About Matthew

Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King of Israel, demonstrating through His teachings and miracles that He fulfills Old Testament prophecies.

Author: Matthew (Levi)Written: c. AD 50-70Reading time: ~5 minVerses: 36
Kingdom of HeavenJesus as MessiahFulfillment of ProphecyDiscipleshipChurch

King James Version

Matthew 14

36 verses with commentary

The Death of John the Baptist

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, tetrarch: or, governor over four provinces

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KJV Study Commentary

Herod Antipas hears of Jesus: 'At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus' (εν εκεινω τω καιρω ηκουσεν Ηρωδης ο τετρααρχης την ακοην Ιησου). 'Tetrarch' (τετρααρχης) means 'ruler of a fourth,' indicating Herod Antipas ruled quarter of his father's former kingdom (Galilee and Perea). 'Fame' (ακοην, report/hearing) indicates Jesus' growing reputation reached political authorities. Thi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XIV. (1) **Herod the tetrarch.**—The son of Herod the Great by Malthace. Under his father’s will he succeeded to the government of Galilee and Peræa, with the title of Tetrarch, and as ruler of a fourth part of the Roman province of Syria. His first wife was a daughter of Aretas, an Arabian king or chief, named in 2Corinthians 11:32 as king of the Damascenes. Herodias, the wife of his half-brother...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**43. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father--**as if they had been under a cloud during the present association with ungodly pretenders to their character, and claimants of their privileges, and obstructors of their course. **Who hath ears to hear, let him hear--**(See Mr 4:9). Fifth and Sixth Parables or Third Pair: The Hidden Treasure and The Pearl o...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. do: or, are wrought by him

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KJV Study Commentary

Herod's superstitious conclusion: 'This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him' (ουτος εστιν Ιωαννης ο βαπτιστης αυτος ηγερθη απο των νεκρων και δια τουτο αι δυναμεις ενεργουσιν εν αυτω). Herod's guilt produces irrational fear: Jesus is John resurrected. 'Mighty works' (δυναμεις, miracles/powers) indicate Jesus' supernatural activ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **This is John the Baptist.**—In Matthew 16:14, Luke 9:7-9, this is given as one of the three opinions that were floating among the people as to our Lord’s character, the other two being, (1) that He was Elijah, and (2) that He was one of the old prophets who had risen again. The policy of the tetrarch connected him with the Sadducean priestly party rather than with the more popular and rigid ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**44. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field--**no uncommon thing in unsettled and half-civilized countries, even now as well as in ancient times, when there was no other way of securing it from the rapacity of neighbors or marauders. (Jr 41:8; Job 3:21; Pr 2:4). **the which when a man hath found--**that is, unexpectedly found. **he hideth, and for joy thereof--**on ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

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KJV Study Commentary

'For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.' Matthew explains why John the Baptist was imprisoned: Herod Antipas imprisoned him because John condemned Herod's adultery with Herodias. The phrase 'his brother Philip's wife' (τῆς γυναικὸς Φιλίππου τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ/tēs gynaikos Philippou tou adelphou autou) identifies the sin: ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Put him in prison.**—Josephus (*Ant.* xviii. 5, § 2) gives Machærus, in Peræa, as the scene of the imprisonment and death of the Baptist.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

45. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

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KJV Study Commentary

'For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.' This verse summarizes John's prophetic message to Herod. The phrase 'It is not lawful' (Οὐκ ἔξεστίν/Ouk exestin) means 'it's not permitted,' referring to divine law (Leviticus 18:16, 20:21), not merely human custom. John's message was clear, direct, uncompromising: Herod's marriage to Herodias constituted adultery. No diplomatic soft...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **For John said unto him.**—The Jewish historian (*Ant.* xviii. 5, § 2) states more generally that Antipas was afraid lest some popular outbreak should be the result of the preaching of the Baptist, working on the excitable peasantry of Galilee.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**46. Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it--**The one pearl of great price, instead of being found by accident, as in the former case, is found by one whose business it is to seek for such, and who finds it just in the way of searching for such treasures. But in both cases the surpassing value of the treasure is alike recognized, and in both...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

