John 6:19
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἐληλακότες
when they had rowed
G1643
ἐληλακότες
when they had rowed
Strong's:
G1643
Word #:
1 of 22
to push (as wind, oars or daemonical power)
ὡς
about
G5613
ὡς
about
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 22
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
σταδίους
furlongs
G4712
σταδίους
furlongs
Strong's:
G4712
Word #:
4 of 22
a stade or certain measure of distance; by implication, a stadium or race-course
θεωροῦσιν
they see
G2334
θεωροῦσιν
they see
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
9 of 22
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
11 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
περιπατοῦντα
walking
G4043
περιπατοῦντα
walking
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
12 of 22
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γινόμενον
drawing
G1096
γινόμενον
drawing
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
20 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
John 14:18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.Psalms 93:4The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.Job 9:8Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.Jonah 1:13Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.Psalms 29:10The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.Ezekiel 27:26Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas.
Historical Context
Walking on water violates natural law, manifesting divine power (cf. Job 9:8). This miracle echoes God's power over chaotic waters in creation and exodus, identifying Jesus with Yahweh's sovereign control over nature.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Christ's walking on water reveal about His identity and power?
- How does Jesus' approach to His struggling disciples in the storm encourage us in our difficulties?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After rowing 'about five and twenty or thirty furlongs' (3-4 miles), they saw Jesus walking on the sea and approaching. Their fear is natural—a figure walking on stormy waters defies nature. This miracle demonstrates Christ's sovereignty over creation and His care for struggling disciples. He comes to us in our storms.