Matthew 14:27

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

This verse captures a pivotal moment during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, immediately after Jesus had fed the five thousand. The disciples were in a boat, struggling against strong winds and waves while Jesus was alone praying on the mountain.

Context

After the miraculous feeding of the multitude (Matthew 14:21), Jesus sent the disciples ahead by boat and dismissed the crowds. He then went up into a mountain to pray. The disciples, left alone on the sea, encountered a fierce storm. In the fourth watch of the night (between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.), Jesus came to them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw Him, they were terrified, believing they were seeing a ghost.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Presence in Difficulty: Even when Jesus seems distant (on the mountain praying), He sees His disciples' struggle and comes to them in their hour of need.
  • Overcoming Fear: The disciples' initial reaction was terror, but Jesus' voice brings reassurance and courage.
  • Divine Identification and Authority: Jesus' declaration, "It is I," coupled with His ability to walk on water, points to His unique identity and divine authority over nature and circumstances.
  • Encouragement: "Be of good cheer; be not afraid" is a powerful call to trust and courage in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Be of good cheer" translates the Greek word tharseite, which means "take courage" or "be brave." It's a command to overcome fear and be bold.

"It is I" translates the Greek Egō eimi. While this can simply mean "It is me" in response to the disciples' fear of a ghost, in the context of Jesus' actions (walking on water) and other uses of this phrase in the Gospels, it carries potential overtones of divine self-identification, echoing God's name revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14). At the very least, it is a declaration of His true identity, dispelling their fear of the unknown.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense comfort to believers facing life's storms today. Like the disciples, we can feel overwhelmed, afraid, and alone when difficulties arise. Jesus' message is the same: He sees our struggles, He comes to us in the midst of them, and His presence is the antidote to fear. We are called to recognize His voice and His presence ("It is I") and take courage, knowing that He is with us and has authority over the waves and winds of life. Do not be afraid when Jesus is near.

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Cross-References

  • Revelation 1:17 (16 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

    [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 (16 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    ¶ 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 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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