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KJV Study Commentary

'And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.' Herod wanted to execute John but was restrained by political calculation: the people 'counted him as a prophet' (ὡς προφήτην αὐτὸν εἶχον/hōs prophētēn auton eichon). Mark adds Herod also feared John personally and was perplexed by him (Mark 6:20). This verse reveals Herod's moral cowardice: k...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **He feared the multitude.**—St. Mark, whose narrative is here much the fullest of the three, adds that Herod himself “feared John,” knowing “him to be a just man and a holy,” and was much perplexed—this, rather than “did many things” is the true reading—and heard him gladly (Mark 6:20). There was yet a struggle of conscience against passion in the weak and wicked tetrarch, as there was in Aha...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**47. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind--**The word here rendered "net" signifies a large drag-net, which draws everything after it, suffering nothing to escape, as distinguished from a casting-net (Mr 1:16, 18). The far-reaching efficacy of the Gospel is thus denoted. This Gospel net "gathered of every kind," meaning every vari...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them , and pleased Herod. before: Gr. in the midst

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KJV Study Commentary

'But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.' The tragic sequence leading to John's martyrdom begins: during Herod's birthday celebration, Herodias's daughter (named Salome, according to Josephus) danced, pleasing the king. The phrase 'birthday was kept' (γενεσίοις ἀγομένοις/genesiois agomenois) indicates elaborate celebration—likely feast wi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Herod’s birthday.**—Some critics have looked on the feast as one commemorating Herod’s accession—his birth-day as a ruler; but there seems no reason for not accepting the word in its simple natural sense. Such feasts were common enough in the imperial life at Rome, and that of Herod’s birthday had become proverbial even there (Persius, *Sat.* v., i. 180). **The daughter of Herodias danced be...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**48. Which, when it was full, they drew to shore--**for the separation will not be made till the number of the elect is accomplished. **and sat down--**expressing the deliberateness with which the judicial separation will at length be made. **and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away--**literally, "the rotten," but here meaning, "the foul" or "worthless" fish: corresponding to...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.

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KJV Study Commentary

'Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.' Herod's drunken, lustful folly: he made oath-bound promise to give Salome whatever she requested—'up to half his kingdom' (Mark 6:23). The verb 'promised with an oath' (μεθ᾽ ὅρκου ὡμολόγησεν/meth' horkou hōmologēsen) indicates solemn, binding commitment. This rash vow demonstrates several dangers: (1) Alcohol impairs judgme...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **He promised with an oath.**—The scandalous chronicles of the time were not without stories of extravagant rewards paid to mimes and dancers, and Herod might fancy that in this also he was reproducing the magnificence of the imperial court at Rome. But he probably hardly expected “the half of his kingdom” (Mark 6:23) as the “whatsoever thou shalt ask.” A jewel, a bracelet, a palace, or a city...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**49. So shall it be at the end of the world, &c.--**(See on Mt 13:42). We have said that each of these two parables holds forth the same truth under a slight diversity of aspect. What is that diversity? First, the bad, in the former parable, are represented as vile seed sown among the wheat by the enemy of souls; in the latter, as foul fish drawn forth out of the great sea of human beings by ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.

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KJV Study Commentary

'And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.' Herodias's wicked manipulation reaches climax: she 'instructed' (προβιβασθεῖσα/probibastheisa, prompted, instigated) her daughter to request John's head. The specific, grisly detail—'in a charger' (ἐπὶ πίνακι/epi pinaki, on a platter)—demonstrates premeditation and vindictiveness. This wasn't spo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Being before instructed of her mother.**—Better, *being prompted, or instigated.* The word does not imply that the girl had been instructed before she danced what to ask for, and St. Mark distinctly states (Mark 6:24) that she went out from the banquet-hall to ask her mother what use she was to make of the tetrarch’s promise. The mother’s absence shows that the supper was one for men only, a...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.

