King James Version

What Does Mark 4:39 Mean?

Mark 4:39 in the King James Version says “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great c...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Mark 4:39 · KJV

Peace

Context

37

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

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.

40

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

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?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He arose rebuked wind said unto sea Peace be still and wind ceased was great calm. He arose egertheis rose up from sleep. Rebuked epetimēsen authoritatively commanded. Wind anemo. Said eipen directly addressed. Unto sea tē thalassē personified. Peace be still siōpa pephimōso literally be silent be muzzled. Same word used silencing demons (1:25). Treats storm as personal being. And kai consecutive. Wind ceased ekopasen abruptly stopped. Was great calm galēnē megale complete absence of wind. Instant total transformation. Jesus authority over nature demonstrates deity. Creator controls creation. Disciples witness power evoking question Who is this. Storm obeys Him. Reformed theology affirms Christ deity full divinity evidenced by authority over creation. Providence extends to every detail weather included. Nothing outside Christ sovereign control.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sea of Galilee prone to sudden violent storms cool air from heights meets warm lake air. Storm described violent threatening disciples experienced fishermen feared for lives. Natural storms do not cease instantly normally gradual. This immediate cessation supernatural. Disciples amazement despite witnessing miracles shows this unprecedented. Old Testament shows God controls weather (Psalm 107:29 Jonah 1:15). Jesus exercising divine prerogative. Even wind waves obey is deity question. Early church confessed Jesus as Lord (kyrios) same title used for Yahweh. Lordship includes authority over all creation. Medieval theology emphasized Christ two natures deity controls nature. Modern liberals deny miracles naturalize accounts. Historic Christianity affirms literal miraculous stilling.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus instant stilling of storm demonstrate about His deity and authority over creation?
  2. How should Christ power over nature inform our trust in Him during life storms?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διεγερθεὶς2 of 19

“he arose”

G1326

to wake fully; i.e., arouse (literally or figuratively)

ἐπετίμησεν3 of 19

“and rebuked”

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

τῷ4 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνεμος5 of 19

“the wind”

G417

wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)

καὶ6 of 19

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν7 of 19

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῇ8 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θαλάσσῃ9 of 19

“unto the sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

Σιώπα10 of 19

“Peace”

G4623

to be dumb (but not deaf also, like 2974 properly); figuratively, to be calm (as quiet water)

πεφίμωσο11 of 19

“be still”

G5392

to muzzle

καὶ12 of 19

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκόπασεν13 of 19

“ceased”

G2869

to tire, i.e., (figuratively) to relax

ὁ14 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνεμος15 of 19

“the wind”

G417

wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)

καὶ16 of 19

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγένετο17 of 19

“there was”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

γαλήνη18 of 19

“calm”

G1055

tranquillity

μεγάλη19 of 19

“a great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 4:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 4:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 107:29Psalms 89:9Psalms 29:10Psalms 65:7Jeremiah 5:22Proverbs 8:29

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