Matthew 14:28 kjv
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
Matthew 14:28 nkjv
And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."
Matthew 14:28 niv
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
Matthew 14:28 esv
And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."
Matthew 14:28 nlt
Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water."
Matthew 14 28 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 1:9 | And God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was so. | God's sovereign control over water |
| Job 9:8 | who alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea; | God's unique power over the sea |
| Ps 29:10 | The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as King forever. | God's supremacy over chaotic waters |
| Ps 77:19 | Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. | Divine presence in unseeable paths through water |
| Isa 43:16 | Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, | God creating paths through water |
| Mt 6:30 | But if God so clothes the grass of the field... how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? | Jesus' rebuke of "little faith" |
| Mt 8:26 | He said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. | Jesus calming storms, rebuke of doubt |
| Mt 14:24 | But the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. | Context of storm and danger |
| Mt 14:26 | When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. | Disciples' fear and misidentification of Jesus |
| Mk 6:49-50 | But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost, and cried out... But immediately He spoke to them and said, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." | Parallel account; disciples' fear, Jesus' identity |
| Lk 5:5 | But Simon answered Him, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." | Peter's obedience to Jesus' word despite logic |
| Lk 8:24 | And they went and woke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And He rose and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. | Jesus' authority over creation |
| Jn 2:5 | His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever He tells you." | Importance of obeying Jesus' command |
| Jn 21:7 | That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. | Peter's characteristic impetuous action toward Jesus |
| Rom 1:17 | For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." | Life by faith, foundational Christian principle |
| Rom 10:17 | So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. | Faith comes through Christ's word/command |
| 2 Cor 5:7 | for we walk by faith, not by sight. | Principle of walking by faith |
| Heb 10:23 | Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. | Holding fast to hope and faith in God's faithfulness |
| Heb 11:1 | Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. | Definition of faith |
| Heb 11:6 | And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. | Necessity of faith to please God |
| Jas 1:6 | But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. | Warning against doubting when asking God |
Matthew 14 verses
Matthew 14 28 Meaning
Matthew 14:28 describes Peter's remarkable and audacious request to Jesus during a terrifying storm. After Jesus appeared walking on the water, the disciples were gripped by fear, believing Him to be a ghost. In this context, Peter, demonstrating his characteristic impulsiveness, faith, and desire to be near Christ, asks for specific permission to also walk on the water, thus validating the reality of Jesus' divine presence and power. It captures a moment of Peter's developing understanding of Christ's unique authority, coupled with a human desire to partake in that miraculous power.
Matthew 14 28 Context
Matthew 14:28 takes place immediately after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand (Matt 14:15-21), an event that highlighted Jesus' power to provide abundantly. Following this, Jesus sends His disciples across the Sea of Galilee while He goes alone to pray on a mountain (Matt 14:22-23). During the fourth watch of the night (between 3-6 AM), a fierce storm erupts, threatening the disciples' boat. As they struggled against the strong wind and waves, Jesus appears, walking on the water (Matt 14:24-27). Initially, the terrified disciples mistake Him for a ghost. It is in this high-tension, supernatural moment that Peter steps forward with his unique request. Historically, Jewish tradition often associated the sea with chaos and divine judgment, and only God possessed power over it, making Jesus' act a clear demonstration of His deity.
Matthew 14 28 Word analysis
And Peter answered Him:
- Peter (Petros): His Aramaic name, Cephas (Jn 1:42), means "rock." He often acted as spokesman for the Twelve, characterized by his boldness, impulsiveness, and sometimes impetuosity, representing the best and worst aspects of faith under pressure. His immediate response here highlights his prominent role and eagerness.
- answered Him: Implies a previous unstated thought or question from the disciples or Jesus' declaration ("It is I. Do not be afraid") to which Peter responds. This isn't just a simple reply but an initiative.
and said, 'Lord,:
- Lord (Kyrie): A significant address. It could simply mean "Sir" or "Master" in common speech, but in this context, witnessing a supernatural act like walking on water, it carries a much deeper implication of divine authority and recognition. Peter is acknowledging Jesus as one who holds authority over creation, beyond human capabilities.
if it is You,:
- if it is You (ei sy ei): This is a conditional clause, often conveying doubt or a desire for confirmation. Peter, despite his faith, needs concrete proof in the face of such an unprecedented event. It is a bold test, simultaneously exhibiting nascent faith and residual human skepticism. He recognizes the supernatural but seeks certainty that it is indeed his beloved Master.
command me to come to You on the water.':
- command (keleuson): This verb means "to order" or "to command" from a position of authority. Peter understood that such an act was not possible by human will or strength; it required a divine decree, a transference of Christ's power. It indicates Peter's awareness that this would be a divinely enabled act, not a human feat.
- me to come to You: A profound desire for intimacy and participation with Christ. Peter wants to be where Jesus is, even in a miraculous setting, highlighting a personal devotion and yearning for fellowship.
- on the water (epi ta hydaton): Explicitly the same surface Jesus was traversing. This specifies the exact miraculous act he wished to replicate, confirming his intent to share in Jesus' extraordinary demonstration of power over creation.
words-group analysis:
- "And Peter answered Him and said...": Introduces Peter's characteristic role as the primary spokesperson and action-taker among the disciples. His personality is front and center.
- "'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You...'": This whole phrase encapsulates Peter's faith journey—a blend of recognition of Christ's authority (Kyrie), human doubt demanding confirmation (if it is You), audacious desire (come to You), and the correct understanding that it required divine enabling (command me).
- "...to come to You on the water.": Specifies the miracle and Peter's desire not just to escape the storm, but to participate in Jesus' miraculous walk, a unique act of trust and daring faith that sets him apart from the other disciples.
Matthew 14 28 Bonus section
Peter's request, while showing an initial lack of full certainty, also signifies an extraordinary faith unlike any other disciple in that moment. It's a prime example of proactive, daring faith. Many scholars view this moment not as a negative portrayal of Peter's doubt, but as a unique opportunity for him to experience Christ's power firsthand and be an illustration of the potential for even limited faith. This interaction between Peter and Jesus highlights a profound theological principle: when Jesus calls, and we step out in faith—even a hesitant faith—He meets us there. Peter didn't initiate the walking on water, he sought permission and command from the true Lord, understanding that true power originates from God. This passage also implicitly contrasts the passive fear of the other disciples with Peter's active, though mixed, engagement, setting him apart as a leader willing to take risks for Christ.
Matthew 14 28 Commentary
Matthew 14:28 presents a pivotal moment revealing Peter's distinctive character and the developing understanding of Jesus' deity. Peter's request, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water," is an audacious display of both burgeoning faith and human hesitation. He acknowledges Jesus' supernatural power by addressing Him as "Lord" and recognizing that walking on water requires a divine command, a direct enablement from Christ Himself. This shows a leap of faith to believe such a thing is possible with Jesus.
However, the "if it is You" clause also exposes a kernel of doubt or a need for absolute confirmation, especially given the disciples' prior belief that Jesus was a ghost. This demonstrates the struggle between empirical observation and spiritual conviction. Peter is not just seeking a trick; he seeks a real encounter and participation in Jesus' divine power. His desire to "come to You" speaks to his profound personal attachment to Christ, willing to step out of the perceived safety of the boat into the impossible. The miracle that unfolds next further teaches about the essence of true faith—it is not merely believing about Jesus, but believing in Him, trusting His word and stepping into the unknown because He commands it. It serves as an object lesson for discipleship: the willingness to leave the comfortable and embark on the miraculous, relying solely on Christ's authority.