Matthew 14:28
New International Version
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

New Living Translation
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

English Standard Version
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.”

Berean Literal Bible
And Peter answering said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You upon the waters."

King James Bible
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

New King James Version
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

New American Standard Bible
Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

NASB 1995
Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

NASB 1977
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Peter answered and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

Amplified Bible
Peter replied to Him, “Lord, if it is [really] You, command me to come to You on the water.”

Christian Standard Bible
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Lord, if it’s You,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.”

American Standard Version
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee upon the waters.

Contemporary English Version
Peter replied, "Lord, if it really is you, tell me to come to you on the water."

English Revised Version
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee upon the waters.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Peter answered, "Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water."

Good News Translation
Then Peter spoke up. "Lord, if it is really you, order me to come out on the water to you."

International Standard Version
Peter answered him, "Lord, if it's you, order me to come to you on the water."

Majority Standard Bible
?Lord, if it is You,? Peter replied, ?command me to come to you on the water.?

NET Bible
Peter said to him, "Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water."

New Heart English Bible
Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it is thou, bid me come to thee on the water.

Weymouth New Testament
"Master," answered Peter, "if it is you, bid me come to you upon the water."

World English Bible
Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Peter answering Him said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the waters”;

Berean Literal Bible
And Peter answering said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You upon the waters."

Young's Literal Translation
And Peter answering him said, 'Sir, if it is thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Peter having answered him, said, Lord, if thou art, encourage me to come upon the waters.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Peter making answer, said: Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Peter responded by saying, “Lord, if it is you, order me come to you over the waters.”

New American Bible
Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

New Revised Standard Version
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Peter answered and said to him, My Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Kaypha answered and he said to him, “My Lord, if you are He, command me to come unto you on the water.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Peter answered him, and said: Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee on the water.

Godbey New Testament
And Peter responding said, Lord, if thou art there, command me to come to thee on the waters.

Haweis New Testament
Then Peter answering, said, Lord, if it be thou, command me to come unto thee upon the waters.

Mace New Testament
Peter answered, Lord, said he, if it be you, bid me come upon the water to you.

Weymouth New Testament
"Master," answered Peter, "if it is you, bid me come to you upon the water."

Worrell New Testament
And Peter, answering Him, said, "Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come to Thee on the water."

Worsley New Testament
Then Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be thou, command me to come unto thee upon the waters.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Walks on Water
27But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 28“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.” 29“Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.…

Cross References
Matthew 8:26-27
“You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. / The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!”

John 21:7
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it) and jumped into the sea.

Mark 6:50-51
for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” / Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. And the disciples were utterly astounded,

Luke 5:5
“Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.”

John 6:19-20
When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified. / But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.”

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.

James 1:6
But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

John 14:12
Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Exodus 14:21-22
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.

Joshua 3:15-17
Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, / the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. / The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan.

1 Kings 18:36-38
At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” / Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench.

2 Kings 2:8
And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.


Treasury of Scripture

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be you, bid me come to you on the water.

bid.

Matthew 19:27
Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

Matthew 26:33-35
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended…

Mark 14:31
But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

Jump to Previous
Bid Command Master Order Peter Sir Water Waters
Jump to Next
Bid Command Master Order Peter Sir Water Waters
Matthew 14
1. Herod's opinion of Jesus.
3. Wherefore John Baptist was beheaded.
13. Jesus departs into a solitary place,
15. where he feeds five thousand men with five loves and two fishes.
22. He walks on the sea to his disciples;
34. and landing at Gennesaret,
35. heals the sick who touch of the hem of his garment.














Lord
The Greek word used here is "Κύριε" (Kyrie), a term of respect and authority, often used to address God or a master. In this context, Peter acknowledges Jesus' divine authority and sovereignty. This recognition is crucial, as it sets the stage for the miraculous event that follows. Peter's use of "Lord" signifies his faith and submission to Jesus, acknowledging Him as the one who commands the elements and has power over nature.

if it is You
This phrase reflects Peter's initial doubt and need for confirmation. The Greek "εἰ σὺ εἶ" (ei sy ei) indicates a conditional statement, showing Peter's desire for assurance. This moment captures the human struggle between faith and doubt, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. Peter's request for confirmation is not unlike Gideon's fleece test in Judges 6, where he seeks assurance of God's presence and will.

