Matthew 8:26

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
λέγει
G3004
he saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#3
αὐτοῖς
G846
unto them
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
#4
Τί
G5101
Why
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#5
δειλοί
G1169
fearful
timid, i.e., (by implication) faithless
#6
ἐστε
G2075
are ye
ye are
#7
ὀλιγόπιστοι
G3640
O ye of little faith
incredulous, i.e., lacking confidence (in christ)
#8
τότε
G5119
Then
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
#9
ἐγερθεὶς
G1453
he arose
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
#10
ἐπετίμησεν
G2008
and rebuked
to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid
#11
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἀνέμοις
G417
the winds
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
#13
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
θαλάσσῃ
G2281
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#16
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἐγένετο
G1096
there was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#18
γαλήνη
G1055
calm
tranquillity
#19
μεγάλη
G3173
a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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