Matthew 8:27
But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ποταπός
What manner of man
G4217
Ποταπός
What manner of man
Strong's:
G4217
Word #:
6 of 17
interrogatively, whatever, i.e., of what possible sort
οὗτος
this
G3778
οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
8 of 17
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄνεμοι
the winds
G417
ἄνεμοι
the winds
Strong's:
G417
Word #:
12 of 17
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 7:37And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.Mark 6:51And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.Mark 1:27And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.Matthew 15:31Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.Matthew 14:33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Historical Context
The disciples had witnessed healings and exorcisms, but this nature miracle revealed Jesus as Creator exercising authority over His creation. Their question shows faith growing from recognition of power to questioning about identity—preparing for Peter's confession (16:16).
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemplating Jesus' power over creation deepen your worship?
- What would it mean for Jesus to speak peace to the 'storms' in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The disciples' wonder 'What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!' reveals their growing understanding of Jesus' identity. They use 'what manner' (Greek: potapos) meaning 'from what country/source'—they recognize something supernatural. Their question echoes Psalm 89:9 ('thou rulest the raging of the sea') and Psalm 107:29 ('he maketh the storm a calm'), Old Testament texts about God's unique authority over creation.