Mark 6:49

49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and screamed, scared out of their wits.

Mark 6:49 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 6:49

But when they saw him walking on the sea
(See Gill on Matthew 14:26);

they supposed it had been a spirit;
a phantom, a spectre, an apparition, a nocturnal demon:

and cried out;
as men affrighted at the sight, and fearing they should be hurt by it, or that it portended some evil to them; (See Gill on Matthew 14:26).

Mark 6:49 In-Context

47 Late at night, the boat was far out at sea; Jesus was still by himself on land.
48 He could see his men struggling with the oars, the wind having come up against them. At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. He intended to go right by them.
49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and screamed, scared out of their wits.
50 Jesus was quick to comfort them: "Courage! It's me. Don't be afraid."
51 As soon as he climbed into the boat, the wind died down. They were stunned, shaking their heads, wondering what was going on.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.