And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples' astonishment wasn't just that the wind stopped, but that it happened immediately upon Jesus entering the boat. This wasn't a gradual calming; it was an instant submission of nature to its Creator, leaving them profoundly struck by His power.
And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just after Jesus miraculously fed thousands with only a few loaves, he sent his disciples across the sea in a boat while he went to pray alone. They battled a fierce storm for hours until Jesus appeared, walking on the water toward them. After calming their intense fear and Peter's brief moment of walking on water, Jesus joined them in the boat, and the storm immediately ceased, leaving them in utter astonishment.
The disciples are battling a fierce storm, their rowing proving useless against the wind. Then, a figure appears on the water, sending terror through the boat. But when Jesus joins them, the immediate cessation of the wind shifts their focus.
This passage highlights a moment of profound disorientation for the disciples. They've been straining against the elements, their efforts futile. Then, Jesus appears, but their initial reaction isn't recognition, but fear. They mistake Him for a ghost, a terrifying apparition. It's only when Jesus speaks and enters the boat that the external storm is silenced. This shows us how our own internal storms of fear and misunderstanding can blind us to Jesus' presence and power, even when He's right there.
The disciples' reaction isn't just surprise; it's an overwhelming, almost stupefying astonishment. What could cause such a profound reaction, even after witnessing Jesus' miracles?
The text uses strong language ('utterly astounded,' 'beyond measure') to describe the disciples' state. This wasn't a mild 'wow' moment. They had just seen Jesus feed thousands with a few loaves, and now He walks on water and calms a tempest with His presence. Yet, the commentaries point out they 'had not understood about the loaves; for their heart was blinded.' Their minds struggled to reconcile these immense displays of divine power with their understanding of Jesus. This 'astonishment' points to a deeper realization dawning: Jesus is not just a Rabbi or a prophet; He is Someone with authority over nature itself. It’s a moment where their worldview is being radically reshaped.
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Why does seeing Jesus calm the storm and join them in the boat lead to such deep astonishment? It reveals something about the human heart's struggle to fully comprehend the divine.
The commentaries highlight that despite Jesus' previous miracles, like feeding the five thousand, the disciples' hearts were 'blinded.' They hadn't fully grasped the implications of those events. This verse, therefore, isn't just about Jesus' power, but about the disciples' capacity – or lack thereof – to receive it. Their astonishment stems from a dawning realization that Jesus' authority extends to the very forces of nature. It's a moment of arrested development, where their previous understanding is shattered, and they are left grappling with the immense reality of who Jesus is. It’s a beautiful, albeit fearful, step towards true worship.
Understand the original words
existanto · Greek Verb
The theological concept of 'amazement' or 'astonishment' used in the Gospels to describe the reaction of witnesses to the supernatural power and divine authority manifested by Jesus. It often highlights the gap between human comprehension and the reality of the Incarnate Son of God.
The disciples' profound astonishment at the calming of the storm highlights their failure to grasp Jesus' full divine power, especially after witnessing the miracle of the loaves and the bread. This event underscores the disciples' ongoing struggle with faith and understanding, even as they encounter Jesus' awe-inspiring authority.
Late 1st century BC - Early 1st century AD
Roman Expansion in Galilee
Rome gradually expanded its influence and control over Galilee, leading to increased taxation and political tension under Roman-appointed rulers.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, calling disciples and teaching in synagogues and towns around the Sea of Galilee.
c. AD 30
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously feeds thousands of people, a powerful event that leads many to follow him but also causes political concern.
c. AD 30
Disciples Sent Across the Sea
Jesus compels his disciples to set out in a boat for the other side of the Sea of Galilee while he stays behind to pray.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Walks on Water
Jesus walks on the stormy Sea of Galilee towards the disciples' boat, initially terrifying them before he reveals himself.
c. AD 30
Calm and Amazement
Upon Jesus entering the boat, the wind immediately ceases, leaving the disciples in a state of profound astonishment and wonder.
c. AD 30
Arrival at Gennesaret
The boat reaches its destination, with some accounts suggesting an unusually swift journey across the now-calm sea.
This passage describes the disciples and those with them worshipping Jesus after seeing Him on the water and immediately reaching their destination, echoing the profound awe and recognition of His divine power shown in Mark 6:51.
John 6:21John's Gospel mentions they willingly received Jesus into the boat and immediately arrived at their destination, highlighting the disciples' acceptance and the swift, miraculous conclusion to their stormy journey, reinforcing the disciples' amazement.
Mark 4:39This earlier account of Jesus calming a storm shows a similar pattern of Jesus's power over nature and the disciples' astonishment, but here their amazement is even greater due to the unique circumstances of Jesus walking on water.
Matthew 14:26-27The disciples' initial terror at seeing Jesus walking on the water and His immediate reassurance ('Take courage; it is I; do not be afraid') directly precedes the events of Him entering the boat and the wind ceasing, providing context for their profound amazement.
Hebrews 1:3This verse speaks of Jesus upholding all things by His powerful word, which resonates with the disciples' experience of His absolute authority over the wind and sea, deepening their wonder at His divine nature.
pooleMark 6:51: "And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered."
See Poole on "Mark 6:47"
vincentMark 6:51: "And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered."
CeasedSee on Mark 4:39.Sore amazed (λίαν ἐκ περισσοῦ ἐξίσταντο)Lit., exceedingly beyond measure. A strong expression peculiar to Mark. Ἐξίσταντο, were amazed. Compare the cognate noun ἔκστασις, and see on Mark 5:42.
The disciples' astonishment wasn't just that the wind stopped, but that it happened immediately upon Jesus entering the boat. This wasn't a gradual calming; it was an instant submission of nature to its Creator, leaving them profoundly struck by His power.
Just after Jesus miraculously fed thousands with only a few loaves, he sent his disciples across the sea in a boat while he went to pray alone. They battled a fierce storm for hours until Jesus appeared, walking on the water toward them. After calming their intense fear and Peter's brief moment of walking on water, Jesus joined them in the boat, and the storm immediately ceased, leaving them in utter astonishment.
Just after Jesus miraculously fed thousands with only a few loaves, he sent his disciples across the sea in a boat while he went to pray alone. They battled a fierce storm for hours until Jesus appeared, walking on the water toward them. After calming their intense fear and Peter's brief moment of walking on water, Jesus joined them in the boat, and the storm immediately ceased, leaving them in utter astonishment.
"And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded," — The disciples' astonishment wasn't just that the wind stopped, but that it happened immediately upon Jesus entering the boat. This wasn't a gradual calming; it was an instant submission of nature t…
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Last reviewed October 2026