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

MARK 6:51KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 6:51 (KJV)

What does Mark 6:51 mean?

Mark 6:51 describes how Jesus got into the boat with his disciples, and immediately the strong wind stopped. The disciples were completely astonished and could hardly believe what had just happened.

This moment takes place right after Jesus walks on the water toward his disciples, who are struggling against the wind in their boat. The verse highlights their amazement, showing that even after witnessing many miracles, the disciples are still overwhelmed and surprised by Jesus’ power over nature.

The Greek behind Mark 6:51

  • "ἐξέστησαν" (exestēsan, translated "amazed"): This word often means to be utterly astonished or beside oneself. In this verse, it emphasizes just how shocked the disciples were, not just surprised but almost unable to process what they saw.
  • "πλεῖον ἐν ἑαυτοῖς" (pleion en heautois, translated "beyond measure, in themselves"): The Greek here stresses that their amazement was internal and overflowing, suggesting a deep, personal sense of wonder that went beyond ordinary surprise.
  • "ἐκόπασεν" (ekopasen, translated "ceased"): This word means the wind stopped suddenly or grew calm. The use of this term underlines the immediate and total change in the weather as soon as Jesus entered the boat.

Why Mark 6:51 matters

  • Mark 6:51 shows that even Jesus’ closest followers could not fully grasp who he was or the extent of his power, highlighting their humanity and the extraordinary nature of Jesus’ actions.
  • The verse connects to earlier miracles, reinforcing a theme in Mark’s Gospel that Jesus has authority over both the natural world and situations that seem impossible.
  • This reaction sets up the next verses, where Mark explains that the disciples’ hearts were still “hardened,” helping readers understand that faith and understanding can grow slowly, even for those closest to Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“ceased” Greek G2869 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 14:32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
  • Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

“measure” Greek G4053 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
  • Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

“sore” Greek G3029 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

“amazed” Greek G1839 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 12:23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
  • Luke 8:56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
  • Acts 8:11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.