Matthew 14 24

Matthew 14:24 kjv

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

Matthew 14:24 nkjv

But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Matthew 14:24 niv

and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Matthew 14:24 esv

but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.

Matthew 14:24 nlt

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.

Matthew 14 verses

Matthew 14 24 Meaning

Matthew 14:24 describes the disciples' perilous situation while crossing the Sea of Galilee. Having been sent by Jesus into the boat, they found themselves far from shore, struggling intensely against strong headwinds and waves. The verse vividly portrays their immediate and severe distress in the face of a tempestuous sea, emphasizing their vulnerability and the challenging conditions that developed during the night.

Matthew 14 24 Context

Matthew 14:24 occurs immediately after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. After this profound display of His power, Jesus compels His disciples to get into a boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, while He dismisses the crowds. Following the crowds' departure, Jesus withdraws alone to a mountain to pray, indicating a period of intense spiritual engagement for Him. This sequence establishes that the disciples are obeying Jesus' direct command, they are physically distant from Him, and it is night, a time often associated with darkness, danger, and vulnerability. The stormy sea becomes the setting for the disciples' test of faith and a further revelation of Jesus' divine authority.

Matthew 14 24 Word analysis

• But: (Greek: De, δέ)
  • Indicates a transition or contrast, setting up a change of scene or circumstances from the preceding verse (Jesus going up the mountain) to the disciples' plight.
  • It signals an unfolding event that follows the departure of Jesus.
• the boat: (Greek: to ploiarion, τὸ πλοιάριον)
  • A diminutive form of "boat," often translated as "little boat" or "skiff."
  • Highlights the small, fragile nature of the vessel and, by extension, the disciples' vulnerability on the vast, turbulent sea.
  • Symbolically, it often represents the early church, facing challenges in the world.
• was now: (Greek: ēdē, ἤδη)
  • Emphasizes the present reality and intensity of their predicament.
  • It suggests that by this point, a considerable amount of time had passed, and the storm had fully developed.
• in the midst of the sea: (Greek: en mesō tēs thalassēs, ἐν μέσῳ τῆς θαλάσσης)
  • Signifies being far from either shore, isolated and exposed to the full force of the elements.
  • Indicates they were beyond the safe havens of the coast, deep within the dangerous, open waters.
  • The "sea" (thalassēs) in Jewish thought often symbolized chaos, danger, and even the realm of evil forces.
• tossed by the waves: (Greek: basanizomenon hypo tōn kymatōn, βασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων)
  • Basanizomenon comes from basanizō, which means "to torture," "torment," "distress," "examine by torture," or "afflict."
  • It implies a severe, agonizing struggle, not just a gentle rocking. The boat (and the disciples within it) were being severely buffeted and distressed by the violent waves (kymatōn).
  • The passive voice "being tortured/tormented" emphasizes the boat's helplessness against the forces acting upon it.
• for the wind: (Greek: ēn gar ho anemos, ἦν γὰρ ὁ ἄνεμος)
  • "For" (gar) introduces the reason or explanation for the boat's struggle. The powerful agent causing their torment is identified as the wind.
  • "Wind" (anemos) is a force of nature, often symbolizing God's power or, in this context, an uncontrollable adversary.
• was contrary: (Greek: enantios, ἐναντίος)
  • Means "opposite," "adverse," "hostile," "against."
  • The wind was not merely blowing but was directly opposing their desired direction of travel, making progress difficult or impossible.
  • This "contrary wind" is a powerful image of obstacles faced in obedience to divine command.

Matthew 14 24 Bonus section

• The Sea of Galilee: Known for sudden, violent storms due to its elevation (below sea level) and the surrounding mountains creating funnels for strong winds. This makes the storm described in the verse not an unusual occurrence for the region, adding a layer of realism to the narrative for the original audience, while also heightening the dramatic context for Jesus' supernatural intervention.
• Nighttime: The storm occurring at night amplifies the sense of danger, isolation, and fear. Darkness conceals threats, heightens anxiety, and visually underscores the absence of the "light of the world" until Jesus' miraculous appearance.
• Obedience and Adversity: The disciples were in this situation precisely because they were following Jesus' instructions. This highlights a crucial theological point: obedience to God does not guarantee immunity from hardship but often places one in situations where divine intervention can be uniquely revealed.
• Symbolism of the Wind and Sea: Beyond being natural forces, the wind and sea often carry symbolic weight in the Bible, representing chaotic forces, trials, and even evil or human rebellion. Jesus' mastery over them, foreshadowed here and made evident in the subsequent verses, demonstrates His supreme sovereignty.

Matthew 14 24 Commentary

Matthew 14:24 offers a profound glimpse into the vulnerability of the disciples and the adversarial nature of the fallen world. Obediently traveling by Jesus' command, they are nevertheless met with severe trial. The detail of the "little boat" far "in the midst of the sea" under attack by "torturous waves" and a "contrary wind" vividly illustrates their perilous predicament and sense of isolation. This struggle signifies not merely a physical challenge but also a spiritual one, often symbolizing the trials that the Church and individual believers face when navigating a hostile world, even when following Christ's commands. It sets the stage for Jesus' coming to them in a miraculous way, revealing His authority over all creation and His attentiveness to His disciples' struggles. It underscores that challenges may intensify when Christ is not immediately visible, but He is aware of their plight.