Have you ever stood by the ocean and felt super tiny? The Bible has some awesome verses about the ocean that show God’s power and creativity. From calming storms to filling the sea with amazing creatures, these verses remind us of God’s greatness and His care for all His creations. Do you want to discover amazing scriptures about the ocean? Do read on!
Bible Verses About The Ocean
Genesis 1:10
“God called the dry land Earth, and the gathered waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good (pleasing, useful) and He affirmed and sustained it.”
Commentary: This verse highlights the creation of the oceans and seas as part of God’s perfect design. The vast expanse of water symbolizes God’s creativity and power. It reminds us that the oceans, with their beauty and resources, are part of God’s provision for humanity, deserving our respect and stewardship.
Job 38:8-11
“Or who enclosed the sea with doors when it burst forth and went out of the womb; When I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, And marked for it My appointed boundary and set bars and doors [defining the shorelines], And said, ‘Thus far you shall come, but no farther; And here your proud waves shall stop’?”
Commentary: These verses depict God’s sovereignty over the sea, setting its limits and controlling its power. It emphasizes the divine authority that establishes natural boundaries. The ocean, in its vastness and might, serves as a testament to God’s omnipotence and meticulous care in maintaining the balance of creation.
Psalm 8:8
“The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.”
Commentary: This verse reflects on the dominion God has given humanity over the creatures of the earth and sea. It acknowledges the intricate ecosystems of the ocean and the responsibility humans have to manage and protect marine life. It is a call to appreciate and sustain the diversity of life within the seas.
Psalm 93:4
“More than the sounds of many waters, Than the mighty breakers of the sea, The Lord on high is mighty.”
Commentary: This verse contrasts the roaring, powerful ocean waves with the even greater might of the Lord. It is a reminder that, despite the overwhelming power of natural forces, God’s strength surpasses them all. The ocean’s grandeur serves as a metaphor for God’s unparalleled sovereignty and strength.
Psalm 107:23-24
“Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters; They have seen the works of the Lord, And His wonders in the deep.”
Commentary: These verses recognize the experiences of seafarers who witness God’s wonders in the depths of the ocean. The sea is depicted as a place where God’s majestic works are evident. This highlights the ocean as a setting for divine revelation and the awe-inspiring presence of God in the natural world.
Psalm 139:9-10
“If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will take hold of me.”
Commentary: These verses assure us of God’s omnipresence and guidance, even in the farthest reaches of the sea. No matter how isolated or distant we feel, God is always with us, leading and supporting us. The vast ocean symbolizes the expansive reach of God’s presence and care.
Isaiah 11:9
“They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea.”
Commentary: This prophetic vision describes a future where God’s knowledge and glory fill the earth as abundantly as the waters cover the sea. It presents a picture of universal peace and divine wisdom permeating every part of creation. The ocean’s vastness is used to illustrate the comprehensive spread of God’s truth and presence.
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.”
Commentary: This verse provides comfort and assurance of God’s protection during life’s challenges, represented by passing through waters and rivers. The imagery of water conveys trials and difficulties, yet God’s promise is to be present and provide safety. It reassures believers of divine support through every adversity.
Jeremiah 5:22
“Do you not fear Me?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, An eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it.”
Commentary: This verse emphasizes God’s control over the natural world, setting boundaries for the sea. It serves as a reminder of God’s absolute authority and the order He maintains in creation. The ocean’s powerful waves, despite their force, are constrained by God’s command, symbolizing divine sovereignty over all creation.
Jeremiah 31:35
“Thus says the Lord, Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The Lord of hosts is His name.”
Commentary: This verse acknowledges God as the creator and sustainer of the celestial bodies and the sea. The roaring waves of the ocean are depicted as under His control. It highlights the continuous, dynamic interaction between God and His creation, reinforcing His identity as the omnipotent Lord of all.
Jonah 2:3
“For You cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the current engulfed me. All Your breakers and billowing waves passed over me.”
Commentary: This verse recounts Jonah’s experience of being cast into the sea, symbolizing a moment of divine discipline and reflection. The overwhelming nature of the ocean waves represents the profound challenges and the depths of human experience. It underscores God’s involvement in every circumstance, guiding believers through trials and lessons.
Matthew 8:27
“The men were amazed, and said, ‘What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’”
Commentary: This verse captures the disciples’ awe at Jesus’ command over the natural elements, including the sea. It demonstrates Jesus’ divine authority and power, affirming His identity as the Son of God. The calming of the sea is a testament to Christ’s sovereignty and His ability to bring peace in the midst of chaos.
