Matthew 8:27 kjv

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Matthew 8:27 nkjv

So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"

Matthew 8:27 niv

The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"

Matthew 8:27 esv

And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"

Matthew 8:27 nlt

The disciples were amazed. "Who is this man?" they asked. "Even the winds and waves obey him!"

Matthew 8 verses

Matthew 8 27 Meaning

The men's question in Matthew 8:27, "What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?", expresses profound awe and bewilderment. Following Jesus' miraculous calming of a violent storm, it highlights their dawning realization that His authority transcends ordinary human power, hinting at a divine or uniquely powerful identity. This incident serves to reveal Jesus as the sovereign Lord over creation, eliciting a response of fearful wonder from His followers.

Matthew 8 27 Context

Matthew 8:27 is part of a series of miracles in Matthew 8-9 that demonstrate Jesus' power over various domains: sickness (Matt 8:1-17), natural elements (Matt 8:23-27), demons (Matt 8:28-34), and sin (Matt 9:1-8). Specifically, this verse concludes the account of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples, professional fishermen, had just witnessed a fierce, life-threatening squall. Their immediate terror gave way to profound amazement when Jesus rebuked the wind and sea, bringing instant calm. This incident served as a powerful revelation of Jesus' unique authority, prompting their bewildered question about His true identity, signifying a crucial turning point in their understanding of who He was.

Matthew 8 27 Word analysis

• The men (οἱ ἄνθρωποι - hoi anthrōpoi): While a general term for "men," in this specific narrative, it primarily refers to the disciples present in the boat with Jesus. This highlights their astonishment as His immediate followers and witnesses to His actions. Their perspective, as experienced seamen, adds weight to the miraculous nature of the event.
• marvelled (ἐθαύμασαν - ethaumasam): From thaumazō, meaning to wonder, be amazed, admire. This word signifies deep astonishment mixed with awe and often confusion. It implies an overwhelming emotional response to something extraordinary and beyond expectation or understanding. It's not just surprise but a profound sense of wonder at divine power.
• saying (λέγοντες - legontes): Indicating ongoing speech or questioning amongst themselves, reflecting their communal bewilderment.
• What manner of man (Ποταπός οὗτος - Potapos houtos): Potapos literally means "of what country?" or "of what sort/quality?" and is used to express strong surprise or astonishment at the extraordinary nature or kind of a person or thing. It is a question that seeks to identify the fundamental essence or nature of Jesus, acknowledging that His actions place Him beyond ordinary human categorization. It implies, "Who is this, that he has such unprecedented power?"
• is this (οὗτος - houtos): "This one," directly pointing to Jesus and the person whose identity is being questioned.
• that even (ὅτι καὶ - hoti kai): Hoti (that) introduces the statement or reason for their marveling. Kai (even, also) emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the subsequent clause, highlighting that even these powerful, uncontrollable elements respond to Him.
• the winds (οἱ ἄνεμοι - hoi anemoi): The literal moving air, forces of nature, often uncontrollable and destructive.
• and the sea (καὶ ἡ θάλασσα - kai hē thalassa): The vast, powerful body of water, unpredictable and symbolic of chaos in ancient thought. These two elements together represent the epitome of natural, chaotic, and unmasterable forces.
• obey him (ὑπακούουσιν αὐτῷ - hypakouousin autō): Hypakouō means to listen under, hence to hearken, to obey. It denotes a ready and willing submission to authority. The use of the present tense "obey" (or "are obeying") indicates an ongoing, inherent submission. The disciples' marvel is specifically that elements previously beyond human control now respond submissively to Jesus' mere command.
• Word group: "What manner of man is this": This collective phrase signals a profound Christological inquiry. It shifts the focus from Jesus' powerful act to His powerful identity. They realize that this miracle requires a divine explanation, linking Him directly to the God of Israel who alone has power over the elements.

Matthew 8 27 Bonus section

The rhetorical question of the disciples hints at the profound mystery of Jesus' identity – fully human, yet exercising divine prerogatives. This sets the stage for future confessions of faith and the ongoing revelation of His messianic and divine nature throughout the Gospels. The power demonstrated here also serves as a subtle but direct polemic against pagan beliefs in nature deities, asserting the absolute singular authority of God embodied in Jesus over all creation. The Sea of Galilee was prone to sudden, violent storms due to its geographical depression and surrounding hills, making the instant calm even more astonishing and indisputable to witnesses.

Matthew 8 27 Commentary

Matthew 8:27 encapsulates the disciples' awe-struck realization of Jesus' unparalleled authority. They, seasoned fishermen accustomed to the sea's fury, knew no human could command the wind and waves into instant submission. Their rhetorical question, "What manner of man is this?", is less about asking for information and more an exclamation of profound wonder, recognizing a quality in Jesus that transcends ordinary humanity. This incident firmly establishes Jesus as the sovereign Lord over creation, akin to Yahweh in the Old Testament (e.g., Pss 65:7, 89:9, 107:29). It’s a pivotal moment revealing His divine power and prompting His followers to confront His true identity – not merely a teacher or prophet, but the Lord of all, to whom even chaotic nature submits. The calming of the storm not only illustrates His power but also serves as a potent parable: just as Jesus brings peace to physical chaos, He offers peace amidst life's storms and the chaos of sin.