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KJV Study Commentary

'And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.' Herod's response reveals moral weakness: he was 'sorry' (λυπηθείς/lypētheis, grieved, distressed) yet proceeded with murder. His sorrow proves he knew John was righteous and the execution wrong. Yet he prioritized oath and reputation over righteousness. The phrase 'for ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **The king was sorry.**—It was the last struggle of conscience. In that moment there must have come before his mind his past reverence for the prophet, the joy which had for a time accompanied the strivings of a better life, possibly the counsels of his foster-brother Manaen. Had there been only the personal influence of Herodias these might have prevailed against it, but, like most weak men, ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**51. Jesus saith unto them--**that is, to the Twelve. He had spoken the first four in the hearing of the mixed multitude: the last three He reserved till, on the dismissal of the mixed audience, He and the Twelve were alone (Mt 13:36, &c.). Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

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KJV Study Commentary

'And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.' The murder proceeds: Herod 'sent' (πέμψας/pempsas) an executioner, and John was 'beheaded' (ἀπεκεφάλισεν/apekephalisen) in prison. The terse statement underscores the horror: God's prophet, greatest human born (Matthew 11:11), executed to satisfy adulteress's revenge and weak king's pride. John's ministry ended not with prophetic triumph but martyrdo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **He sent, and beheaded John in the prison.**—Measured by the standard of earthly greatness, it seems almost like a paradox to say of one who had only been for a few short months a preacher of righteousness in the wilderness of Judæa, as men have said of the kings and conquerors of the world, “So passed from the earth one of the greatest of her sons;” and yet this, and nothing less than this,...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**52. Then said he unto them, Therefore--**or as we should say, "Well, then." **every scribe--**or Christian teacher: here so called from that well-known class among the Jews. (See Mt 23:34). **which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven--**himself taught in the mysteries of the Gospel which he has to teach to others. **is like unto a man that is an householder which bringeth forth--**"tu...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.

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KJV Study Commentary

'And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.' The grisly conclusion: John's severed head was brought 'in a charger' (ἐπὶ πίνακι/epi pinaki, on a platter) to Salome, who delivered it to Herodias. The macabre detail emphasizes the horror: God's prophet's head presented like meal at feast. Herodias's vindictive triumph was complete—she'd silenced ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **She brought it to her mother.**—A glance at the after-history of those who were accomplices in the deed of blood will not be out of place. Shortly after the new society, for which John had prepared the way, had started upon its great career, when her brother, the young Agrippa, had obtained the title of king, through the favour of Caligula, Herodias, consistent in her ambition, stirred up h...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Mt 13:53-58. How Jesus Was Regarded by His Relatives. ( = Mr 6:1-6; Lu 4:16-30). 53. And it came to pass, that, when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

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KJV Study Commentary

'And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.' John's disciples performed final service: retrieving the body, providing burial, and reporting to Jesus. Despite danger (approaching Herod's prison to claim executed prophet's body required courage), they honored their master. The phrase 'told Jesus' demonstrates right response to tragedy and loss: bring it to ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **His disciples came.**—Among those who thus transferred their allegiance to their true Lord were, we must believe, the two whom John had sent to Him from his prison. From this time they probably ceased in Judæa to be a distinct community, though, as the instances of Apollos (Acts 18:25) and the disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19:3) show, they still maintained a separate existence in the more dist...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**54. And when he was come into his own country--**that is, Nazareth; as is plain from Mr 6:1. See on Joh 4:43, where also the same phrase occurs. This, according to the majority of Harmonists, was the second of two visits which our Lord paid to Nazareth during His public ministry; but in our view it was His first and only visit to it. See on Mt 4:13; and for the reasons, see Lu 4:16-30. **Whenc...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 14 Chapter Outline Death of John the Baptist.(1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed.(13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea.(22-33) Jesus healing the sick.(34-36) **Verses 1-12** The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there ...
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Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart : and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus' response to John the Baptist's death—'he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart'—shows His humanity. He needed solitude to grieve and pray. Yet 'when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot' demonstrates His compassion overriding personal need. This sets the context for the feeding miracle—Jesus' grief interrupted by needy multitudes whom He received with compassi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **When Jesus heard of it.**—We may, I think reverently trace as the motives of this withdrawal, (1) the strong personal emotion which the death of one whom Jesus had known and loved could not fail to cause, and (2) the wish to avoid being the centre of the popular excitement which the death of John was likely to cause, and which we know, as a matter of fact (Jos. *Ant.* xviii. 5, § 2), was so...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**55. Is not this the carpenter's son?--**In Mark (Mr 6:3) the question is, "Is not this the carpenter?" In all likelihood, our Lord, during His stay under the roof of His earthly parents, wrought along with His legal father. **is not his mother called Mary?--**"Do we not know all about His parentage? Has He not grown up in the midst of us? Are not all His relatives our own townsfolk? Whence, th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-21** When Christ and his word withdraw, it is best for us to follow, seeking the means of grace for our souls before any worldly advantages. The presence of Christ and his gospel, makes a desert not only tolerable, but desirable. This little supply of bread was increased by Christ's creating power, till the whole multitude were satisfied. In seeking the welfare of men's souls, we s...
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And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

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KJV Study Commentary

'And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.' Despite seeking solitude to grieve, Jesus 'saw' (ἰδὼν/idōn) the pursuing multitude and 'was moved with compassion' (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη/esplanchnisthē)—deeply moved in His inner being. This verb (σπλαγχνίζομαι/splanchnizomai) describes visceral emotion, gut-level compassion. Jesus didn'...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **And Jesus went forth.**—The words imply that our Lord, from the height to which He had withdrawn, saw the crowds drawing near, and then, instead of retiring still further, went forward, moved by the touch of pity which the sight of an eager and suffering multitude never failed to rouse in Him (Matthew 9:36), to meet them and relieve their sufferings. St. Mark (Mark 6:34) adds that the sourc...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**56. And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? An exceedingly difficult question here arises--**What were these "brethren" and "sisters" to Jesus? Were they, First, His full brothers and sisters? or, Secondly, Were they His step-brothers and step-sisters, children of Joseph by a former marriage? or, Thirdly, Were they cousins, according to a common way...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-21** When Christ and his word withdraw, it is best for us to follow, seeking the means of grace for our souls before any worldly advantages. The presence of Christ and his gospel, makes a desert not only tolerable, but desirable. This little supply of bread was increased by Christ's creating power, till the whole multitude were satisfied. In seeking the welfare of men's souls, we s...
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And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

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KJV Study Commentary

The disciples' suggestion 'send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals' appears practical but shows limited faith. They saw the problem (hungry crowd, late hour, remote location) but not the divine solution. Their focus on human resources ('villages,' 'buy') missed the divine opportunity for miraculous provision. This response contrasts with Jesus' inte...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **And when it was evening.**—The narrative that follows is, in many ways, one of the most important in the Gospel narratives. (1.) It is the only miracle recorded by all the four Evangelists, and thus is practically one of the chief data for interweaving the supplemental narrative of St. John with that of the other three. (2.) It was the fullest manifestation of the sovereignty of the Son of ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-21** When Christ and his word withdraw, it is best for us to follow, seeking the means of grace for our souls before any worldly advantages. The presence of Christ and his gospel, makes a desert not only tolerable, but desirable. This little supply of bread was increased by Christ's creating power, till the whole multitude were satisfied. In seeking the welfare of men's souls, we s...
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But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart ; give ye them to eat.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus' response 'They need not depart; give ye them to eat' transforms the disciples' problem into their assignment. 'They need not depart' shows Jesus' compassion and sufficiency. 'Give ye them to eat' commissions the disciples to participate in the miracle—God uses human instruments in divine provision. This command appeared impossible (v. 17 shows they had only five loaves and two fish), testin...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**58. And he did not many mighty works there, because of their unbelief--**"save that He laid His hands on a few sick folk, and healed them" (Mr 6:5). See on Lu 4:16-30.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-21** When Christ and his word withdraw, it is best for us to follow, seeking the means of grace for our souls before any worldly advantages. The presence of Christ and his gospel, makes a desert not only tolerable, but desirable. This little supply of bread was increased by Christ's creating power, till the whole multitude were satisfied. In seeking the welfare of men's souls, we s...
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And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

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KJV Study Commentary

'And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.' Disciples respond to Jesus's command (v.16) by stating their resources: 'five loaves and two fishes' (πέντε ἄρτους καὶ δύο ἰχθύας/pente artous kai dyo ichthyas). The word 'but' (εἰ μή/ei mē, except, only) emphasizes limitation. John's Gospel adds these belonged to a boy (John 6:9)—the resources were both minimal and borrowed. R...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-21** When Christ and his word withdraw, it is best for us to follow, seeking the means of grace for our souls before any worldly advantages. The presence of Christ and his gospel, makes a desert not only tolerable, but desirable. This little supply of bread was increased by Christ's creating power, till the whole multitude were satisfied. In seeking the welfare of men's souls, we s...
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He said, Bring them hither to me.