Matthew 14:25-26
“And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear.”
Commentary: These verses recount the miraculous event of Jesus walking on water. It highlights His dominion over the natural world and reassures believers of His presence even in frightening and seemingly impossible situations. The disciples’ fear and astonishment emphasize the extraordinary nature of Jesus’ power.
Mark 4:39
“And He got up and sternly rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Hush, be still (muzzled)!’ And the wind died down as if it had grown weary, and there was at once a great calm [a perfect peacefulness].”
Commentary: This verse illustrates Jesus’ command over the storm, bringing immediate calm to the sea. It symbolizes His authority to bring peace and tranquility into chaotic and turbulent situations. The miraculous stilling of the storm serves as a powerful reminder of Christ’s control over all aspects of creation and life.
Luke 5:4
“When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon [Peter], ‘Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.’”
Commentary: This verse highlights Jesus’ direction to Peter to venture into deeper waters for a catch. It signifies a call to trust and obedience, even when circumstances seem unfavorable. The deep waters represent the unknown and challenging aspects of life where faith in Jesus’ guidance leads to abundant blessings.
John 21:6
“And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great catch of fish.”
Commentary: This verse describes a post-resurrection miracle where Jesus instructs His disciples to cast their net, resulting in a miraculous catch. It underscores Jesus’ provision and the abundance that comes from following His directions. The sea, once again, becomes a setting for divine revelation and blessing.
Acts 27:23-24
“For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has given you all those who are sailing with you.’”
Commentary: These verses recount Paul’s reassurance during a perilous sea journey. Despite the threat of shipwreck, God’s promise of protection and purpose prevails. The sea, with its dangers, becomes a backdrop for divine intervention and the fulfillment of God’s plan, emphasizing His presence and providence in all circumstances.
Revelation 7:1
“After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree.”
Commentary: This verse depicts a vision of angels controlling the winds to prevent them from blowing on the earth and the sea. It signifies divine restraint and protection, highlighting God’s sovereignty over natural forces. The imagery underscores the power and authority of God in maintaining order and executing His divine will.
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 is no longer any sea.”
Commentary: This verse describes the vision of a new creation where the old order has passed away. The absence of the sea in the new heaven and earth symbolizes the removal of chaos and separation, reflecting a state of perfect peace and harmony. It points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Exodus 14:21
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the seabed into dry land, and the waters were divided.”
Commentary: This verse recounts the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape from Egypt. It demonstrates God’s power to deliver His people and make a way through seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The event signifies God’s faithfulness and His ability to intervene dramatically in human history.
Nehemiah 9:11
“You divided the sea before them, So they passed through the midst of the sea on dry land; And You hurled their pursuers into the depths, Like a stone into raging waters.”
Commentary: This verse reflects on God’s intervention during the Exodus, highlighting His miraculous deliverance of the Israelites. The parting of the sea and the subsequent defeat of their enemies showcase God’s protective and redemptive actions. It serves as a powerful reminder of His sovereignty and care for His people.
Psalm 33:7
“He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He puts the deeps in storehouses.”
Commentary: This verse portrays God’s control over the waters of the sea, gathering them and placing them in designated boundaries. It emphasizes His authority over creation and His ability to manage and sustain the natural world. The imagery of storing the depths underscores God’s wisdom and power in maintaining order.
Psalm 65:7
“Who stills the roaring of the seas, The roaring of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples.”
Commentary: This verse describes God’s ability to calm the tumultuous seas, drawing a parallel to His power to bring peace among people. It highlights His role as a stabilizing force in both nature and human affairs. The calming of the sea serves as a metaphor for divine intervention in times of chaos and unrest.
Psalm 89:9
“You rule the swelling of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them.”
Commentary: This verse acknowledges God’s dominion over the ocean and His power to calm its rising waves. It reflects on the theme of divine sovereignty and control over the natural world. The imagery of God stilling the waves symbolizes His ability to bring peace and order to the most tumultuous situations.
Proverbs 8:29
“When He set for the sea its boundary So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth;”
Commentary: This verse highlights God’s establishment of boundaries for the sea as part of the creation order. It emphasizes the divine command that ensures the sea’s compliance with its limits. The verse underscores the wisdom and precision of God’s creative acts, reinforcing His ultimate authority over nature.
