Matthew 8:26

KJV

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Why {G5101} are ye {G2075} fearful {G1169}, O ye of little faith {G3640}? Then {G5119} he arose {G1453}, and rebuked {G2008} the winds {G417} and {G2532} the sea {G2281}; and {G2532} there was {G1096} a great {G3173} calm {G1055}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, "Why are you afraid? So little trust you have!" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and there was a dead calm.

Berean Standard Bible

“You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm.

American Standard Version

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:26 vividly portrays Jesus' divine authority over creation and His compassionate yet challenging interaction with His disciples. As a violent storm threatens to capsize their boat, the terrified disciples awaken Jesus, who responds by questioning their fear and "little faith" before powerfully rebuking the raging winds and sea, instantly bringing about a profound calm. This miraculous event serves as a potent demonstration of Jesus' sovereignty, revealing Him not merely as a teacher or prophet, but as the Son of God who commands the very elements, while simultaneously challenging His followers to cultivate a deeper, unwavering trust in His presence and power amidst life's inevitable trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pericope is strategically placed within Matthew's Gospel, immediately following a series of powerful demonstrations of Jesus' authority. In [Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper"), Jesus cleanses a leper, showing His authority over disease. He then heals the centurion's servant from a distance in [Matthew 8:5-13](/matthew/8-5-13 "Matthew 8:5-13 - The Faith of the Centurion"), showcasing His authority over distance and the power of His word. This is followed by the healing of Peter's mother-in-law and many others afflicted by various ailments and demonic possession in [Matthew 8:14-17](/matthew/8-14-17 "Matthew 8:14-17 - Jesus Heals Many"), demonstrating His authority over sickness and evil spirits. The calming of the storm, therefore, completes this triad of authority, powerfully revealing Jesus' dominion over the natural world, a realm often associated with chaos and divine power in ancient thought. The narrative highlights the disciples' transition from witnessing Jesus' power over individuals to confronting His power over the cosmic forces of nature, setting the stage for their awe and questioning of His identity in [Matthew 8:27](/matthew/8-27 "Matthew 8:27 - Disciples Marvel at Jesus' Authority").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret or Tiberias, is notorious for its sudden and violent storms. Situated approximately 700 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills, cold air from the mountains can funnel down through the valleys, colliding with the warmer air over the lake. This unique geographical configuration creates intense and unpredictable squalls, making travel across the lake perilous, even for experienced fishermen like many of Jesus' disciples. In the ancient world, the sea was often viewed as a chaotic, untamable force, a symbol of danger and the unknown, sometimes even associated with demonic powers. Only God was believed to have ultimate control over the deep and its elements, as seen in Old Testament passages like [Psalm 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God Rules the Raging Sea"). The disciples' terror was therefore a natural, culturally informed reaction to a genuine and formidable threat, underscoring the extraordinary nature of Jesus' intervention.
* **Key Themes:** This miracle powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Jesus' Divine Authority and Sovereignty**. His ability to command the wind and sea with a mere word demonstrates a power that transcends human capability, revealing His unique identity as the Son of God who shares the attributes of the Creator. Secondly, the passage highlights the theme of **Faith Versus Fear**. Jesus' direct question, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" ([Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) contrasts the disciples' panic with the trust He expects, even from those who have witnessed His power. This "little faith" (Greek: _oligopistoi_) is a recurring motif in Matthew, often used to challenge anxiety and doubt in the face of God's provision and presence, as seen when Jesus addresses worry about daily needs in [Matthew 6:30](/matthew/6-30 "Matthew 6:30 - Do Not Worry") or Peter's doubt while walking on water in [Matthew 14:31](/matthew/14-31 "Matthew 14:31 - Peter Walks on Water"). Finally, the narrative emphasizes **Divine Presence and Care**. Despite appearing to be asleep and unaware of their plight, Jesus was undeniably present and in control, demonstrating that even in moments of perceived absence or vulnerability, the Lord is attentive to His followers' needs and capable of bringing peace to the most tumultuous circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fearful (Greek, _deilós'_):** Derived from a word meaning "dread," this term describes someone who is timid or cowardly. In the biblical context, particularly when used by Jesus, it often implies a lack of confidence or trust in God, leading to anxiety or panic in the face of danger. It suggests a failure to rely on divine power despite having reason to do so.
