Mark Chapter 4 · Verse 37
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γίνεται
there arose
G1096
γίνεται
there arose
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 16
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀνέμου
of wind
G417
ἀνέμου
of wind
Strong's:
G417
Word #:
4 of 16
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
μεγάλη
a great
G3173
μεγάλη
a great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
5 of 16
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπέβαλλεν
beat
G1911
ἐπέβαλλεν
beat
Strong's:
G1911
Word #:
9 of 16
to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὥστε
so that
G5620
ὥστε
so that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
13 of 16
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
Cross References
Job 1:19And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.Jonah 1:4But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.
Historical Context
The Sea of Galilee sits 700 feet below sea level, surrounded by hills. Cool air from Mediterranean descends through valleys, colliding with warm air over water, producing sudden, violent storms. Ancient sources describe these squalls' ferocity. Even veteran fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John feared such storms. The phrase 'filling with water' indicates boat near sinking—life-threatening situation. Ancient boats lacked modern safety equipment or rescue options. This was genuine crisis, not mere inconvenience. The danger makes disciples' fear understandable and Jesus' power more remarkable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this storm teach that obedience to Christ doesn't exempt from trials but positions us for experiencing His power?
- What 'storms' in your life threaten to sink you, and where is Jesus in relation to those storms?
- How do you respond when following Christ leads into rather than away from difficulty?
Analysis & Commentary
A storm arose: 'there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.' The verb 'arose' (γίνεται, present tense) dramatically portrays storm's sudden development. 'Great storm' (λαῖλαψ μεγάλη μεγάλη—literally 'great tempest') indicates violent squall. Waves 'beat into' (ἐπέβαλλεν) the boat—aggressive, pounding action. The result: ship 'now full' (ἤδη γεμίζεσθαι)—filling with water, sinking. Experienced fishermen recognized mortal danger. This natural crisis becomes theological lesson: storms test faith. The storm's timing—right after Jesus' command—teaches that obedience doesn't guarantee smooth sailing. Following Christ brings trials.