Devine Scripture

Mark 4:39

What does Mark 4:39 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:39 means

Jesus awoke and immediately exercised His authority over the raging elements. He "rebuked" the wind, treating it as if it were a disobedient entity, and commanded the tumultuous sea, "Peace, be still." Instantly, the wind ceased, and the sea became perfectly calm. This demonstrates Jesus' absolute divine power and sovereignty not only over spiritual forces but also over the very forces of nature, revealing Him as God incarnate.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he came out of his sleep, and gave strong orders to the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be at rest. And the wind went down, and there was a great calm.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having waked up, he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, `Peace, be stilled;' and the wind did lull, and there was a great calm:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And rising up, he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea: Peace, be still. And the wind ceased: and there was made a great calm.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And awaking up he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Silence; be mute. And the wind fell, and there was a great calm.

Context

This verse describes Jesus' powerful and immediate intervention in calming the storm. It directly follows the disciples' desperate cry and Jesus' awakening. This miraculous act is the climax of the storm narrative, showcasing His divine authority. It sets the stage for His subsequent question to the disciples, which will challenge their lack of faith and lead to a profound realization of His identity.

v.38And 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?

v.39This passage

v.40And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 65:7

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

  • Luke 4:39

    And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she rose up and ministered unto them.

  • Mark 9:25

    And when Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I command thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

  • Psalms 148:8

    Fire and hail, snow and vapor; Stormy wind, fulfilling his word;

  • Psalms 29:10

    Jehovah satas Kingat the Flood; Yea, Jehovah sitteth as King for ever.

  • Lamentations 3:31

    For the Lord will not cast off for ever.

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