King James Version

What Does Mark 4:41 Mean?

Mark 4:41 in the King James Version says “And they feared exceedingly , and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey h... — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they feared exceedingly , and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Mark 4:41 · KJV


Context

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?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The disciples 'feared exceedingly' (ἐφοβήθησαν φόβον μέγαν—'feared a great fear') and asked: 'What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?' Their fear shifted from storm to Jesus—not terror but awe, reverent wonder at His power. The question 'What manner of man?' (Τίς ἄρα οὗτός ἐστιν) expresses astonishment. They realized Jesus transcends ordinary humanity. The answer: He's God incarnate. The phrase 'even the wind and sea obey' recognizes unprecedented authority. Only Yahweh commands creation (Psalm 104:3-4; 107:25-29). The miracle demands response: acknowledge Jesus' deity and submit to His lordship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology firmly maintained that only God controls seas. Creation psalms celebrate Yahweh's sovereignty over waters (Psalm 65:7; 89:9; 93:3-4; 107:23-32). Job emphasizes God alone commands creation (Job 38:8-11). The disciples, steeped in Old Testament, recognized Jesus' act as divine prerogative. This miracle, along with walking on water (Mark 6:45-52), revealed Jesus as Yahweh incarnate. Early church used this miracle apologetically—proving Jesus' deity to Jewish audiences. Church creeds affirm Jesus as Creator (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2), making storm-calming theologically consistent. The question 'What manner of man?' finds answer: God-man, possessing both human and divine natures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' authority over creation demonstrate His right to command every area of your life?
  2. What fear needs to shift from circumstances to reverent awe of Jesus' power and deity?
  3. How should recognizing Jesus as Creator and Sustainer affect your daily trust and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

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

ἐφοβήθησαν2 of 21

they feared

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

φόβον3 of 21

exceedingly

G5401

alarm or fright

μέγαν4 of 21
G3173

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

καὶ5 of 21

And

G2532

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

ἔλεγον6 of 21

said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

πρὸς7 of 21

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἀλλήλους8 of 21

another

G240

one another

Τίς9 of 21

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἄρα10 of 21

manner of man

G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

οὗτός11 of 21

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν12 of 21

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὅτι13 of 21

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ14 of 21

And

G2532

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

15 of 21
G3588

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

ἄνεμος16 of 21

the wind

G417

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

καὶ17 of 21

And

G2532

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

18 of 21
G3588

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

θάλασσα19 of 21

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ὑπακούουσιν20 of 21

obey

G5219

to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority

αὐτῷ21 of 21

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


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 4:41 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 4:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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