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KJV Study Commentary

'He said, Bring them hither to me.' Jesus responds to disciples' statement of inadequacy with simple command: 'Bring them hither to me' (φέρετέ μοι ὧδε αὐτούς/pherete moi hōde autous)—bring them here to me. Reformed theology sees profound principle: bring your inadequacy to Jesus. Don't hide lack, bemoan insufficiency, or attempt ministry in own strength. Bring whatever you have—however inadequate...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 14 Mt 14:1-12. Herod Thinks Jesus a Resurrection of the Murdered Baptist--Account of His Imprisonment and Death. ( = Mr 6:14-29; Lu 9:7-9). **The time of this alarm of Herod Antipas appears to have been during the mission of the Twelve, and shortly after the Baptist--**who had been in prison for probably more than a year--had been cruelly put to death. Herod's Theory of the Works of Ch...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-21** When Christ and his word withdraw, it is best for us to follow, seeking the means of grace for our souls before any worldly advantages. The presence of Christ and his gospel, makes a desert not only tolerable, but desirable. This little supply of bread was increased by Christ's creating power, till the whole multitude were satisfied. In seeking the welfare of men's souls, we s...
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And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus' actions—'he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples'—model prayer and order before provision. 'Looking up to heaven' shows dependence on the Father. 'He blessed' acknowledges God as provider. 'Brake' and 'gave' show Jesus as the distribution channel. ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **He commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass.**—This, too, was done with a calm and orderly precision. They were to sit down in companies of fifty or a hundred each, and thus the number of those who were fed became a matter of easy calculation. St. Mark, with a vivid picturesqueness, describes them as presenting the appearance of so many beds of flowers in a well-ordered garden. The ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. And said unto his servants--**his counsellors or court-ministers. **This is John the Baptist: he is risen from the dead, &c.--**The murdered prophet haunted his guilty breast like a specter and seemed to him alive again and clothed with unearthly powers in the person of Jesus. Account of the Baptist's Imprisonment and Death (Mt 14:3-12). For the exposition of this portion, see on Mr ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-21** When Christ and his word withdraw, it is best for us to follow, seeking the means of grace for our souls before any worldly advantages. The presence of Christ and his gospel, makes a desert not only tolerable, but desirable. This little supply of bread was increased by Christ's creating power, till the whole multitude were satisfied. In seeking the welfare of men's souls, we s...
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And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

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KJV Study Commentary

The result—'they did all eat, and were filled'—emphasizes abundance: not merely satisfied but filled to satiety. The phrase 'they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full' demonstrates surplus exceeding the original supply. Twelve baskets (one per disciple?) showed God's provision exceeds need. This abundance contrasts with the disciples' worry about scarcity, demonstrating God's...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Twelve baskets full.**—The basket here is the *cophinus,* a small basket carried in the hand, and often used by travellers to hold their food. So Juvenal (*Sat. iii.* 14) describes the Jews of Italy as travelling with “their *cophinus* and a wisp of hay,” by way of pillow, as their only luggage. St. John records that the gathering was made by our Lord’s express commands, “that nothing be lo...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-21** When Christ and his word withdraw, it is best for us to follow, seeking the means of grace for our souls before any worldly advantages. The presence of Christ and his gospel, makes a desert not only tolerable, but desirable. This little supply of bread was increased by Christ's creating power, till the whole multitude were satisfied. In seeking the welfare of men's souls, we s...
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And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

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KJV Study Commentary

'And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.' Matthew specifies the miracle's scope: approximately 5000 men (ἄνδρες/andres, adult males) 'beside women and children' (χωρὶς γυναικῶν καὶ παιδίων/chōris gynaikōn kai paidiōn). Total crowd likely reached 15,000-20,000 people. This massive number eliminates natural explanations: no one secretly distributed hidden foo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **Beside women and children.**—St. Matthew is the only Evangelist who mentions their presence, but all the four use the word which emphasises the fact that all the five thousand were *men.* As the crowd had come in many cases from considerable distances, the women and children were probably few in number, were grouped together by themselves, and were not counted, so that the round number dwel...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 13-21** When Christ and his word withdraw, it is best for us to follow, seeking the means of grace for our souls before any worldly advantages. The presence of Christ and his gospel, makes a desert not only tolerable, but desirable. This little supply of bread was increased by Christ's creating power, till the whole multitude were satisfied. In seeking the welfare of men's souls, we s...
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Jesus Walks on Water

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

'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.' Immediately (εὐθέως/eutheōs) after feeding 5000, Jesus 'constrained' (ἠνάγκασεν/ēnagkasen, compelled, urged strongly) disciples to leave by boat. John explains why: crowd wanted to make Jesus king by force (John 6:15)—misinterpreting the miracle as poli...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **Straightway Jesus constrained his disciples.**—St. John narrates more fully the impression made by the miracle. It led those who witnessed it to the conclusion that “this was the Prophet that should come into the world.” They sought to seize Him and make Him a king against His will (John 6:14-15), and He, shrinking from that form of sovereignty, withdrew from His disciples, dismissed the mu...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

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KJV Study Commentary

'And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.' After intensive ministry—teaching, healing, feeding 5000, managing messianic fervor—Jesus seeks solitude for prayer. He went 'up into a mountain' (εἰς τὸ ὄρος/eis to oros), 'apart' (κατ᾽ ἰδίαν/kat' idian, privately, alone), 'to pray' (προσεύξασθαι/proseuxasthai)....
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

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KJV Study Commentary

'But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.' While Jesus prayed on mountain (v.23), disciples encountered storm on Sea of Galilee. The ship was 'in the midst of the sea' (μέσον τῆς θαλάσσης/meson tēs thalassēs), far from shore, 'tossed with waves' (βασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων/basanizomenon hypo tōn kymatōn—literally 'tormented by waves'), and face...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **Tossed with waves.**—Literally, *vexed,* or *tormented.*

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus' coming to the disciples 'in the fourth watch of the night walking on the sea' demonstrates His power over natural laws. The 'fourth watch' (3-6am) meant the disciples had struggled against the storm for hours. Jesus' walking on water reveals His divine nature—only God treads upon the waves (Job 9:8). His delay until the fourth watch tested their endurance and heightened appreciation for His...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **In the fourth watch of the night.**—The Jews, since their conquest by Pompeius, had adopted the Roman division of the night into four watches, and this was accordingly between 3 A.M. and 6 A.M., in the dimness of the early dawn. St. John adds, as from a personal reminiscence, and as guarding against explanations that would minimise the miracle (such as that our Lord was seen on the shore, o...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying , It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

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KJV Study Commentary

'And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.' The disciples' response to Jesus's approach was terror: they 'were troubled' (ἐταράχθησαν/etarachthēsan, agitated, disturbed) and 'cried out for fear' (ἀπὸ τοῦ φόβου ἔκραξαν/apo tou phobou ekraxan). They thought He was 'a spirit' (φάντασμα/phantasma, ghost, apparition). Ref...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus' immediate response 'Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid' addresses the disciples' terror. 'Be of good cheer' (Greek: tharseō) means take courage. 'It is I' (Greek: egō eimi) echoes God's self-revelation to Moses (Exodus 3:14)—the divine name 'I AM.' This identifies Jesus as Yahweh. 'Be not afraid' is God's common command to His people encountering His presence. Jesus transforms their t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **Be of good cheer; it is I; be not** **afraid.**—The accuracy with which the words are given by St. John, as well as by St. Matthew and St. Mark, shows the impression which the incident made on the minds of the disciples. To hear the familiar tones and the cheering words was enough, even amid the howling of the winds and the dashing of the waves, to give them confidence and hope. We can scar...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water</strong> (κύριε, εἰ σὺ εἶ, κέλευσόν με ἐλθεῖν πρὸς σὲ ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα, <em>kyrie, ei su ei, keleuson me elthein pros se epi ta hydata</em>)—Peter's request mingles faith with testing. The conditional 'if it be thou' suggests lingering doubt, yet the request itself demonstrates extraordinary boldness. The word <em>keleuson</em> (command, ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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 characteristi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he said, Come</strong> (ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, Ἐλθέ, <em>ho de eipen, Elthe</em>)—Christ's one-word invitation empowered the impossible. The same creative word that spoke worlds into existence (Genesis 1:3) now enabled Peter to defy gravity. <strong>When Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water</strong> (καὶ καταβὰς ἀπὸ τοῦ πλοίου ὁ Πέτρος περιεπάτησεν ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα, <em>kai kat...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. boisterous: or, strong