Peter replied
Peter, often seen as the spokesperson for the disciples, is characterized by his impulsive nature and bold faith. His response here is immediate and direct, reflecting his eagerness to engage with Jesus. Historically, Peter's role among the disciples is significant, as he often acts as a leader and is later foundational in the early church, as seen in the Book of Acts.

command me
The Greek word "κέλευσον" (keleuson) is an imperative, showing Peter's willingness to obey Jesus' directive. This request highlights Peter's understanding that any miraculous act must be initiated by Jesus' command. It underscores the principle that true faith involves obedience to Christ's word, as seen throughout the New Testament.

to come to You
This phrase indicates Peter's desire to be close to Jesus, even in the midst of a storm. The Greek "ἐλθεῖν πρὸς σέ" (elthein pros se) suggests movement towards Jesus, symbolizing the Christian journey of drawing nearer to Christ despite life's challenges. This movement towards Jesus is a metaphor for spiritual growth and discipleship.

on the water
The phrase "ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα" (epi ta hydata) refers to the miraculous nature of walking on water, an act that defies natural laws. Water, often symbolic of chaos and danger in biblical literature, here becomes a medium for demonstrating Jesus' divine power and Peter's faith. This event echoes Old Testament themes where God demonstrates His power over the waters, such as in the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and the calming of the storm (Psalm 107:29).

(28, 29) And Peter answered him.--The incident that follows is narrated by St. Matthew only. It may have been one which the Apostle did not willingly recall, and which was therefore omitted by his disciple St. Mark and by his friend St. John, while St. Luke, writing as a compiler, came into the circle of those among whom it was seldom, if ever, mentioned. It is, however, eminently characteristic. Eager but not steadfast, daring and yet fearful, the Apostle is on that stormy night, as he was afterwards among the scoffs and questionings in the porch of the high priest's palace. "If it be Thou . . ." The voice, the form are not enough for him. It may yet, he thinks, be a spectre or a dream, and therefore he demands a sign. He, too, must walk upon the waters. And at first his faith sustains him. He is a sharer with his Master in that intensity of spiritual life which suspends the action of natural laws by one which is supernatural.

Verses 28-31. - St. Peter's venture. Matthew only. Verse 28. - And; δέ, slightly adversative, because St. Peter's words were so contrary to what might have been expected. Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou (εἰ σὺ εῖ). No doubt is implied (Matthew 4:3, note). Bid me (κέλευσόν με); jube me (Vulgate). He will only come at Christ's command. In this lies the difference - and it is a decisive difference - from the second temptation (Matthew 4:6). Come unto thee on the water. Not "bid me walk on the water;" for he does not want to perform a miracle, but to come to Jesus. His request is not due to the hope of making a show, but to impulsive love. Observe, too, that he seems to have realized that the Lord would enable his followers to do as he himself did (cf. Chrysostom). On the water; the waters (Revised Version); rough though they were. Had we any ether account of this incident, it would be interesting to see if it contained these words. They read very like an explanatory addition by the narrator.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Lord,
Κύριε (Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

[it] is
εἶ (ei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

You,”
σὺ (sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

Peter
Πέτρος (Petros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

replied,
Ἀποκριθεὶς (Apokritheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“command
κέλευσόν (keleuson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2753: To command, order, direct, bid. From a primary kello; 'hail'; to incite by word, i.e. Order.

me
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

to come
ἐλθεῖν (elthein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

You
σὲ (se)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

water.”
ὕδατα (hydata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5204: Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.


Links
Matthew 14:28 NIV
Matthew 14:28 NLT
Matthew 14:28 ESV
Matthew 14:28 NASB
Matthew 14:28 KJV

Matthew 14:28 BibleApps.com
Matthew 14:28 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 14:28 Chinese Bible
Matthew 14:28 French Bible
Matthew 14:28 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 14:28 Peter answered him and said Lord if (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 14:27
Top of Page
Top of Page