Mark 6 50

Mark 6:50 kjv

For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

Mark 6:50 nkjv

for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."

Mark 6:50 niv

because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Mark 6:50 esv

for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."

Mark 6:50 nlt

They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage! I am here! "

Mark 6 verses

Mark 6 50 Meaning

Mark 6:50 describes the moment when the disciples, rowing in a storm, see Jesus walking on the water and are filled with terror, believing Him to be a ghost. Immediately, Jesus speaks to them, revealing His identity and comforting them with the authoritative declaration, "Take courage; it is I. Do not be afraid." This verse highlights the disciples' natural human fear in the face of the supernatural, contrasted with Jesus' immediate divine presence, authority, and compassion to calm their fears and reassure them of His identity as the sovereign Son of God.

Mark 6 50 Context

Mark 6:50 follows Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30-44). After dismissing the crowds, Jesus sends His disciples ahead by boat across the Sea of Galilee, while He goes up a mountain to pray alone (Mark 6:45-46). Throughout the night, the disciples struggle against a strong headwind, making little progress. Sometime in the fourth watch of the night (around 3-6 AM), Jesus comes to them walking on the water, intending to pass by them, but when they see Him, they scream in terror, believing Him to be a phantom or ghost (Mark 6:47-49). This immediate fear sets the stage for Jesus' powerful and comforting response in verse 50, revealing His identity and calming their anxieties. The broader context of Mark’s Gospel emphasizes the disciples' frequent misunderstanding and spiritual dullness, explicitly stated in Mark 6:52, which explains their hardened hearts and inability to comprehend Jesus’ divine authority, even after witnessing the loaves miracle. This episode, therefore, further tests and reveals their spiritual state and reliance on their human perception.

Mark 6 50 Word analysis

• for they all saw him: Emphasizes the collective experience and unanimous conclusion among the disciples that what they saw was an apparition, thus compounding their fear. "All" underscores the complete lack of understanding across the group.
• and were terrified: Greek: ἐφοβήθησαν (ephobēthēsan), from phobeō. This term signifies a strong, deep-seated fear or fright, often approaching panic or dread. It describes an instinctive terror in response to something perceived as threatening or supernatural, here particularly a 'phantom.' In biblical Greek, this word is used for fear of God, but also intense human fear.
• But immediately: Greek: Εὐθὺς δὲ (Euthys de). "But" (de) introduces a strong contrast to their fear. "Immediately" (Euthys) is a characteristic stylistic marker of Mark's Gospel, emphasizing swift action and urgency. Here, it highlights Jesus' quick and compassionate response to their distress, preventing their fear from escalating further.
• he spoke to them: Jesus initiates communication, demonstrating His control and pastoral care. His voice is the direct means by which their fear is addressed.
• and said: Introduces His direct and powerful verbal command.
• “Take courage;": Greek: Θαρσεῖτε (Tharseite). This imperative means "be of good cheer," "be confident," "take heart," or "don't be afraid." Jesus often used this command to reassure those in distress or despair (e.g., to the paralytic, "Take heart, son"; to the bleeding woman, "Take heart, daughter"). It is an active command to replace fear with confidence rooted in His presence.
• "it is I.": Greek: Ἐγώ εἰμι (Egō eimi). This phrase is profoundly significant. While it literally means "It is I" or "I am," in this context, and especially within the Johannine Gospel where Jesus frequently uses it, it strongly echoes the divine self-identification of God from the Old Testament ("I AM WHO I AM" - Exo 3:14). Coupled with His power over nature, it functions as an assertion of divine presence, authority, and identity, reassuring them that the figure is not a ghost but God Himself present in the Person of Jesus. This statement confronts their immediate fear and provides the ultimate reason for comfort – God Himself is with them.
• “Do not be afraid.”: Greek: Μὴ φοβεῖσθε (Mē phobeisthe). This is a strong prohibitory imperative, meaning "Stop being afraid" or "Do not continue to be afraid." It reiterates and reinforces the initial "Take courage," directly addressing and commanding the cessation of their terror. This repeated assurance emphasizes Jesus' care and understanding of their distress.

• "Take courage; it is I. Do not be afraid.”: This entire phrase functions as a concise and potent declaration of divine presence and comfort. The sequence builds from an encouraging command to a profound self-revelation ("it is I") that undergirds the final, definitive command to cast off fear. Jesus does not merely tell them not to fear; He provides the reason: He Himself, the sovereign Lord, is present with them. This group of words serves as the core of the passage's theological meaning.

Mark 6 50 Bonus section

This incident highlights the pervasive theme in Mark's Gospel of the disciples' spiritual dullness or lack of understanding, despite witnessing multiple miracles. Their inability to grasp Jesus' power over creation (as seen earlier in the calming of the storm) and His provision (as seen in the feeding of the 5000) reveals their "hardened hearts" (Mk 6:52). This doesn't imply active rebellion but rather a spiritual incapacity to connect Jesus' actions to His true identity as the Son of God. The fear they exhibit is not just human panic, but also a result of failing to internalize who Jesus truly is, despite abundant evidence. Thus, Jesus’ "I AM" statement is not only for their immediate comfort but also a further, foundational lesson on His identity. The very elements that terrify them are under His feet, and He meets them in their place of greatest struggle, teaching them, and all believers, that He is present and powerful even in life's most turbulent seas.

Mark 6 50 Commentary

Mark 6:50 captures a pivotal moment of divine intervention and human terror. The disciples' fear upon seeing Jesus walking on water underscores their very human limitations in comprehending the supernatural, initially misinterpreting His appearance as a threatening phantom. This incident directly confronts the common ancient belief in spirits and sea monsters, showing Jesus' absolute sovereignty over all such perceived threats and the natural order. Jesus’ immediate response—a blend of compassionate understanding and divine authority—is critical. His command, “Take courage,” shifts their focus from external threats to inner fortitude. The profound statement, “It is I” (Greek: Egō eimi), transcends a simple self-identification; it carries deep theological weight, resonating with the "I AM" declarations of God in the Old Testament, effectively revealing Jesus as the incarnate God who exercises dominion over creation. This is further supported by the wind ceasing the moment He enters the boat. The final injunction, "Do not be afraid,” encapsulates the ultimate reassurance that comes from being in the presence of the Lord. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that in the midst of life's "storms" and inexplicable circumstances, Jesus' presence brings ultimate peace, transforming terror into profound assurance through His divine identity and unwavering authority. It highlights the Christian call to trust in Christ's sovereign presence amidst the unknown.