Matthew 8:27
What does Matthew 8:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 8:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 8:27 means
The men, utterly astonished by Jesus’ ability to command the winds and the sea with a mere word, marvel and question among themselves, "What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?" This collective wonder reveals their growing—but still incomplete—understanding of Jesus’ unique divine identity and power, moving beyond simply seeing Him as a teacher or healer to recognizing Him as one with authority over all creation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?
KJV
King James Version · 1611But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the men were full of wonder, saying, What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea do his orders?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the men wondered, saying, `What kind--is this, that even the wind and the sea do obey him?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But the men wondered, saying: What manner of man is this, for the winds and the sea obey him?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the men were astonished, saying, What sort [of man] is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?
Context
This verse captures the disciples' reaction of awe and confusion immediately after Jesus calms the storm. Their questioning reveals a growing awareness of Jesus' divine power, serving as a powerful concluding thought to this dramatic display of authority. This deep impact prepares the reader for Jesus' next demonstration of power, over demonic forces, as they reach the other side of the sea.
v.26And 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.
v.27This passage
v.28And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, there met him two possessed with demons, coming forth out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man could pass by that way.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 6:51
And he went up unto them into the boat; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves;
- Mark 7:37
And they were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well; he maketh even the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
- Matthew 14:33
And they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
- Matthew 15:31
insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing: and they glorified the God of Israel.
- Mark 1:27
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? a new teaching! with authority he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.
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Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 8
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