Isaiah 51:10
“Was it not You who dried up the sea, The waters of the great deep, Who made the depths of the sea a pathway For the redeemed to cross over?”
Commentary: This verse reflects on God’s miraculous intervention in parting the sea for the Israelites to cross. It serves as a reminder of His power to transform obstacles into pathways for His people. The drying up of the sea symbolizes divine deliverance and the fulfillment of God’s promises to His followers.
Ezekiel 26:16
“Then all the princes of the sea will step down from their thrones, remove their robes and strip off their embroidered garments. They will clothe themselves with trembling; They will sit on the ground, tremble every moment and be appalled at you and at your fate.”
Commentary: This verse prophesies the downfall of Tyre and the reaction of the rulers of the sea. It underscores the transient nature of human power and the ultimate authority of God over all nations and their leaders. The imagery of the sea and its princes serves as a metaphor for the impermanence of earthly glory and the inevitability of divine judgment.
Joel 2:20
“But I will remove the northern army far from you, And I will drive it into a parched and desolate land, And its vanguard into the eastern sea, And its rear guard into the western sea. And its stench will arise and its foul smell will come up, For it has done great things.”
Commentary: This verse speaks of God’s judgment against an invading army, symbolically cast into the sea. It reflects on divine retribution and the protection of His people from their enemies. The imagery of the sea as a place of defeat and cleansing highlights the power of God’s justice and His commitment to safeguarding His followers.
Amos 9:6
“It is He who builds His upper chambers in the heavens And has established His vaulted dome (the firmament of heaven) over the earth. He who calls to the waters of the sea And pours them out on the face of the earth—The Lord is His name.”
Commentary: This verse exalts God’s creative power and His control over the waters of the sea. It emphasizes His role as the architect of the heavens and the earth. The calling of the waters of the sea and their distribution across the earth illustrate God’s sovereignty over the natural order and His continuous involvement in sustaining creation.
Micah 7:19
“He will again have compassion on us; He will subdue our iniquities. And You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”
Commentary: This verse offers a message of hope and forgiveness, portraying God as compassionate and willing to forgive sins. The imagery of casting sins into the depths of the sea signifies their complete removal and God’s mercy. It reassures believers of God’s readiness to forgive and restore, emphasizing the depth of His grace.
Habakkuk 2:14
“But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, As the waters cover the sea.”
Commentary: This verse prophesies a future where the knowledge of God’s glory fills the earth as abundantly as the waters cover the sea. It envisions a world where divine truth and presence are universally recognized and revered. The comparison to the ocean’s vastness underscores the completeness and all-encompassing nature of God’s revelation.
What Does the Bible Say About The Ocean
The ocean is a vast, powerful, and mysterious creation of God. In the Bible, the ocean is often seen as a symbol of God’s mighty power and majesty. God created the ocean to be a place of beauty and wonder, a habitat for countless creatures that swim in its depths and play on its surface. The ocean’s roaring waves and calm waters remind us of the strength and peace that God provides in our lives.
The ocean also teaches us about the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge, which are as unfathomable as the deepest parts of the sea. When we look at the ocean, we can feel a sense of awe and reverence, knowing that the same God who created this immense body of water is the one who cares for us individually.
Throughout the Bible, the ocean is also used to illustrate the vastness of God’s love for humanity. Just as the ocean stretches beyond what our eyes can see, God’s love for us is limitless and unending. This reminds us that no matter where we are or what we are going through, God’s love surrounds us, much like the waters of the sea.
Moreover, the ocean serves as a reminder of God’s provision. The ocean provides food, resources, and even a livelihood for many people around the world. It shows us that God provides for our needs in ways that are both seen and unseen, just as the ocean’s bounty is hidden beneath its surface.
In times of trouble, the ocean can also remind us of God’s control over all things. Even when the sea is stormy and turbulent, God is still in charge, able to calm the waves and bring peace. This encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty and to find comfort in knowing that He is always in control, no matter how chaotic our circumstances may seem.
Lastly, the ocean’s vastness reminds us of the mystery of God. There is so much about the ocean that remains unknown to us, just as there are many aspects of God that we cannot fully comprehend. This calls us to a posture of humility and wonder, acknowledging that while we may not have all the answers, we can trust in the goodness and greatness of God who created the sea and everything in it.
So, the next time you stand at the shore and gaze out at the ocean, let it remind you of God’s power, wisdom, love, provision, control, and mystery. Just as the ocean is vast and beautiful, so is our God, who made it all.