Mark 6:51 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

And he went up unto them into the ship. John (John 6:21) says, "Then they willingly received him into the ship" х eethelon (G2309) oun (G3767) labein (G2983) autoon (G846)] - or rather, 'Then were they willing to receive Him' (with reference to their previous terror); but implying also a glad welcome, their first fears now converted into wonder and delight, " And immediately," adds the beloved disciple, "they were at the land where they went" х eis (G1519) heen (G3739) hupeegon (G5217)], or 'were bound.' This additional miracle, for as such it is manifestly related, is recorded by the Fourth Evangelist alone. As the storm the was suddenly calmed, so the little bark-propelled by the secret power of the Lord of nature now sailing in it-glided through the now unruffled now waters, and, while they were wrapt in wonder at what had happened, not heeding their rapid motion, was found at port, to their still further surprise.

"Then are they glad, because at rest And quiet now they be; So to the haven He them brings Which they desired to sea."

Matthew (Matthew 14:33) says, "Then they that were in the ship came (that is, before they got to land) and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth Thou art the Son of God." But our Evangelist is wonderfully striking.

And the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. The Evangelist seems hardly to find language strong enough to express their astonishment. [Tregelles, on too slight authority, omits altogether the clause, kai (G2532) ethaumazon (G2296) - "and wondered" - and brackets the phrase, ek (G1537) perissou (G4053) - "beyond measure," as of doubtful genuineness; but Tischendorf does neither.]

Mark 6:51

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.