But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus' simple words, "It is I," are so much more than just an introduction. They echo God's own powerful declaration of His name, "I Am," revealing that He is the divine presence walking with His disciples, not a terrifying apparition.
But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After miraculously feeding thousands, Jesus retreats, only for his disciples to be caught in a terrifying storm on the Sea of Galilee. As they struggle through the dark and wind, they see a figure walking on the water towards them, sparking intense fear. Jesus speaks, identifying himself to calm their terror and reveal his divine power.
The crowd wanted to make Jesus king, but not in God's way. Their zeal was misguided, leading them to try and force Jesus' hand.
The people saw the miracle of the loaves and fishes and immediately recognized Jesus as the promised Prophet. But their understanding was purely earthly.
An Earthly Kingdom
They wanted to make Jesus a king, but their vision was limited to a political and military leader who would overthrow Roman rule. This desire for an earthly kingdom was a common misunderstanding of the Messiah's role.
Forcing God's Hand
They even intended to 'take him by force' to make him king. This shows a dangerous tendency to try and control God's purposes with our own plans and zeal, even when our intentions seem good. True worship doesn't try to force God but humbly obeys His word.
The disciples were battling a fierce storm, terrified by the dark and the waves. Then, they saw a figure walking on the water, which only increased their fear.
Imagine the scene: the disciples are in a boat, struggling against a powerful wind and waves in the dark. They've been rowing for hours, and Jesus isn't with them. Suddenly, they see something impossible – a person walking on the water!
Fear of the Unknown
Their initial reaction isn't relief, but terror. They mistake Jesus for a ghost or apparition. This highlights how, even when we're in distress, we can misinterpret God's presence or actions, leading to fear instead of faith.
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The Divine Identity Revealed
Jesus' immediate response, 'It is I; do not be afraid,' is key. He doesn't just want to calm the storm; he wants to calm their hearts by revealing His identity. Knowing it's Him transforms the terrifying apparition into the source of their peace and deliverance.
Jesus' simple words, 'It is I,' hold immense power to banish fear and bring peace, but this comfort is uniquely for those who know Him.
Jesus' declaration, 'It is I,' is more than just an introduction; it's a profound reassurance. For His disciples, hearing these words from Jesus transforms terror into peace.
A Personal Revelation
Unlike the crowd who wanted to force Jesus into their earthly kingdom, the disciples are in distress and Jesus reveals Himself to them. This personal encounter and revelation is what gives them courage.
Exclusive Peace
The commentary notes that while 'It is I' brings comfort to believers, the same words struck terror into unbelievers (John 18:6). This is because Jesus is the Judge to the wicked, but the Savior to His own. Believers recognize His voice, know His love, and trust His promises, finding peace even in the storm.
Understand the original words
Egō eimi · Greek Pronoun/Verb phrase
The literal translation of the Greek 'Ego Eimi,' which is the covenant name of God (Yahweh) revealed to Moses; Jesus uses this expression to assert His own divinity and eternal existence.
phobeisthe · Greek Verb
A state of alarm or anxiety; in the presence of God or His manifestations, believers are frequently exhorted not to be afraid because of His presence, power, and promise of care.
This event occurs in the immediate aftermath of Jesus feeding thousands, a miracle that stirred a powerful, yet misguided, popular desire to crown him king. The disciples’ fear on the stormy sea highlights how even those close to Jesus can be overwhelmed by circumstances and fail to recognize him, needing his direct reassurance.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus conducts his public ministry in Galilee, performing miracles and teaching about the Kingdom of God.
c. AD 30
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously feeds over five thousand men, plus women and children, with only five loaves and two fish near the Sea of Galilee. This event greatly impresses the crowds.
c. AD 30
Crowd Attempts to Make Jesus King
The vast crowd, amazed by the feeding miracle, seeks to seize Jesus and make him their king, desiring a political and earthly ruler.
c. AD 30
Jesus Withdraws to Pray
Jesus, perceiving the crowd's intention, withdraws alone to a mountain to pray, avoiding the political fervor.
c. AD 30
Disciples Sail Across the Sea
Jesus' disciples get into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee towards Capernaum as night falls. A strong wind arises, creating a dangerous storm.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Walks on Water
In the late night, during the storm, Jesus walks on the turbulent waters of the Sea of Galilee towards the disciples' boat.
c. AD 30
Disciples' Terror and Jesus' Reassurance
The terrified disciples mistake Jesus for a ghost. Jesus speaks to them, saying, 'It is I; do not be afraid,' calming their fears.
This passage directly parallels the event and Jesus' words, adding the detail that the disciples, particularly Peter, were initially terrified, seeing Jesus as a 'ghost' before He spoke.
Mark 6:50Mark's account also includes Jesus' reassuring words, 'It is I; do not be afraid,' highlighting the disciples' fear in the storm.
Isaiah 43:1-2This prophetic passage speaks of God's presence and protection during times of trial and danger, echoing the reassurance Jesus gives His fearful disciples when He appears in the midst of a storm.
Psalm 23:4This psalm, a cornerstone of comfort for many, declares 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me,' reflecting the same truth that Christ's presence dispels fear, even in frightening circumstances.
John 18:5-6In this later encounter, Jesus again identifies Himself with the words 'I am he,' causing His enemies to fall backward, showing how His presence can evoke fear or awe depending on one's relationship with Him.
calvinJohn 6:14-21: "Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world."
- Those men, therefore, when they saw the miracle which Jesus had performed, said, This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world. 15. And when Jesus knew that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he again withdrew alone into a mountain. 16. And when it was evening, his disciples went down to the sea. 17. And havin…
ellicottJohn 6:20: "But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid."
(20) See the same words in Mark 6:50 . St. Matthew’s account is more full here, adding the trial of St. Peter’s faith.
Jesus' simple words, "It is I," are so much more than just an introduction. They echo God's own powerful declaration of His name, "I Am," revealing that He is the divine presence walking with His disciples, not a terrifying apparition.
After miraculously feeding thousands, Jesus retreats, only for his disciples to be caught in a terrifying storm on the Sea of Galilee. As they struggle through the dark and wind, they see a figure walking on the water towards them, sparking intense fear. Jesus speaks, identifying himself to calm their terror and reveal his divine power.
After miraculously feeding thousands, Jesus retreats, only for his disciples to be caught in a terrifying storm on the Sea of Galilee. As they struggle through the dark and wind, they see a figure walking on the water towards them, sparking intense fear. Jesus speaks, identifying himself to calm their terror and reveal his divine power.
"But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”" — Jesus' simple words, "It is I," are so much more than just an introduction. They echo God's own powerful declaration of His name, "I Am," revealing that He is the divine presence walking with His dis…
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Last reviewed October 2026