* **of little faith (Greek, _oligópistos'_):** This compound word combines "oligos" (little, small) and "pistis" (faith). Jesus uses this term to describe a faith that is insufficient or underdeveloped, not a complete absence of faith. It points to a wavering or weak trust in God's power and provision, especially when confronted with challenging circumstances, rather than a total lack of belief. The disciples had some faith, but not enough to overcome their fear in this extreme situation.
* **rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō'_):** This verb means "to tax upon," "censure," "admonish," or "forbid." It is a strong term often used in the Gospels for Jesus' authoritative commands, particularly when casting out demons (e.g., [Mark 1:25](/mark/1-25 "Mark 1:25 - Jesus Rebukes an Unclean Spirit")). Here, Jesus uses the same authoritative language not merely to calm the storm, but to "forbid" or "silence" the winds and the sea, implying a direct confrontation with chaotic forces, much like He confronts evil spirits. This highlights His absolute, sovereign power over all creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saith unto them, \"Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?\""**: After being awakened by their desperate cries, Jesus' immediate response is not one of panic or even simple reassurance, but a penetrating question that diagnoses the spiritual root of their terror. He links their fear directly to their "little faith," implying that a deeper trust in His presence and power would have alleviated their anxiety. This serves as a teaching moment, challenging them to consider the sufficiency of their faith in light of His demonstrated authority.
* **"Then he arose,"**: This simple phrase signifies Jesus' active engagement with the crisis. His rising from sleep marks a shift from apparent passivity to decisive action. It underscores His physical presence in the midst of their danger and His readiness to intervene.
* **"and rebuked the winds and the sea;"**: This is the pivotal moment of divine intervention. Jesus does not merely pray for the storm to cease; He directly commands and "rebukes" the natural elements with the same authority He uses to cast out demons. This act is a powerful demonstration of His inherent divine power, revealing Him as the Creator God who holds dominion over all creation. The use of "rebuked" suggests a direct confrontation with the chaotic forces, bringing them under His sovereign will.
* **"and there was a great calm."**: The immediate and absolute cessation of the storm is the miraculous outcome. The term "great calm" (Greek: _galḗnē megálē_) emphasizes the totality and suddenness of the peace that descends. It was not a gradual quieting but an instantaneous tranquility, leaving no doubt about the source of the calm. This profound and immediate peace serves as irrefutable proof of Jesus' unparalleled authority.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 8:26 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological impact. **Contrast** is powerfully employed, setting the disciples' abject terror and "little faith" against Jesus' serene sleep and absolute authority. This highlights the chasm between human weakness and divine power. The **Symbolism** of the storm is profound; it represents the chaotic, dangerous, and overwhelming trials of life, while the boat can symbolize the community of believers (the Church) navigating these trials. Jesus' presence in the boat, even when seemingly inactive, symbolizes His constant presence with His people. His command over the storm functions as a **Theophany** or divine manifestation, revealing His true identity as God Incarnate. The immediate and complete **Resolution** of the storm ("a great calm") serves as a powerful testament to His omnipotence, leaving the witnesses in awe and wonder.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over creation and His relationship with His people. Jesus' calming of the storm echoes Old Testament descriptions of Yahweh as the One who controls the seas and their raging waves, such as in [Psalm 107:29](/psalms/107-29 "Psalm 107:29 - God Calms the Storm") where it is said, "He made the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof were still." This miracle thus serves as a powerful theological statement about Jesus' deity, demonstrating that He possesses the very attributes of God. It also speaks to the nature of faith, revealing that true faith is not the absence of fear, but trust in God's presence and power even amidst overwhelming circumstances. The disciples' "little faith" is not condemned outright but challenged, inviting them and us to grow in a deeper, more resilient reliance on Christ. The passage ultimately assures believers that no storm, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is beyond the power of Christ to command and bring to peace.

