Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” New Living Translation but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” English Standard Version But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Berean Standard Bible But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.” Berean Literal Bible Now He says to them, "I am He; do not fear." King James Bible But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. New King James Version But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” New American Standard Bible But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” NASB 1995 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” NASB 1977 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Legacy Standard Bible But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Amplified Bible But Jesus said to them, “It is I (I AM); do not be afraid.” Christian Standard Bible But he said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But He said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid!” American Standard Version But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Contemporary English Version But he said, "I am Jesus! Don't be afraid!" English Revised Version But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. GOD'S WORD® Translation Jesus told them, "It's me. Don't be afraid!" Good News Translation "Don't be afraid," Jesus told them, "it is I!" International Standard Version But he told them, "It is I. Stop being afraid!" NET Bible But he said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid." New Heart English Bible But he said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid." Webster's Bible Translation But he saith to them, It is I; be not afraid. Weymouth New Testament They were terrified; but He called to them. "It is I," He said, "do not be afraid." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.” World English Bible But he said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand He says to them, “I AM; do not be afraid”; Berean Literal Bible Now He says to them, "I am He; do not fear." Young's Literal Translation and he saith to them, 'I am he, be not afraid;' Smith's Literal Translation And he says to them, I am; be not afraid. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut he saith to them: It is I; be not afraid. Catholic Public Domain Version But he said to them: “It is I. Do not be afraid.” New American Bible But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” New Revised Standard Version But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Jesus said to them, It is I, do not be afraid. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But Yeshua said to them, “I AM THE LIVING GOD, do not be afraid.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut he said to them: It is I; be not afraid. Godbey New Testament And He says to them, Haweis New Testament But he saith to them, It is I; be not afraid. Mace New Testament but he said to them, it is I, be not afraid. Weymouth New Testament They were terrified; but He called to them. "It is I," He said, "do not be afraid." Worrell New Testament But He saith to them, Worsley New Testament But He saith unto them, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jesus Walks on Water…19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified. 20But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and at once the boat reached the shore where they were heading.… Cross References Matthew 14:27 But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” Mark 6:50 for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” Isaiah 41:10 Do 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 righteous right hand. Isaiah 43:1 But now, 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! Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 27:1 Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? Psalm 46:1-3 For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Treasury of Scripture But he said to them, It is I; be not afraid. It is. Psalm 35:3 Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. Isaiah 41:10,14 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness… Isaiah 43:1,2 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine… Jump to Previous Afraid Fear TerrifiedJump to Next Afraid Fear TerrifiedJohn 6 1. Jesus feeds five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes.15. Thereupon the people would have made him king; 16. but withdrawing himself, he walks on the sea to his disciples; 26. reproves the people flocking after him, and all the fleshly hearers of his word; 32. declares himself to be the bread of life to believers. 66. Many disciples depart from him. 68. Peter confesses him. 70. Judas is a devil. But Jesus spoke up: In the context of John 6, Jesus had just performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000, demonstrating His divine provision. The disciples were on the Sea of Galilee, a location known for sudden storms. Jesus speaking up signifies His authority and presence amidst chaos, echoing God's voice in the Old Testament, such as when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3:4). “It is I; do not be afraid.” Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is walking on water towards His disciples. His declaration, "It is I," is significant, as it echoes the divine name revealed in the Old Testament. 2. Disciples The followers of Jesus who are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. They are initially terrified when they see Jesus walking on the water. 3. Sea of Galilee The body of water where this miraculous event takes place. It is known for sudden storms, which can be perilous for those on it. 4. Miracle of Walking on Water This event demonstrates Jesus' authority over nature and His divine identity. 