New Testament
John 6:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty furlongs, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat, and they were afraid.
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So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
What John 6:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the disciples are in a boat, having rowed a considerable distance on the sea, which is about three to four miles. They suddenly see Jesus walking on the water towards them. This miraculous event causes them to feel fear, as they are not expecting to see someone walking on the sea. The sight of Jesus in such a situation is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, highlighting His divine power over nature. The disciples' fear reflects their human instinct to be afraid of the unknown and the supernatural. This moment serves as a pivotal point in their understanding of who Jesus is, as they witness His authority over the elements. It emphasizes the theme of faith in the face of fear, as they must learn to trust in Jesus even when circumstances seem impossible. This encounter is a reminder of Jesus' presence in our lives, especially during turbulent times, and encourages believers to recognize His power and seek comfort in Him.
How to apply John 6:19 to your life
When facing challenges or fears, remember that Jesus is present with you, even in the most difficult situations. Trust in His power and seek comfort in His presence. This verse encourages us to overcome our fears by focusing on faith rather than circumstances.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Walking on the Water (John 6:16–21)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 6:19 mean?
John 6:19 describes the moment when the disciples see Jesus walking on the water towards their boat after rowing a significant distance. This event highlights Jesus' miraculous power over nature and the fear it instills in the disciples, emphasizing their need to trust in Him.
What is the significance of Jesus walking on water in John 6:19?
Jesus walking on water in John 6:19 demonstrates His divine authority and power over the natural world. It serves as a pivotal moment for the disciples, revealing who Jesus truly is and encouraging them to have faith even in frightening circumstances.
Why were the disciples afraid in John 6:19?
The disciples were afraid in John 6:19 because they were not expecting to see someone walking on the sea, which was a supernatural occurrence. Their fear reflects a natural human response to the unknown and the miraculous.
What does this verse teach about faith and fear?
John 6:19 teaches that faith can help overcome fear, as the disciples must learn to trust Jesus despite their initial terror at seeing Him walk on water. It encourages believers to focus on faith in Jesus during challenging times.
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