King James Version

What Does Mark 6:50 Mean?

Mark 6:50 in the King James Version says “For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

Mark 6:50 · KJV


Context

48

And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

49

But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50

For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51

And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

52

For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 'They all saw him'—establishing corporate witness, not individual vision. 'Were troubled' (ἐταράχθησαν, etarachthēsan, agitated/terrified). Jesus 'immediately' (εὐθὺς, euthys) spoke: 'Be of good cheer' (θαρσεῖτε, tharseite, take courage). 'It is I' (ἐγώ εἰμι, egō eimi) echoes divine name (Exodus 3:14), asserting deity. 'Be not afraid' replaces terror with peace through revelation of His identity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase egō eimi ('I am') carried theological weight, recalling God's self-revelation to Moses. Ancient readers familiar with Hebrew Bible would recognize the echo. Jesus' immediate response to their fear demonstrated compassion alongside power. Early church saw this as paradigm: when Christ reveals Himself, fear transforms to faith. The walking on water authenticated His deity—only God controls creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about Christ's nature and work?
  2. How should this truth shape our daily discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
πάντες1 of 19

they all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γὰρ2 of 19

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

αὐτοῖς3 of 19

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

εἶδον4 of 19

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ5 of 19

And

G2532

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

ἐταράχθησαν6 of 19

were troubled

G5015

to stir or agitate (roil water)

καὶ7 of 19

And

G2532

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

εὐθὲως8 of 19

immediately

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἐλάλησεν9 of 19

he talked

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

μετ'10 of 19

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτοῖς11 of 19

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

καὶ12 of 19

And

G2532

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

λέγει13 of 19

saith

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

αὐτοῖς14 of 19

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

Θαρσεῖτε15 of 19

Be of good cheer

G2293

to have courage

ἐγώ16 of 19

I

G1473

i, me

εἰμι·17 of 19

it is

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

μὴ18 of 19

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φοβεῖσθε19 of 19

afraid

G5399

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


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 6:50 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 6:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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