John 6:18 kjv
And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
John 6:18 nkjv
Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing.
John 6:18 niv
A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.
John 6:18 esv
The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.
John 6:18 nlt
Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough.
John 6 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| John 6:18 | "And the sea became very rough, because a strong wind was blowing." | Jesus facing the storm |
| Matthew 14:24 | "But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary." | Parallel account of the storm |
| Mark 6:48 | "and seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea." | Parallel account with detail on wind |
| Luke 6:48 | "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock." | Figurative, but contrast of stability |
| Psalm 107:25 | "For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea." | God's power over the sea/wind |
| Psalm 107:29 | "He makes the storm a calm, So that its waves are stilled." | God's power to calm the storm |
| Jonah 1:4 | "But the Lord hurled a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to break up." | God using wind for judgment |
| Nahum 1:3 | "The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty." | God's sovereignty over elements |
| Acts 27:14 | "But before long a gale, called the north-easter, struck them." | Shipwreck narrative, challenging winds |
| Matthew 8:24 | "and behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep." | Jesus sleeping during a storm |
| Genesis 1:2 | "The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." | Spirit over waters, contrast of chaos |
| Exodus 14:21 | "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night..." | God parting the Red Sea with wind |
| Isaiah 50:2 | "Behold, with My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness..." | God's power over waters |
| Psalm 46:2-3 | "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should be disturbed, And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas; Though its waters roar and foam..." | God as refuge in turmoil |
| Jeremiah 51:15 | "He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, And by His understanding has stretched out the heavens." | God's creative power |
| Job 38:11 | "and said, 'Thus far you shall come and no farther, But here shall your proud waves be stayed'?" | God limiting the sea's power |
| Psalm 89:9 | "O Lord God of hosts, Who is like You, O Mighty Lord? Your faithfulness surrounds You." | God's mighty power |
| Matthew 8:27 | "But the men marveled, saying, "What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"" | Disciples' astonishment at Jesus' power |
| Mark 4:39 | "And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush now! Be still!" And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm." | Jesus commanding the storm to cease |
| Luke 8:24 | "They came to Jesus and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” But He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they stopped, and it became calm." | Disciples seeking Jesus in distress |
John 6 verses
John 6 18 Meaning
John 6:18 states, "And the sea became very rough, because a strong wind was blowing." This verse describes the sea's turbulent state due to a powerful wind, setting the scene for Jesus walking on water. It highlights a natural phenomenon amplified by divine intervention or in preparation for it.
John 6 18 Context
In John chapter 6, Jesus had just miraculously fed over five thousand people with a few loaves and fish. Following this event, He withdrew to a mountain to pray alone. Meanwhile, His disciples entered a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee towards Capernaum. The storm arose during their journey. John 6:18 describes the environmental conditions as the disciples were struggling against the wind and waves. This verse immediately precedes Jesus walking on water, demonstrating His dominion over nature.
John 6 18 Word Analysis
- And (Greek: καὶ - kai): A common conjunction used to connect clauses, indicating sequence or addition.
- the sea (Greek: ἡ θάλασσα - hē thalassa): Refers specifically to the Sea of Galilee, a large body of freshwater known for its sudden and violent storms.
- became (Greek: ἐγένετο - egeneto): Aorist tense of "ginomai," meaning "to become," "to happen," or "to come to pass." It denotes a change of state.
- very rough (Greek: ἐπῇρεν - epēren): While "thalassa" is the direct object, "epēren" is an archaic verb form that means to raise, lift up, or surge. It describes the sea's turbulent action, with waves being lifted and driven. Some translations render this as "the sea began to rise" or "the sea was greatly agitated."
- because (Greek: ὅτι - hoti): Indicates cause or reason.
- a strong (Greek: ἰσχυρὰ - ischyrā): An adjective meaning powerful, mighty, or strong.
- wind (Greek: ἄνεμος - anemos): Refers to a blowing current of air.
- was blowing (Greek: ἐφύση - ephuse): Aorist passive of "phusaō," meaning "to blow" or "to breathe upon." It describes the action of the wind.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "And the sea became very rough": This phrase paints a vivid picture of a sudden, intense upheaval of the water. The aorist tense for "became" signifies a completed action – the sea transitioned from its previous state to a state of extreme turbulence. The verb "epēren" emphasizes the violent nature of the sea's movement, suggesting waves were being driven with great force.
- "because a strong wind was blowing": This clause directly links the sea's rough state to the wind's activity. The strength of the wind is the direct cause of the sea's turmoil. The continuous tense in some English translations reflects the ongoing action of the wind that contributed to the storm's severity.
John 6 18 Bonus Section
The context of the feeding miracle preceding this event emphasizes Jesus' power to satisfy both physical and spiritual hunger and to provide safety and deliverance. The disciples' struggle against the storm is a profound metaphor for the challenges Christians face, and Jesus' subsequent walking on water demonstrates His presence and ability to overcome any obstacle. The Sea of Galilee, named after the location, often represents turmoil and the forces that oppose God’s kingdom in biblical symbolism. This incident underscores Jesus’ unique relationship with creation, as the One who both made and has authority over it.
John 6 18 Commentary
This verse serves as the dramatic setting for Jesus' miraculous appearance to His disciples. The Sea of Galilee was prone to sudden, fierce storms due to its elevation relative to surrounding landmasses and cold air descending from the hills. The disciples, experienced fishermen, found themselves in peril due to a powerful gale. This challenging situation sets the stage for Jesus to reveal His divine authority over the natural elements, a hallmark of His ministry. The verse highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the necessity of divine power to navigate such trials. It’s a moment where natural circumstances escalate to the point where human effort alone is insufficient, making way for a supernatural intervention. The rough sea and strong wind symbolize the opposition and difficulties faced by believers in their spiritual journey.