25 Bible Verses About The Sea (With Commentary)

The sea has always captivated humanity with its vastness, beauty, and mystery. Today, we’ll embark on a spiritual journey to explore what the Bible has to say about the sea.

From its symbolic significance as a representation of God’s power and sovereignty to the lessons it teaches about faith and trust, these verses will deepen your appreciation for the sea’s profound role in the scriptures.

Bible Verses About The Sea

Psalm 93:4

“Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is mighty.”

This verse emphasizes the power and might of God over the sea. It showcases how God’s authority surpasses even the strongest forces of nature. Just as the sea can be turbulent and overwhelming, God’s power is greater and can calm any storm we may face in our lives.

Psalm 107:29

“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”

Here, we see the authority of God displayed as He has the power to calm the raging sea. This verse reminds us that no matter how tumultuous our circumstances may be, God has the power to bring peace and stillness into our lives. Just as He can calm the stormy waters, He can bring tranquility and serenity to our souls.

Mark 4:39

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

This verse recounts the miraculous event when Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee. It reveals Jesus’ authority over nature and His ability to bring peace in the midst of chaos. It reminds us that we can call upon Jesus to bring stillness to the storms of our lives, knowing that He has the power to calm any situation we face.

Isaiah 43:2

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

This verse assures us of God’s presence and protection in the midst of trials and difficulties. It reminds us that even when we face overwhelming circumstances, God is with us, ensuring that we will not be overtaken by the waters or consumed by the flames. We can trust in His faithfulness to guide and guard us through every challenge we encounter.

Exodus 14:21

“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided.”

This verse recounts the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, which allowed the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptian army. It showcases the extraordinary power of God to intervene in our lives, making a way where there seems to be no way. It encourages us to trust in God’s ability to provide deliverance and breakthrough, even in the most challenging and impossible situations.

Revelation 21:1

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.”

This verse speaks of the future fulfillment of God’s plan, where there will be a new heaven and earth and the absence of the sea. While the sea is often used symbolically in the Bible to represent chaos and unrest, this verse signifies the ultimate restoration and renewal that will take place in the new creation. It reminds us that one day, all sorrows and troubles associated with the sea will cease, and we will experience eternal peace and tranquility in the presence of God.

Joshua 3:16

“The water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.”

This verse recounts another miraculous crossing of water, similar to the parting of the Red Sea. It highlights God’s faithfulness in guiding His people through impossible obstacles. It serves as a reminder that God has the power to make a way for us, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable barriers. We can trust in Him to lead us triumphantly through any challenging situation we encounter.

Psalm 107:23-30

“Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.”

This passage recounts the story of sailors who faced a tumultuous storm at sea. Despite their initial fear and desperation, they called out to the Lord for help, and He responded by calming the storm and guiding them to safety. This serves as a powerful reminder that when we find ourselves in the midst of life’s storms, we can cry out to God, knowing that He is faithful to rescue and lead us to a place of security and peace.

Matthew 14:25

“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.”

This verse captures the awe-inspiring moment when Jesus walked on water, approaching His disciples who were on a boat in the middle of the sea. It reveals His supernatural power and authority over the natural laws of the physical world. It reminds us that nothing is impossible for Him, and He can manifest His presence and strength in the midst of our most challenging circumstances. We can have confidence that Jesus is always with us, ready to come to our aid in times of trouble.

Jonah 1:4

“Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.”

In this verse, we see how God used a storm at sea to get Jonah’s attention and redirect his path. It depicts God’s sovereign control over the forces of nature and His ability to bring about His plans and purposes through even the most unexpected means. It teaches us that God can use difficult and challenging situations to teach us valuable lessons and guide us back onto the right path.

Psalm 89:9

“You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.”

This verse speaks of God’s authority over the seas and His ability to bring calm and stillness to the raging waves. It reassures us of His sovereignty and control over every aspect of creation, including the tumultuous circumstances we may face in life. It reminds us that we can trust in His power to bring peace and order into any chaotic situation we encounter.

Matthew 8:26

“He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”

This verse recounts the moment when Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith and then calmed the stormy sea. It serves as a reminder that fear and faith are incompatible, and that trusting in God’s power and goodness can bring peace even in the midst of the most turbulent circumstances. It encourages us to have faith and rely on Jesus, knowing that He has the authority to bring stillness and tranquility to the storms of our lives.

Psalm 46:1-3

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

This passage reminds us that God is our source of refuge and strength, always ready to help us in times of trouble. It assures us that even if the world around us is in chaos and turmoil, we can find security and peace in God’s presence. It encourages us to place our trust in Him, knowing that He is steadfast and unchanging, able to provide stability and protection amidst the uncertainties of life.

Isaiah 51:15

“For I am the LORD your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD Almighty is his name.”

This verse declares that it is God who stirs up the sea and causes its waves to roar. It reminds us of His ultimate sovereignty and control over all creation, including the mighty forces of nature. Despite the overwhelming power of the sea, God is even greater and can bring peace and stillness to any storm we may face. It encourages us to trust in His name and rest in His ability to calm the raging seas of our lives.

Psalm 135:6-7

“The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.”

This passage acknowledges God as the One who governs and controls all aspects of creation, including the seas. It emphasizes His power and authority to bring forth and manipulate natural elements according to His will. It reminds us that no matter how unpredictable or chaotic our circumstances may appear, we serve a God who is in complete control and can orchestrate everything according to His divine purpose.

Job 38:8-11

“Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’?”

In these verses, God reminds Job of His divine authority and control over the sea. It showcases His ability to set boundaries and limits for the waters, preventing them from overstepping their bounds. It serves as a reminder that no matter how turbulent or overwhelming our circumstances may appear, God has set boundaries for them and will not allow them to consume or overwhelm us. We can trust in His sovereignty and rest in the assurance that He is always in complete control.

