King James Version

What Does Mark 4:40 Mean?

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

Context

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?

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.

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

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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Topics in This Verse

Faith

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the wayside--**by the side of the hard path through the field, where the soil was not broken up. **and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up--**Not only could the seed not get beneath the surface, but "it was trodden down" (Lu 8:5), and afterwards picked up and devoured by the fowls. What means this? See on Mr 4:15. Second Case: The Stony or rather, Rocky Ground. (Mr 4:5, 16).

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

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 4:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.