But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.”
Parallel translations
- WEB But he said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
- KJV But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
- NKJV But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
- NASB But He *said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
- NLT but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Jesus calms their fear with the words, 'It is I. Don't be afraid.' His self-identification echoes God's own name and assures them of His presence.
Overview
The Greek 'I am' (ego eimi) recalls God's revelation to Moses (Ex. 3:14) and anticipates Jesus's great 'I am' sayings in John. In the midst of the storm, His word banishes fear. The God who walks on water is the same Lord who draws near to His own in their distress.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- Matt 14:27–31But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
- Isa 43:1–2Now this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!
- Isa 44:8Do not tremble or fear. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? You are My witnesses! Is there any God but Me? There is no other Rock; I know not one.”
- Isa 41:10Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.
- Isa 41:14Do not fear, O worm of Jacob, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
- Rev 1:17–18When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,
- Mark 6:50for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
- Ps 35:3Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul: “I am your salvation.”
- Mark 16:6But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here! See the place where they put Him.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
John declares him plainly: the eternal Word made flesh, the Lamb of God, the great 'I AM' — bread, light, door, shepherd, way, truth, life, resurrection — that you may believe and have life in his name.
How John 6:20 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.