Jeremiah 31:35

“This is what the LORD says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD Almighty is his name.”

This verse declares that God is the One who stirs up the sea and causes its waves to roar. It highlights His sovereignty and power over all of creation, from the sun and stars to the vast oceans. It reminds us that just as God commands the seas, He is also in control of every aspect of our lives. We can take comfort in knowing that the One who governs the oceans is also overseeing and orchestrating our lives according to His divine plan.

Psalm 29:3

“The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.”

This verse describes the power and majesty of God as He thunders over the mighty waters. It points to His authority and dominion over the seas and showcases His greatness. It reminds us that the same God who can make the waters tremble with His voice is the One who is with us and for us. We can trust in His power and find comfort in His presence, knowing that He is able to calm any storm we may face.

Genesis 1:9-10

“And God said, ‘Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.’ And it was so. God called the dry ground ‘land,’ and the gathered waters he called ‘seas.’ And God saw that it was good.”

This verse describes the creation of the seas, as God gathered the waters to one place and allowed dry land to appear. It highlights God’s power and creativity in forming the earth and its various elements. It serves as a reminder of His goodness and intentionality in his design of the world we live in. We can marvel at the vastness of the seas and know that they are a testament to the greatness and artistry of our Creator.

Psalm 8:8

“the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.”

This verse speaks of the abundance of marine life that dwells in the sea. It showcases the incredible diversity and intricacy of God’s creation, both in the skies and the depths of the waters. It reminds us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, created by the majestic hand of God. It invites us to appreciate and care for the creatures that inhabit the sea, recognizing them as part of God’s marvelous creation.

Psalm 69:1-2

“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.”

These verses depict a desperate cry for help in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. It captures the feeling of being trapped in the deep waters with no way out. It expresses the experience of sinking in the miry depths of life, where it seems impossible to find solid ground. It serves as a reminder that in our darkest moments, we can turn to God and cry out for His salvation. He is our rescuer and the one who can lift us up from the depths and set our feet upon solid ground.

Matthew 8:23-27

“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!’”

This passage recounts the story of Jesus calming the storm while He and His disciples were in a boat on the sea. It exemplifies Jesus’ authority over the natural elements and His ability to bring peace to turbulent situations. It exposes the disciples’ lack of faith and their tendency to fear, even in the presence of their Savior. It teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s power, even when faced with overwhelming circumstances, knowing that He has the ability to calm the storms of life and bring tranquility to our souls.

Psalm 107:23-32

“Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril, their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.”

This passage recounts the experiences of sailors who faced a tempestuous storm at sea. It portrays their initial distress and fear as they were tossed about by the raging waves. However, in their desperate state, they cried out to the Lord, and He calmed the storm and guided them to safety. It emphasizes the importance of turning to God in times of trouble and praising Him for His steadfast love and faithfulness. It reminds us that no matter how turbulent our lives may become, God is always there to bring peace and lead us to our desired haven.

Revelation 4:6-8

“Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”

This passage offers a glimpse into the magnificent and awe-inspiring scene around the throne of God. It describes a sea of glass, clear as crystal, and four living creatures full of eyes, incessantly declaring the holiness of the Lord. It symbolizes the majesty and grandeur of God’s presence and the constant worship taking place in His heavenly realm. It serves as an invitation to join in adoration and praise to the Almighty, recognizing His eternal nature and acknowledging His holiness.

What Does the Bible Say About The Sea?

In the Bible, the sea is a recurring symbol with various symbolic and literal meanings. As we explore its significance, we’ll discover that the sea represents both the natural world and spiritual concepts in the biblical text.

1. Creation and Separation: In Genesis 1:6-10, we find that God created the seas on the third day of creation. He separated the waters above from the waters below, creating a division between the waters and the dry land. This act of separation is a fundamental theme in the Bible, symbolizing God’s order and control over the chaos of the world.

2. Symbol of Chaos: Throughout the Old Testament, the sea is often used as a symbol of chaos and disorder. In many ancient cultures, the sea was seen as a mysterious and unpredictable force, and this notion is reflected in the biblical narrative. For example, in Psalm 93:3-4, the psalmist describes the seas as roaring, highlighting their uncontrollable nature.

3. Crossing the Red Sea: One of the most famous sea-related events in the Bible is the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites (Exodus 14). This miraculous event symbolizes God’s deliverance and salvation. It represents liberation from oppression and the journey towards a promised land. The Red Sea’s parting signifies God’s power to make a way even when it seems impossible.

4. The Sea as a Place of Judgment: In the prophetic books, the sea is often associated with divine judgment. In Revelation 20:13, it is said that the sea will give up the dead for judgment, emphasizing the idea that nothing can escape God’s judgment.

5. Calming the Storm: In the New Testament, Jesus’ ability to calm a storm at sea (Mark 4:35-41) demonstrates his authority over both the natural world and the spiritual realm. It teaches us to trust in Him, even in the midst of life’s storms.

6. Symbol of the Gentiles: In a broader sense, the sea can symbolize the Gentile nations or non-Jewish people. The Apostle John uses this imagery in Revelation, where the “sea” often stands for the nations outside the covenant community of faith (Revelation 13:1). This underscores the theme of God’s universal sovereignty.

In summary, the sea in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol. It represents both the natural world’s unpredictability and God’s power to control it, as well as spiritual concepts like chaos, deliverance, judgment, and the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan. Understanding the symbolism of the sea in the Bible can deepen our appreciation of the rich theological themes woven throughout the scriptures.