Mark 6:48

He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them,

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus observes the disciples exhausting themselves rowing against a headwind while the boat sits in the middle of the sea, then approaches them on the water during the fourth watch of the night intending to pass by them.

The words — The Greek term βασανιζομένους (basanizomenous) literally means "straining" or "torturing," directly describing the disciples' physical exertion against the opposing wind.

The thread — This depiction of divine movement over chaotic waters runs parallel to Job 9:8, Psalm 93:4, and Psalm 104:3, which describe God alone treading on the waves and riding the wind.

Why it lands — The text first establishes the disciples' visible struggle and Jesus' supernatural approach, then asks the reader to recognize divine authority over natural chaos rather than interpreting His presence as a threat.

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

And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

Cross-references

Job 9:8 He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.
Psalms 93:4 Above the roar of many waters—the mighty breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is majestic.
Psalms 104:3 laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind.
Matthew 14:24 but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Luke 12:38 Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed.
Luke 24:28 As they approached the village where they were headed, He seemed to be going farther.
Isaiah 54:11 “O afflicted city, lashed by storms, without solace, surely I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires.
John 1:13 children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.
Genesis 19:2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
Genesis 32:26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”