8:27a
The men: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as The men refers to the men in the boat. In other words, it refers to the disciples.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
The men in the boat (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
The disciples (New Living Translation (2004))
were amazed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as were amazed also means “marveled.” The disciples were genuinely surprised that Jesus had this kind of authority.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
were amazed (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
were astonished at what had happened (Revised English Bible)
This same word occurs in 8:10a.
asked: The disciples were speaking to one another, not to Jesus. For example:
saying ⌊to one another⌋
-or-
and said ⌊to each other⌋
8:27b–c
What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!: This is a rhetorical question. It expresses surprise and amazement. The disciples expressed amazement that Jesus had such great power.
There are several ways to translate this amazement:
• As a rhetorical question. For example:
What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him? (New Revised Standard Version)
• As a question and an exclamation. For example:
What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him! (New International Version)
-or-
Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him. (Contemporary English Version)
• As one or two exclamations:
This man is amazing! Even the wind and water obey him!
obey Him!: The verb obey indicates that the winds and the seas did as Jesus commanded. In some languages, the verb obey can only be used with people or animals, not wind and water. So another verb must be used. For example:
He even controls the wind and the waves
-or-
He has power over even the wind and the waves.
-or-
Even the winds and the waves do as he says!
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