Matthew 14:22 kjv
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.
Matthew 14:22 nkjv
Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.
Matthew 14:22 niv
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.
Matthew 14:22 esv
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
Matthew 14:22 nlt
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.
Matthew 14 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mk 6:45 | Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him... | Parallel account, disciples commanded by Jesus |
| Jn 6:15 | perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, Jesus therefore withdrew... | Context of Jesus avoiding worldly kingship |
| Jn 6:17 | And getting into a boat, they started across the sea to Capernaum... | Parallel account, disciples leaving by boat |
| Mk 1:35 | In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place... | Jesus seeking solitude and prayer |
| Lk 5:16 | But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. | Jesus prioritizing withdrawal for prayer |
| Mat 4:18 | As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother... | Discipleship initiated near the Sea |
| Mat 8:23 | When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. | Disciples following Jesus into a boat |
| Mat 15:39 | And sending away the crowds, Jesus got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan. | Jesus dismissing crowds, then getting in boat |
| Mk 4:35 | On that day, when evening came, He said to them, "Let's cross over to the other side." | Jesus initiating crossing the lake |
| Mk 8:13 | And leaving them, He again embarked and went off to the other side. | Jesus departing by boat, leaving a group |
| Jn 4:3-4 | He left Judea and went again into Galilee. And He had to pass through Samaria. | Jesus leaving an area for a destination |
| Psa 2:2-3 | The kings of the earth take their stand... against the LORD and against His Anointed: "Let's tear their shackles apart...!" | Opposition to divine kingship by force |
| Jn 6:22 | The next day the crowd that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other small boat... | Crowd left behind by Jesus and disciples |
| Mk 3:9 | And He told His disciples to have a small boat ready for Him... | Jesus using boats for separation/ministry |
| Lk 9:10 | And when the apostles returned, they recounted to Him all that they had done... | Disciples often sent ahead or sent out |
| Ex 14:13 | But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today..." | God leading His people to safety |
| Deut 31:6 | "Be strong and courageous... the LORD your God is the One who is going with you." | Divine presence with His people on journeys |
| Heb 12:1-2 | let's run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus... | Focusing on Jesus through challenges |
| Isa 43:2 | "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you." | God's presence during water crossing |
| Isa 53:6 | All of us, like sheep, have gone astray... But the LORD has caused the wrongdoing of us all to fall on Him. | Leadership guiding astray people |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | for God is not a God of confusion but of peace... | God's order and purposeful action |
| Tit 3:1 | Remind them to be subject to rulers... to be ready for every good deed... | Obedience to authority and purposeful living |
Matthew 14 verses
Matthew 14 22 Meaning
Matthew 14:22 immediately follows the miraculous feeding of over five thousand people. It depicts Jesus, with an urgency signaled by "immediately," directing His disciples to embark in a boat and proceed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, while He personally takes on the task of dismissing the large multitude. This action is crucial as it prepares the setting for the subsequent events of Jesus walking on water and reveals His control over circumstances and His intentional separation from the crowds for deeper purposes. It highlights Jesus' authoritative leadership and His desire to ensure the disciples' focus on their spiritual journey, perhaps protecting them from the crowd's misplaced enthusiasm.
Matthew 14 22 Context
This verse is critically positioned within the narrative of Matthew. It directly follows the astounding miracle of Jesus feeding five thousand men, besides women and children, with only five loaves and two fish. This immense miracle had left a deep impression on the crowds. John's Gospel (Jn 6:15) indicates that after this miracle, the people were so impressed that they intended to "come and take Him by force to make Him king."
Matthew 14:22, therefore, depicts Jesus' swift and decisive action to manage the aftermath of this significant event. By immediately sending His disciples away in a boat and then personally dispersing the large multitude, Jesus avoids being swept up by popular political zeal and ensures that the focus remains on His spiritual mission, not a worldly kingdom. This act of separation sets the stage for the next test of faith for the disciples – the storm on the sea and Jesus walking on water – reinforcing their dependence on Him and revealing His divine power away from the immediate distraction of the crowd. The scene transition also emphasizes Jesus' intentional withdrawal for prayer, as indicated in the very next verse.
