How might you be mistaking Jesus' presence in your difficult circumstances for something else (e.g., a problem, a ghost, an impossibility)?**
* **In what practical ways can you "be of good cheer" and "not be afraid" when Jesus speaks to your situation?**
* **How does remembering Jesus' divine identity ("it is I") change your perspective on your current challenges?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus saying "It is I" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "It is I" translates the Greek _Egō eimi_ (ἐγώ εἰμι). While it literally means "It is me" and serves to identify Jesus to His terrified disciples who thought He was a ghost, its deeper significance lies in its potential echo of the divine name "I AM" (Hebrew: _Yahweh_) revealed by God to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God Reveals His Name"). In the Gospel of John, Jesus frequently uses "I AM" statements (e.g., "I am the bread of life" in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), "I am the light of the world" in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")) to assert His divine nature and unique relationship with God the Father. In Matthew 14:27, coming immediately after Jesus walks on water—a feat only attributed to God in the Old Testament ([Job 9:8](/job/9-8 "Job 9:8 - God Walks on the Sea"))—the "It is I" carries profound theological weight, signifying Jesus' divine authority, sovereign control over creation, and His identity as God incarnate, dispelling fear through His very being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:27 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' ultimate demonstration of His divine identity and authority, not just over the elements, but over sin, death, and all spiritual forces. When Jesus declares "it is I," He is not merely a comforting presence in the storm; He is revealing Himself as the very Lord of creation, the One through whom all things were made ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")) and by whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")). His ability to walk on water and calm the storm foreshadows His greater power to calm the storms of the human heart, to forgive sins ([Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - Son of Man Has Authority to Forgive Sins")), and to conquer death itself through His resurrection ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ Risen from the Dead")). The "Be of good cheer; be not afraid" is the gospel invitation to all humanity to find courage and peace in the resurrected Christ, who has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Has Overcome the World")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, assuring them that no one can snatch them out of His hand ([John 10:11, 28](/john/10-11-28 "John 10:11, 28 - The Good Shepherd")). Thus, Matthew 14:27 points us to the Christ who is not only present in our trials but is Himself the ultimate solution to our deepest fears and the source of eternal life.

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

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Acts 23:11

And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:4

Who hath wrought and done [it], calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I [am] he.

John 14:1

¶ Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.