Mark 4:41

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 4:41 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Mark 4:41 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

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 they feared exceedingly, etc..] That is, the men in the ship, the mariners to whom the ship belonged, and who had the management of it: and said to one another, as persons in the greatest amazement, what manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? Surely this person must not be a mere man; he must be more than a man; he must be truly God, that has such power over the wind and sea. This best suits with the mariners, since the disciples must have known before, who and what he was; though they might be more established and confirmed in the truth of Christ's deity, by this wonderful instance of his power.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 8:18-27. Mark 4:36 Even as he was in the ship - They took him without making any preparation for the voyage; without providing any food or raiment. He was sitting in a ship, or boat, instructing the people. In the same boat, probably ill fitted to encounter a storm on the lake, they sailed. This would render their danger more imminent and the miracle more striking. There were with him other little ships - Belonging probably to the people, who, seeing him sail, resolved to follow him. Mark 4:39 Peace, be still - There is something exceedingly authoritative and majestic in this command of our Lord. Standing amid the howling tempest, on the heaving sea, and in the…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:41 The disciples were absolutely terrified—a frequent response to Jesus in Mark (5:15, 33; 6:50; 9:32; 10:32; 11:18; 16:8). • Who is this man? Readers already know that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God (1:1, 11, 24; 3:11).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“feared: Mar 5:33; Sa1 12:18-20, Sa1 12:24; Psa 89:7; Jon 1:9, Jon 1:10, Jon 1:15, Jon 1:16; Mal 2:5; Heb 12:28; Rev 15:4 What: Mar 7:37; Job 38:11; Mat 8:27, Mat 14:32; Luk 4:36, Luk 8:25 Mark 4:1”
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Sources and verification