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Matthew 14

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.

And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.

And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.

And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.

And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

He said, Bring them hither to me.

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

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.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;

And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

What does Matthew 14:31 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 14:31 speaks of a moment where Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, becomes frightened by the stormy conditions while walking on water towards Jesus.

In response to Peter's fear and subsequent doubt, which causes him to begin sinking, Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and catches him.

Jesus then questions Peter, addressing his lack of faith and his doubt.

The words "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" not only address Peter's personal crisis of faith in this event but also serve as a broader admonition for believers to trust in Jesus' power and presence, even in tumultuous situations.

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Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of first-century Palestine, a time when the Sea of Galilee was a central feature in the life of those who lived around it.

Many of Jesus' disciples, including Peter, were fishermen and were thus intimately familiar with the sea's conditions.

The event occurs immediately after the feeding of the five thousand, a miracle where Jesus feeds a large crowd with five loaves and two fishes.

The disciples were likely tired and the sudden storm may have been seen as a test of their faith following the miraculous feeding.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse touches on several themes. It demonstrates the divinity of Jesus, he can walk on water and control nature. It points to the human inclination toward doubt, especially when faced with fear.

Furthermore, some theologians suggest that Peter's walk on water represents the Christian walk, a blend of faith and doubt, and Jesus' rescue symbolizes divine grace that saves believers despite their faltering faith.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can be interpreted as a call for individuals to maintain faith when facing personal challenges.

It teaches that when believers begin to sink under the weight of their problems, Jesus is ready to reach out and help, provided they call out to Him.

It also suggests that faith requires an element of risk-taking and stepping out of one's comfort zone, as Peter did when he stepped onto the water.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:26: "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."
Matthew 16:8: "Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?"
Matthew 6:30: "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?"

Language Study

In the original Greek language of the New Testament, the phrase "O thou of little faith" is translated from "ὀλιγόπιστε" (oligopiste), which directly translates as "little-faith" and refers to someone who has an insufficient amount of faith or trust.

The word "doubt" translates from "ἐδίστασας" (edistasas), meaning to waver or hesitate, which suggests not just a lack of belief but an internal struggle between faith and disbelief.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient myths and religious traditions, water often symbolizes chaos and the unknown.

In the story of Gilgamesh, for example, the hero faces a great flood, which represents a test of endurance and faith in the gods.

Jesus walking on water and rescuing Peter may parallel these ancient themes, showing a divine figure bringing order to chaos.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific point of view, the act of walking on water as depicted in the Bible contradicts our understanding of physics and human capabilities.

However, some contemporary interpretations might view this as a metaphor for overcoming seemingly impossible challenges through faith and divine intervention, rather than as a literal event.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varied interpretations of this verse.

Some view Peter's doubt as a natural response to an extraordinary situation and suggest that Jesus' question is meant to correct and teach rather than condemn.

Others propose that it is a demonstration of Jesus' patience and his role as a teacher and savior who is always ready to help, even when faith wanes.

Commentators often focus on the aspect of immediate rescue, interpreting it as an example of God's readiness to assist the moment a believer asks for help.

Matthew 14

Matthew 14

What does Matthew 14:31 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 14:31 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?