Mark Chapter 4 · Verse 40
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Τί
Why
G5101
Τί
Why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
4 of 11
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
πῶς
how is it
G4459
πῶς
how is it
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
8 of 11
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
Cross References
Luke 8:25And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.Matthew 8:26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.Matthew 16:8Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?Matthew 14:31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?Isaiah 43:2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.Matthew 6:30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?Isaiah 42:3A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
Historical Context
Disciples were experienced fishermen knew storms this one threatened their lives. Yet they had Jesus with them. Peter later walked on water storm (Matthew 14) then looked at waves began to sink. Circumstances overwhelming when focus shifts from Christ to situation. Early church faced persecution martyrdom required faith transcending circumstances. Polycarp at stake threatened with fire replied eternal fire threatened him he would not deny Christ. Faith looks beyond temporal suffering to eternal glory. Medieval martyrs reformers all demonstrated faith despite dire circumstances. Faith is not absence of fear but trust in God despite fear.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus rebuke disciples for fear when they were in genuine danger what does this teach about nature of faith?
- How does having Christ present in your storm change how you should respond to fearful circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
He said Why are ye so fearful how is it ye have no faith. Why ti interrogative. So fearful deiloi cowardly timid. How is it pōs. Ye have no faith ouk echete pistin lacking trust confidence. Question exposes disciples lack of faith despite presence of Christ. Storm caused fear despite Jesus presence. Faith and fear incompatible. Fear reveals unbelief. True faith rests in Christ character power despite circumstances. Disciples had Jesus Himself in boat yet feared. Reformed theology emphasizes faith as gift from God not self-generated. Saving faith trusts Christ completely His power presence goodness. Lack of faith dishonors God suggests He cannot or will not care for His own.