Matthew 8:27

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 8:27 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?
Matthew 8:27 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
27And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds 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
“But the men marvelled, etc.] Mark says, “they feared exceedingly”; and Luke, “they being afraid, wondered”: they were filled with astonishment and fear, or reverence: there was such a shine of majesty, such a lustre of divine power appeared in this affair. The other two evangelists seem to refer this to the disciples, which Matthew seems to ascribe to the men, the mariners that were in the ship; it is likely it had the same effect on both; and both were abundantly convinced of his deity and dignity, saying, what manner of man, or person is this? For the word “man”, is not in the text; of what qualities, perfections and powers, is he possessed? Surely he must be more than a mere man; he can…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The men marveled - Wondered, or were amazed. What manner of man - What kind of a personage. How unlike other men! What a vast display of power! and how far exalted above mortals must he be! Jesus spake to the winds; rebuked their raging, and the sea was suddenly calm. The storm subsided; the ship glided smoothly; danger fled; and in amazement they stood in the presence of him who controlled the tempests that God had raised; and they felt that “he” must be God himself, for none but God could calm the heaving billows and scatter the tempest. No scene could have been more grand than this display of the power of Jesus. The darkness; the dashing waves; the howling winds; the heaving and tossing…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“8:27 Who is this man? Salvation requires a proper answer to this question and active faith in him. Jesus’ disciples had still failed to understand.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 14:33, Mat 15:31; Mar 1:27, Mar 6:51, Mar 7:37 Matthew 8:28”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification