Matthew 14:30
New International Version
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

New Living Translation
But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

English Standard Version
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

Berean Standard Bible
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Berean Literal Bible
And seeing the charging wind, he was afraid, and having begun to sink, he cried out saying, "Lord, save me!"

King James Bible
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

New King James Version
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

New American Standard Bible
But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

NASB 1995
But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

NASB 1977
But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Legacy Standard Bible
But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Amplified Bible
But when he saw [the effects of] the wind, he was frightened, and he began to sink, and he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Christian Standard Bible
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

American Standard Version
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.

Contemporary English Version
But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.

English Revised Version
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But when he noticed how strong the wind was, he became afraid and started to sink. He shouted, "Lord, save me!"

Good News Translation
But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. "Save me, Lord!" he cried.

International Standard Version
But when he noticed the strong wind, he was frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, "Lord, save me!"

Majority Standard Bible
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ?Lord, save me!?

NET Bible
But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid. And starting to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

New Heart English Bible
But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he yelled, saying, "Lord, save me."

Webster's Bible Translation
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Weymouth New Testament
But when he felt the wind he grew frightened, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Master, save me."

World English Bible
But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but seeing the vehement wind, he was afraid, and having begun to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Berean Literal Bible
And seeing the charging wind, he was afraid, and having begun to sink, he cried out saying, "Lord, save me!"

Young's Literal Translation
but seeing the wind vehement, he was afraid, and having begun to sink, he cried out, saying, 'Sir, save me.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And seeing the wind strong, he was afraid: and beginning to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But seeing the wind strong, he was afraid: and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying: Lord, save me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, seeing that the wind was strong, he was afraid. And as he began to sink, he cried out, saying: “Lord, save me.”

New American Bible
But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

New Revised Standard Version
But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But when he saw that the wind was severe, he was afraid, and began to sink, and he raised his voice and said, My Lord, save me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when he saw the wind was violent, he was afraid, and he began to sink, and he raised his voice and he said, “My Lord, save me!”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But when he saw the wind strong, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying: Lord, save me.

Godbey New Testament
And seeing the wind strong, became alarmed; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.

Haweis New Testament
But seeing the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink in the deep, he cried out, saying, Lord save me.

Mace New Testament
but finding the wind boisterous, he was afraid: and beginning to sink, cried out, Lord, save me.

Weymouth New Testament
But when he felt the wind he grew frightened, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Master, save me."

Worrell New Testament
But, seeing the wind, he was frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"

Worsley New Testament
And Peter went down from the ship and walked upon the waters to go to Jesus: but seeing the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink cried out, Lord, save me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Walks on Water
29“Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”…

Cross References
Matthew 8:25
The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

Mark 4:38-40
But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” / Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. / “Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?”

Luke 8:24
The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm.

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 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Psalm 69:1-3
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. / I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me. / I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

Psalm 107:28-30
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. / He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed. / They rejoiced in the silence, and He guided them to the harbor they desired.

Jonah 2:2-3
saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice. / For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current swirled about me; all Your breakers and waves swept over me.

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

Romans 10:13
for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Psalm 18:16
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.

Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 46:1-3
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah


Treasury of Scripture

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

when.

Matthew 26:69-75
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee…

2 Kings 6:15
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

Mark 14:38,66-72
Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak…

boisterous.

Matthew 8:24,25
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep…

Psalm 3:7
Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Psalm 69:1,2
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul…

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Afraid Beginning Begun Boisterous Cried Cry Fear Felt Frightened Grew Help Master Save Sink Sir Starting Strong Vehement Wind
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Afraid Beginning Begun Boisterous Cried Cry Fear Felt Frightened Grew Help Master Save Sink Sir Starting Strong Vehement Wind
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.














But when he saw the strength of the wind
Peter's experience on the water occurs during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, a body of water known for sudden and violent storms due to its geographical location. The "strength of the wind" highlights the natural challenges faced by the disciples, emphasizing the reality of the situation. Biblically, wind often symbolizes chaos and trials (e.g., Job 1:19, Jonah 1:4). Peter's focus shifts from Jesus to the surrounding circumstances, illustrating a common human tendency to be overwhelmed by immediate challenges rather than maintaining faith.

he was afraid
Fear is a natural human response to danger, and Peter's fear reflects a momentary lapse in faith. Throughout Scripture, fear is often juxtaposed with faith (Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 8:26). This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of trust in God, even when circumstances seem dire. Peter's fear contrasts with Jesus' earlier command to "take courage" (Matthew 14:27), highlighting the struggle between faith and doubt.

and, beginning to sink
Peter's sinking is both literal and metaphorical, representing the consequences of taking one's eyes off Jesus. The act of sinking symbolizes the loss of spiritual focus and the resulting vulnerability. This imagery is echoed in other biblical passages where individuals face peril when they stray from God's guidance (e.g., Jonah 2:3-6). It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of doubt and the need for steadfast faith.

cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Peter's cry is a direct appeal to Jesus, acknowledging his inability to save himself. This plea is a model of prayer and dependence on God, reflecting the essence of salvation—recognizing one's need for divine intervention. The phrase "Lord, save me" is a succinct expression of faith and trust in Jesus' power to deliver. It parallels other instances in Scripture where individuals call upon the Lord in times of distress (Psalm 18:6, Romans 10:13). This moment underscores the theme of Jesus as Savior, a central tenet of Christian belief.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
One of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his impulsive nature and strong faith. In this passage, he steps out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus.

2. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who performs the miracle of walking on water and invites Peter to join Him.

3. The Sea of Galilee
A significant body of water in the region where Jesus performed many miracles. It is the setting for this event.

4. The Disciples
The group of Jesus' followers who witness this miracle and learn from the experience.

5. The Wind
Represents the challenges and distractions that can cause doubt and fear, leading to Peter's moment of sinking.
Teaching Points
Faith Over Fear
Peter's initial faith allowed him to walk on water, but fear caused him to sink. This teaches us the importance of maintaining faith even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Focus on Jesus
Just as Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus, we too must keep our focus on Christ amidst life's storms.

The Nature of Doubt
Doubt can creep in when we focus on our circumstances rather than God's power. Recognizing this can help us strengthen our faith.

Jesus' Readiness to Save
Jesus immediately reached out to save Peter, illustrating His readiness to help us when we call out to Him in times of trouble.

Growth Through Trials
This event was a learning experience for Peter and the disciples, showing that trials can strengthen our faith and understanding of Jesus' power.(30) When he saw the wind boisterous.--The adjective is wanting in the best MSS.

He was afraid.--In the conflict between sight and faith, faith was worsted, and with that came fear. The supernatural strength left him, and the swimmer's art would not now avail, and so the waters were closing over him, and he cried out in his agony. And then the gracious pity of his Lord helped the "little faith" with the firm sustaining grasp, not, indeed, without a word of loving reproof, and yet as unwilling even here to quench the smoking flax.

Verse 30. - But when he saw the wind boysterous (ἰσχυρόν is clearly a gloss, and therefore omitted by the Revised Version). He was afraid; and beginning to sink. The natural tendency to sink, which he had had all the time, was counteracted before by his faith, which enabled him to receive Christ's power. But now that his doubt made him incapable of receiving this, he sank (cf. Meyer). He cried (ἔκραξεν), saying, Lord, save me (Matthew 8:25). Aphraates ('Homilies,' vide Resch, 'Agrapha,' p. 380) quotes an apocryphal saying of our Lord's, "Doubt not; lest ye are engulfed in the world, as Simon; for he doubled, and began to sink in the sea."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

when he saw
βλέπων (blepōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

strength
ἰσχυρὸν (ischyron)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2478: Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.

of the wind,
ἄνεμον (anemon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 417: The wind; fig: applied to empty doctrines. From the base of aer; wind; by implication, quarters.

he was afraid,
ἐφοβήθη (ephobēthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

beginning
ἀρξάμενος (arxamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 756: To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.

to sink,
καταποντίζεσθαι (katapontizesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 2670: From kata and a derivative of the same as Pontos; to plunge down, i.e. Submerge.

cried out,
ἔκραξεν (ekraxen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2896: To cry aloud, shriek. A primary verb; properly, to 'croak' or scream, i.e. to call aloud.

“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.

save
σῶσόν (sōson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4982: To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.

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.


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