Overview
The Bible addresses sea across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Psalms and Mark. Closely related themes include Water, God, Sea, the and Miracles of Christ, the. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus and Peter.
Key Bible verses about sea
Old Testament
Genesis
Job
Psalms
He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. The sea: Heb. Whose the sea is
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.
New Testament
Matthew
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. boisterous: or, strong
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Mark
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
People in the Bible and sea
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying sea for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 1:9, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Matthew, Psalms and Mark each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jesus and Peter and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Water, God, Sea, the and Miracles of Christ, the.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about sea?
The Bible addresses sea across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Psalms and Mark. Closely related themes include Water, God, Sea, the and Miracles of Christ, the. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus and Peter.
How many Bible verses are about sea?
The Bible references sea in 23 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention sea?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 1:9: “And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with sea?
Jesus and Peter.
Preach & teach
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