Matthew 14:27
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 12
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 12
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Cross References
Acts 23:11And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Isaiah 41:4Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.Isaiah 51:12I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;Matthew 17:7And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.Matthew 9:2And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.John 6:20But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.Matthew 28:10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.Luke 1:13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Historical Context
The disciples' fear upon seeing someone walking on water was natural—this violated natural law. Jesus' 'It is I' (literally 'I am') carries theological weight beyond mere identification. Throughout John's gospel, Jesus uses 'I am' statements to claim deity. His presence transforms life-threatening circumstances into platforms for divine revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' 'It is I' bring courage to your fearful circumstances?
- What does Jesus' use of the divine name teach about His identity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' immediate response 'Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid' addresses the disciples' terror. 'Be of good cheer' (Greek: tharseō) means take courage. 'It is I' (Greek: egō eimi) echoes God's self-revelation to Moses (Exodus 3:14)—the divine name 'I AM.' This identifies Jesus as Yahweh. 'Be not afraid' is God's common command to His people encountering His presence. Jesus transforms their terror into assurance through His self-revelation.