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John 6:18

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 6:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the sea was rising by reason of a great wind that blew.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the sea was rising by reason of a great wind that blew.
John 6:18 — American Standard Version

Context — John 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.
16And when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea;
17and they entered into a boat, and were going over the sea unto Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
18And the sea was rising by reason of a great wind that blew.
19When therefore they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they behold Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the boat: and they were afraid.
20But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
21They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat: and straightway the boat was at the land whither they were going.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the sea arose, etc.] Swelled, and was tumultuous and raging; the waves mounted up, and tossed the ship to and fro: by reason of a great wind that blew; which agitated the waters of the sea, and lifted up the waves; which storm seems to have arose after they had set sail, and were got into the midst of the sea.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“sea arose, &c.--and they were "now in the midst of it" (Mat 14:24). Mark adds the graphic and touching particular, "He saw them toiling in rowing" (Mar 6:48), putting forth all their strength to buffet the waves and bear on against a head wind, but to little effect. He saw this from His mountain-top, and through the darkness of the night, for His heart was all with them; yet would He not go to their relief till His own time came.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this miracle of walking on the sea explained in the notes at Matthew 14:22-33. Compare Mark 6:45-52. John 6:21 Immediately - Quickly. Before a long time. How far they were from the land we know not, but there is no evidence that there was a miracle in the case. The word translated “immediately” does not of necessity imply that there was no interval of time, but that there was not a long interval. Thus, in Matthew 13:5, in the parable of the sower, “and immediately (the same word in Greek) they sprung up,” etc., Mark 4:17; Matthew 24:29; 3 John 1:14. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:18 East-west winds blowing down over the eastern cliffs of the Sea of Galilee late in the day commonly caused very rough waters and turbulent storms.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Psa 107:25, Psa 135:7; Mat 14:24 John 6:19”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification