King James Version

What Does Matthew 8:26 Mean?

Matthew 8:26 in the King James Version says “And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Matthew 8:26 · KJV


Context

24

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

25

And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

26

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

28

And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' rebuke 'Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?' comes before the miracle, challenging the disciples' faith deficit despite His presence. The phrase 'Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea' shows Jesus' creative authority—He commands nature like the Creator. The result: 'there was a great calm'—not gradual, but immediate and complete. This demonstrates His deity, for 'who can command even winds and water?' (Luke 8:25).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sudden storms on Galilee were common due to surrounding hills. The disciples were experienced fishermen, so their terror indicates a genuinely life-threatening storm. Jesus sleeping in the storm shows His full humanity (exhaustion) and divine peace (confidence in the Father's care).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' authority over nature strengthen your faith during life's storms?
  2. What does Jesus' question about your 'little faith' reveal about areas of unbelief?

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

λέγει2 of 19

he 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

αὐτοῖς3 of 19

unto them

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

Τί4 of 19

Why

G5101

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

δειλοί5 of 19

fearful

G1169

timid, i.e., (by implication) faithless

ἐστε6 of 19

are ye

G2075

ye are

ὀλιγόπιστοι7 of 19

O ye of little faith

G3640

incredulous, i.e., lacking confidence (in christ)

τότε8 of 19

Then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἐγερθεὶς9 of 19

he arose

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

ἐπετίμησεν10 of 19

and rebuked

G2008

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

τοῖς11 of 19
G3588

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

ἀνέμοις12 of 19

the winds

G417

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

καὶ13 of 19

And

G2532

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

τῇ14 of 19
G3588

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

θαλάσσῃ15 of 19

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 8:26 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 Matthew 8:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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