Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:26

What does Matthew 8:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:26 means

Jesus first rebukes His disciples for their fear and "little faith" before addressing the storm itself. He then rises and authoritatively commands the winds and the sea, and instantly, a profound calm settles over the waters. This demonstrates Jesus’ absolute sovereignty not only over nature but also His assessment of His disciples’ inner state, teaching them to trust Him even in overwhelming circumstances. His word alone brings immediate peace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, Why are you full of fear, O you of little faith? Then he got up and gave orders to the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he saith to them, `Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?' Then having risen, he rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus saith to them: Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith? Then rising up, he commanded the winds, and the sea, and there came a great calm.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he says to them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then, having arisen, he rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Context

This verse chronicles Jesus’ powerful response to the disciples’ panicked plea. It directly follows their cries for help, demonstrating His authority over both their 'little faith' and the natural elements. This miraculous calming of the storm will lead to the marvel of the men, further solidifying Jesus' divine power before they reach the territory of the Gadarenes.

v.25And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Save, Lord; we perish.

v.26This passage

v.27And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 50:2

    Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst.

  • Matthew 16:8

    And Jesus perceiving it said, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have no bread?

  • Matthew 14:30

    But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.

  • Psalms 114:3

    The sea saw it, and fled; The Jordan was driven back.

  • Psalms 65:7

    Who stilleth the roaring of the seas, The roaring of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples.

  • Romans 4:20

    yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God,

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