* [Psalm 107:29](/psalms/107-29 "Psalm 107:29 - God Calms the Storm")
* [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Rebukes the Wind and Sea")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - God's Presence in Trials")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 8:26 offers immense comfort and a profound challenge for believers navigating the "storms" of life. Just as the disciples faced a literal tempest, we encounter metaphorical storms of anxiety, loss, illness, financial hardship, or relational turmoil. This passage reminds us that Jesus is present in our boat, even when He seems silent or asleep to our cries. Our natural human response may be fear and panic, revealing the "little faith" that often characterizes our trust in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Yet, Jesus' question is not a condemnation but an invitation to look beyond the immediate crisis to the One who commands all things. The "great calm" He brings is not just a historical event but a promise of His power to bring peace to our troubled hearts and chaotic situations. It calls us to cultivate a faith that is not dependent on the absence of storms, but on the unwavering presence and omnipotence of Christ, knowing that true security is found in Him alone. We are encouraged to cry out to Him in our distress, trusting that He hears and has the power to rebuke the chaos and bring His profound peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" are you currently facing in your life that are causing you fear or anxiety?**
* **How does Jesus' question, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" challenge your own trust in Him amidst your trials?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper, more resilient faith that rests in Christ's presence and power, even when He seems "asleep"?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus rebuke the disciples' fear if it was a natural reaction to a life-threatening storm?**

Answer: Jesus' rebuke was not a condemnation of their natural human emotion of fear in the face of danger, but rather a challenge to their *lack of faith* in His presence and power. The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, knew the deadly potential of such a storm. However, they had also witnessed Jesus' authority over sickness and demons. His question, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" ([Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), implies that their fear stemmed from a failure to fully trust in Him as the Son of God, who was physically present with them in the boat. He was not rebuking the emotion itself, but the *source* of that fear – an insufficient reliance on His divine power and care. He was calling them to a deeper, more confident faith that could transcend immediate circumstances.

**How does Jesus' calming of the storm relate to His identity?**

Answer: Jesus' authoritative calming of the storm is a profound revelation of His divine identity. In the Old Testament, only God is depicted as having such absolute control over the elements, especially the sea, which often symbolized chaos and untamable power (e.g., [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "Job 38:8-11 - God's Power Over the Sea"), [Psalm 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God Rules the Raging Sea")). By rebuking the winds and the sea with a mere word and instantly bringing about a "great calm" ([Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), Jesus demonstrates that He possesses the same divine power and sovereignty as the Creator. This miracle unequivocally points to His deity, revealing Him not just as a prophet or a wise teacher, but as God Incarnate, the Lord over all creation. The disciples' subsequent question, "What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" ([Matthew 8:27](/matthew/8-27 "Matthew 8:27 - Disciples Marvel at Jesus' Authority")), underscores their dawning realization of His unique and unparalleled identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The calming of the storm in Matthew 8:26 is a powerful Christ-centered fulfillment, prefiguring Jesus' ultimate triumph over all forms of chaos, sin, and death. As the Creator God, through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")), Jesus' authority over the natural elements is a direct manifestation of His divine essence. This miracle foreshadows His greater work of bringing order to the spiritual chaos of humanity's fallen state. Just as He brought a "great calm" to the turbulent sea, He offers ultimate peace to those tossed by the storms of sin and separation from God. His death on the cross and resurrection are the ultimate acts of divine intervention, conquering the greatest enemies—sin and death—and providing the only way for humanity to experience true and lasting peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")). He is the Prince of Peace, who not only calms external storms but also offers an inner peace that "surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God")) to those who trust in Him. Ultimately, this miracle points to the future, when Christ will establish a new heavens and new earth, where all chaos will be banished, and "there shall be no more curse" ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")), bringing an eternal, perfect calm to all creation.

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

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 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Psalms 65:7

Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

Psalms 107:28

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

Psalms 107:30

Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Psalms 89:9

Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

Luke 8:24

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.