Devine Scripture

Mark 4:38

What does Mark 4:38 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:38 means

Despite the urgent peril, Jesus remained asleep in the stern of the boat, resting peacefully on a cushion. The terrified disciples, desperate and incredulous, woke Him, crying out, "Teacher, carest thou not that we perish?" Their plea reveals their desperation, fear, and a perceived indifference from Jesus, highlighting their shaky faith in His care and control amidst the overwhelming danger.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion: and they awake him, and say unto him, Teacher, carest thou not that we perish?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion: and they awake him, and say unto him, Teacher, carest thou not that we perish?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he himself was in the back of the boat, sleeping on the cushion: and they, awaking him, said, Master, is it nothing to you that we are in danger of destruction?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he himself was upon the stern, upon the pillow sleeping, and they wake him up, and say to him, `Teacher, art thou not caring that we perish?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, sleeping upon a pillow; and they awake him, and say to him: Master, doth, it not concern thee that we perish?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he was in the stern sleeping on the cushion. And they awake him up and say to him, Teacher, dost thou not care that we are perishing?

Context

This verse presents a pivotal moment within the storm narrative, contrasting Jesus' peaceful sleep with the disciples' terror. It directly follows the description of the boat filling with water, intensifying the crisis. The disciples' desperate question to Jesus is key, as it reveals their lack of faith in His sovereignty and sets up His powerful response in the subsequent verses, ultimately leading to their renewed awe and fear.

v.37And there ariseth a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling.

v.38This passage

v.39And he awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 2:17

    Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

  • Isaiah 63:15

    Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where are thy zeal and thy mighty acts? the yearning of thy heart and thy compassions are restrained toward me.

  • 1 Peter 5:7

    casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.

  • Job 8:5

    If thou wouldest seek diligently unto God, And make thy supplication to the Almighty;

  • Isaiah 40:27

    Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from Jehovah, and the justice due to me is passed away from my God?

  • John 4:6

    and Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

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