Matthew 8:26
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 19
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 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὀλιγόπιστοι
O ye of little faith
G3640
ὀλιγόπιστοι
O ye of little faith
Strong's:
G3640
Word #:
7 of 19
incredulous, i.e., lacking confidence (in christ)
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
8 of 19
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐγερθεὶς
he arose
G1453
ἐγερθεὶς
he arose
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
9 of 19
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
ἐπετίμησεν
and rebuked
G2008
ἐπετίμησεν
and rebuked
Strong's:
G2008
Word #:
10 of 19
to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνέμοις
the winds
G417
ἀνέμοις
the winds
Strong's:
G417
Word #:
12 of 19
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Psalms 65:7Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.Psalms 89:9Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.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?Romans 4:20He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;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?
Historical Context
Sudden storms on Galilee were common due to surrounding hills. The disciples were experienced fishermen, so their terror indicates a genuinely life-threatening storm. Jesus sleeping in the storm shows His full humanity (exhaustion) and divine peace (confidence in the Father's care).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' authority over nature strengthen your faith during life's storms?
- What does Jesus' question about your 'little faith' reveal about areas of unbelief?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' rebuke 'Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?' comes before the miracle, challenging the disciples' faith deficit despite His presence. The phrase 'Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea' shows Jesus' creative authority—He commands nature like the Creator. The result: 'there was a great calm'—not gradual, but immediate and complete. This demonstrates His deity, for 'who can command even winds and water?' (Luke 8:25).