John 6:19

19 When they had rowed the boat about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water, coming toward the boat. The followers were afraid,

John 6:19 Meaning and Commentary

John 6:19

So when they had rowed
For the wind being contrary, they could not make use of their sails, but betook themselves to their oars, and by that means got

about five and twenty, or thirty furlongs;
which were three or four miles, or little more than a league; no further had they got, though they had been rowing from the time it was dark, to the fourth watch, which was after three o'clock in the morning; all this while they had been tossed in the sea;

they saw Jesus walking on the sea;
(See Gill on Matthew 14:25), (See Gill on Matthew 14:26), (See Gill on Matthew 14:29).

And drawing nigh unto the ship;
though Mark says, he "would have passed by them", ( Mark 6:48 ) ; that is, he seemed as if he would, but his intention was to come to them, and save them from perishing, as he did:

and they were afraid;
that he was a spirit, some nocturnal apparition, or demon, in an human form; (See Gill on Matthew 14:26).

John 6:19 In-Context

17 It was dark now, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The followers got into a boat and started across the lake to Capernaum.

18 By now a strong wind was blowing, and the waves on the lake were getting bigger.

19 When they had rowed the boat about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water, coming toward the boat. The followers were afraid,

20 but Jesus said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid."

21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat. At once the boat came to land at the place where they wanted to go.