5. Fear and Reassurance The disciples' fear is met with Jesus' comforting words, highlighting His role as a protector and guide. Teaching Points Divine Presence in Times of FearJesus' words, "It is I; do not be afraid," remind us that His presence dispels fear. In moments of anxiety or uncertainty, we can find peace in knowing that Jesus is with us. Recognizing Jesus' Authority The miracle of walking on water underscores Jesus' divine authority over creation. As believers, we are called to trust in His power and sovereignty in all aspects of our lives. Faith Over Fear The disciples' initial fear is transformed into faith through Jesus' reassurance. We are encouraged to replace our fears with faith, trusting in Jesus' promises and presence. Jesus as the Great I AM Jesus' use of "It is I" connects to His identity as the eternal God. This understanding deepens our worship and reliance on Him as the source of life and salvation. Responding to Jesus' Call Just as the disciples were called to trust Jesus amidst the storm, we are invited to respond to His call with obedience and faith, even when circumstances seem daunting. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of John 6:20?2. How does John 6:20 encourage us to trust Jesus in life's storms? 3. What does "It is I; do not be afraid" reveal about Jesus' identity? 4. How can we apply Jesus' reassurance in John 6:20 to daily challenges? 5. How does John 6:20 connect with other instances of Jesus calming fears? 6. How can we embody Jesus' peace in John 6:20 in our communities? 7. How does John 6:20 demonstrate Jesus' divine authority over nature? 8. Why does Jesus say "It is I; do not be afraid" in John 6:20? 9. What is the significance of Jesus walking on water in John 6:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 6? 11. What does the Bible say about lacking faith? 12. What does 'shalom' mean? 13. Why did Jesus perform the miracle of walking on water? 14. John 6:16–21: Is there any plausible explanation or historical support for Jesus walking on water, given the known laws of physics? What Does John 6:20 Mean But Jesus spoke up• The disciples are straining against the storm-tossed sea when Jesus comes to them walking on the water (John 6:18-19). At the very moment fear spikes, “Jesus spoke up.” • Scripture often shows God taking the first step toward His people in crisis: He “hears their cry” (Psalm 107:28-29) and “comes down to deliver” (Exodus 3:7-8). • Mark’s parallel account notes, “He intended to pass by them” (Mark 6:48), yet He pauses to address them. This reminds us that the Lord is never distant; He moves toward us when we need Him. • Just as He called out to Adam, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9), and to Elijah, “What are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19:9), Jesus takes the initiative, proving that rescue does not depend on our ability to reach Him but on His choice to reach us. It is I • His first words are not a rebuke but a revelation: “It is I.” The phrase echoes God’s self-disclosure, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). • In John’s Gospel, Jesus repeatedly identifies Himself this way—“I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Each claim anchors faith in His divine identity. • By simply stating “It is I,” He assures the disciples that the mysterious figure on the waves is the same faithful Lord who multiplied bread earlier that day (John 6:11-13). • Recognizing Jesus changes everything. Where His presence is acknowledged, fear loses its grip (Psalm 16:8). do not be afraid • Throughout Scripture, God couples a revelation of Himself with the command not to fear: “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10); “Take courage! For I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). • Fear thrives on uncertainty. Jesus cancels uncertainty by revealing who He is and where He stands—right beside His people. • Practical takeaways: – Recall His past faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:18-19). – Focus on His presence rather than the problem (Psalm 23:4). – Obey His command immediately; peace follows trust (Philippians 4:6-7). • The disciples’ response? “They were willing to take Him into the boat” (John 6:21). When we welcome Christ into the center of our turmoil, He brings calm—sometimes to the storm, always to the heart (Matthew 14:32). summary John 6:20 shows Jesus initiating comfort in the midst of chaos, revealing His divine identity with the simple words “It is I,” and commanding His followers to abandon fear. When He speaks, storms shrink, and hearts settle. The passage invites us to listen for His voice, recognize His presence, and rest in the assurance that the One who walks on waves also walks beside us. (20) See the same words in Mark 6:50. St. Matthew's account is more full here, adding the trial of St. Peter's faith.Verse 20. - But he saith to them, It is I (literally, I am); be not afraid. These Divine words, in a voice which reminded them of his entire personality, of all his previous beneficence, of all his knowledge of their weakness and fear, are sacredly symbolic. The Church has ever since regarded them as veritably sacramental. In the darkest hour of men and Churches, in the throes of persecution in the furnace of temptation, on a million death-beds, the same voice has been heard. His Divine Personality, his infinite power and perfect sympathy, the conviction of his specialized regard and veritable nearness (as we count nearness), have scattered doubt and fear.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Butδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. [Jesus] spoke up: λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “It is εἰμι (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. I; Ἐγώ (Egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. {do} not μὴ (mē) Adverb Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. be afraid.” φοβεῖσθε (phobeisthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. Links John 6:20 NIVJohn 6:20 NLT John 6:20 ESV John 6:20 NASB John 6:20 KJV John 6:20 BibleApps.com John 6:20 Biblia Paralela John 6:20 Chinese Bible John 6:20 French Bible John 6:20 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: John 6:20 But he said to them It (Jhn Jo Jn) |