Bible Strands
John 6:19
When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The disciples are rowing a boat on a stormy lake when they spot Jesus walking toward them on the water. This occurs after a strong wind has agitated the sea and Jesus has left them on land.
The words — The Greek verb ἐληλακότες (elēlakotes) literally means "having rowed," describing the disciples' ongoing labor. The text specifies they had traveled about twenty-five or thirty stadia before sighting him.
The thread — This walking-on-water event parallels the account in Matthew 14:25 and Mark 6:47. It echoes the Psalms 93:4 depiction of the LORD standing majestic above the roaring breakers of the sea.
Why it lands — The text records the disciples' terror before Jesus identifies himself and commands them not to be afraid. A reader must confront the reality of divine presence interrupting human struggle and the immediate call to replace fear with obedience.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
Cross-references
- Mark 6:47 When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and Jesus was alone on land.
- Matthew 14:25 During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea.
- Psalms 93:4 Above the roar of many waters—the mighty breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is majestic.
- John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
- Job 9:8 He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.
- Jonah 1:13 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea was raging against them more and more.
- Psalms 29:10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
- Ezekiel 27:26 Your oarsmen have brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will shatter you in the heart of the sea.
- Luke 24:36 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
- John 11:18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, a little less than two miles away,