And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The astonishment of the men wasn't just about Jesus calming a storm; it was the realization that the very forces of nature, which humanity typically fears and struggles against, were completely subject to him. Their question reveals a dawning awareness that this "man" operated with a divine authority that transcended all known human power.
And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus and his disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a furious storm erupted, filling their boat with water and threatening to sink them. While Jesus slept, the terrified disciples woke him, crying out for salvation, and he calmly rebuked the wind and waves, bringing about a sudden, miraculous calm. This awe-inspiring display of power over nature left those in the boat astonished and questioning Jesus' true identity.
Ever felt utterly powerless against forces beyond your control? The disciples and sailors in this story certainly did. Their question reveals a profound realization about Jesus.
The men's question, "What sort of man is this?" isn't just casual curiosity. It's a stunned recognition that Jesus operates on a different level than any ordinary human.
A Power Unknown
When the storm hit, Jesus' disciples reacted with panic. Their desperate cry reveals not just their fear, but the state of their faith.
This event is a powerful illustration of how crisis can expose and, ultimately, deepen our faith.
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The Disciples' Distress
Understand the original words
thaumazo · Greek Verb
A state of astonishment or wonder. It frequently describes the reaction of those witnessing Jesus' miracles, indicating recognition of something supernatural or divine that exceeds human understanding.
This passage describes God's sovereign power over the sea, setting its boundaries and calming its waves, just as Jesus does in Matthew 8, highlighting Jesus' divine authority.
Psalm 107:23-30This psalm recounts sailors crying out to the Lord in a storm and God calming the seas, paralleling the disciples' fear and Jesus' immediate response, showing Jesus as the ultimate rescuer.
Mark 4:35-41This passage tells the same story of Jesus calming the storm, but emphasizes the disciples' fear and their questioning of Jesus' care, deepening the marvel at His power over nature.
Luke 8:22-25Another account of the same event, this version focuses on Jesus' rebuke of the disciples' lack of faith, directly connecting their fear to their wonder about His identity and authority.
Isaiah 43:1-2This prophecy assures Israel that God will be with them through 'waters' and 'rivers' without them drowning, echoing Jesus' command over the water and His presence with His disciples in their peril.
calvinMatthew 8:23-27: "And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him."
- And when he had entered into the ship, [535] his disciples followed him. 24. And, lo, there was a great swell in the sea, so that the ship was covered with the billows: and he was asleep. 25. And his disiples approached and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us, we perish. 26. And he saith to them, Why are you timid, O men of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea: and there was a great ca…
barnesMatthew 8:27: "But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!"
The men marveled - Wondered, or were amazed. What manner of man - What kind of a personage. How unlike other men! What a vast display of power! and how far exalted above mortals must he be! Jesus spake to the winds; rebuked their raging, and the sea was suddenly calm. The storm subsided; the ship glided smoothly; danger fled; and in amazement they stood in the presence of him who…
The astonishment of the men wasn't just about Jesus calming a storm; it was the realization that the very forces of nature, which humanity typically fears and struggles against, were completely subject to him. Their question reveals a dawning awareness that this "man" operated with a divine authority that transcended all known human power.
Jesus and his disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a furious storm erupted, filling their boat with water and threatening to sink them. While Jesus slept, the terrified disciples woke him, crying out for salvation, and he calmly rebuked the wind and waves, bringing about a sudden, miraculous calm. This awe-inspiring display of power over nature left those in the boat astonished and questioning Jesus' true identity.
Jesus and his disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a furious storm erupted, filling their boat with water and threatening to sink them. While Jesus slept, the terrified disciples woke him, crying out for salvation, and he calmly rebuked the wind and waves, bringing about a sudden, miraculous calm. This awe-inspiring display of power over nature left those in the boat astonished and questioning Jesus' true identity.
"And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”" — The astonishment of the men wasn't just about Jesus calming a storm; it was the realization that the very forces of nature, which humanity typically fears and struggles against, were completely subje…
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Last reviewed October 2026