Devine Scripture

John 6:20

What does John 6:20 mean?

A plain-English look at John 6:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 6:20 means

Jesus speaks into their fear: “It is I; be not afraid.” His word reveals His identity and addresses their hearts. The phrase can echo divine self-identification, and at minimum declares His personal presence. Safety comes not first by a change in circumstances, but by the nearness of Jesus and His authoritative word. He does not shame their fear; He dissolves it with Himself. The one who walks upon the deep claims the right to calm His disciples within. Faith hears His voice and recognizes that the Lord of the storm is with us, and thus fear yields to trust.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he said to them, It is I, have no fear.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he saith to them, `I am <FI>he<Fi> , be not afraid;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he saith to them: It is I. Be not afraid.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he says to them, It is I: be not afraid.

Context

These words come immediately after the disciples’ fright at seeing Jesus on the water. The reassurance prepares them to welcome Him into the boat. The next verse notes their willingness to receive Him and the remarkable, immediate arrival at their destination. This brief episode, set between the feeding and the discourse, equips the disciples with a private sign of Jesus’s authority over creation.

v.19When therefore they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they behold Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the boat: and they were afraid.

v.20This passage

v.21They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat: and straightway the boat was at the land whither they were going.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 44:8

    Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have I not declared unto thee of old, and showed it? and ye are my witnesses. Is there a God besides me? yea, there is no Rock; I know not any.

  • Isaiah 41:14

    Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith Jehovah, and thy Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

  • Mark 16:6

    And he saith unto them, Be not amazed: ye seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who hath been crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold, the place where they laid him!

  • Isaiah 41:10

    fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Matthew 14:27

    But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

  • Revelation 1:17

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last,

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