Matthew 14 22 Word analysis
- Immediately (εὐθέως - euthéōs): This adverb signifies swiftness and urgency. Its usage here highlights Jesus' immediate and decisive action. It points to His purposeful will to separate His disciples and disperse the crowds without delay, preventing any escalation of the people's desire to forcefully make Him king (Jn 6:15) and ensuring His personal time of prayer.
- Jesus (Ἰησοῦς - Iēsoûs): The central figure and active subject. He initiates the command, demonstrating His absolute authority and control over His disciples and the situation.
- Made His disciples get into (ἠνάγκασεν τοὺς μαθητὰς ἐμβῆναι εἰς) / compelled the disciples to embark: The verb
ἠνάγκασεν(ēnagkasen), meaning "compelled" or "forced," suggests that the disciples may have been reluctant or slow to respond. This compulsion could stem from fatigue after serving the crowd, confusion about Jesus' intentions, or even the allure of the crowd's excitement to enthrone Jesus. It highlights Jesus' firm leadership, guiding them, possibly for their protection and to set them up for a crucial spiritual lesson. - The boat (τὸ πλοῖον - to ploíon): A common fishing vessel on the Sea of Galilee. Here it serves as the means of transport, symbolizing the vehicle for their next phase of the journey and possibly their ministry, often a place of learning from Jesus.
- Go before Him (προάγειν ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ - proágein émprosthen autoû): To precede or go ahead of Him. This indicates a planned, strategic separation. Jesus had a specific purpose in sending them ahead, leading them into a situation where their faith would be tested and deepened.
- To the other side (εἰς τὸ πέραν - eis tò péran): Refers to the opposite shore of the Sea of Galilee, likely near Bethsaida or Gennesaret. This signifies a transition from the populous area of the feeding miracle to a new setting for the subsequent events, possibly away from immediate Jewish populated areas and toward more Gentile-influenced territories.
- While He sent the multitudes away (ἕως οὗ ἀπολύσῃ τοὺς ὄχλους - heōs hoû apolýsē toùs ókhlous):
sent away(ἀπολύσῃ - apolýsē): To release, dismiss, or let go. Jesus personally undertook this task, asserting His control and ensuring the crowd dispersed without incident.multitudes (τοὺς ὄχλους - toùs ókhlous): The large crowd, now fed and possibly elated or agitated, demonstrating Jesus' mastery over their collective will and potential for disorder.
Matthew 14 22 Bonus section
- Jesus' actions in this verse perfectly illustrate His steadfast focus on His divine mission and His resistance to being molded by human expectations or desires for worldly power. This sets Him apart from earthly leaders seeking popular acclaim.
- The "compulsion" of the disciples (ἀνάγκασεν) foreshadows how God sometimes leads His people into difficult or challenging situations for the purpose of spiritual growth and revelation, often when they would not choose it for themselves.
- This verse subtly reinforces the distinction between the disciples, who are chosen for deeper lessons, and the multitude, who have received physical provision but whose understanding remains largely external. Jesus separates the inner circle for unique spiritual training.
Matthew 14 22 Commentary
Matthew 14:22 is a pivot point in the narrative. After a display of immense power and compassion in feeding the thousands, Jesus does not revel in the crowd's adulation or exploit their desire to make Him a worldly king. Instead, He decisively takes control. The "immediate" action underscores His purposeful intention: to avert misdirected enthusiasm, ensure the safety and focus of His disciples, and withdraw for vital communion with His Father. His compelling of the disciples to get into the boat signals a protective yet preparatory act, shielding them from the worldly allure of kingship that John 6 reveals, and setting them up for a transformative encounter with His divine power on the water. Simultaneously, His dismissal of the multitude asserts His authority, prioritizing spiritual lessons and His divine timetable over popular acclaim or earthly political agendas. This verse thus lays the groundwork for a demonstration of His sovereignty over creation and His role as the true King, whose reign is spiritual and not of this world.