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid</strong> (βλέπων δὲ τὸν ἄνεμον ἰσχυρὸν ἐφοβήθη, <em>blepōn de ton anemon ischyron ephobēthē</em>)—the shift from 'looking at Jesus' to 'seeing the wind' marks the moment of failure. The word <em>blepōn</em> (seeing, perceiving) indicates Peter's focus shifted from Christ to circumstances. <strong>Beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

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KJV Study Commentary

Jesus' response to sinking Peter—'O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?'—identifies the problem: not complete faithlessness but 'little faith' and doubt. Peter's initial faith enabled walking on water, but his focus shift from Jesus to circumstances caused sinking. The rhetorical 'wherefore didst thou doubt?' prompts self-examination. Jesus immediately caught him, showing that even '...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased</strong> (καὶ ἀναβάντων αὐτῶν εἰς τὸ πλοῖον ἐκόπασεν ὁ ἄνεμος)—The verb ἀναβαίνω (anabainō, 'to go up, to embark') marks the moment Jesus and Peter enter the boat together. Immediately the verb κοπάζω (kopazō, 'to grow weary, to cease') in aorist tense indicates instant cessation of the storm. Earlier Jesus slept through a storm (8:23-...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **The** **wind ceased.**—St. Mark adds that “they were above measure astonished” at the sudden lull. For the most part these mountain squalls died away gradually, and left the waves rough. Here the wind ceased in a moment, and ceased as their Lord entered the boat. And he gives a significant reason for their astonishment, “For they reflected not on the loaves, for their heart was hardened.” T...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him</strong> (οἱ δὲ ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ)—The verb προσκυνέω (proskyneō) means 'to prostrate, to worship, to pay homage.' This worship response is qualitatively different from earlier amazement (8:27). Having witnessed Jesus walk on water, calm Peter's sinking, and instantly still the storm, they now worship—the only proper respo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **They that were in the ship.**—The peculiar description was apparently intended to distinguish them from Peter and the other disciples, and probably indicates that they were the crew of the boat, or some chance passengers, who had no previous knowledge of our Lord and of His works. They too were led, in that moment of wonder, to the confession that the Prophet of Nazareth was more than man, ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 22-33** Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace...
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And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret</strong> (καὶ διαπεράσαντες ἦλθον ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν εἰς Γεννησαρέτ)—The verb διαπεράω (diaperaō, 'to cross over completely') indicates they successfully traversed the lake despite the storm that had nearly sunk them. Gennesaret (Γεννησαρέτ, from Hebrew Kinnereth, meaning 'harp-shaped') was a fertile plain on the northwestern sho...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **They came into the land of Gennesaret.**—The name, possibly a corruption of the older Chinneroth (Numbers 34:11; Joshua 11:2; Joshua 12:3), belonged to the western shore of the lake to which it gave one of its titles, and included Capernaum, to which, as we learn from John 6:17; John 6:24, the disciples were steering. The region was one of singular fertility (the name has been explained as ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 34-36** Whithersoever Christ went, he was doing good. They brought unto him all that were diseased. They came humbly beseeching him to help them. The experiences of others may direct and encourage us in seeking for Christ. As many as touched, were made perfectly whole. Those whom Christ heals, he heals perfectly. Were men more acquainted with Christ, and with the diseased state of the...
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And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when the men of that place had knowledge of him</strong> (καὶ ἐπιγνόντες αὐτὸν οἱ ἄνδρες τοῦ τόπου ἐκείνου)—The verb ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginōskō, 'to recognize, to know fully') indicates they didn't merely see a stranger but recognized Jesus specifically. His fame had spread throughout Galilee (4:24), making Him recognizable. The phrase οἱ ἄνδρες (hoi andres, 'the men') may indicate the mal...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) **And when the men of that place.**—We have to remember, though not in this place to discuss, the fact that it was here, in the synagogue of Capernaum, that our Lord, meeting with those who had seen the miracle of the loaves, led them into that higher region of spiritual truth which the discourse of John 6:22-65 brings before us. The manifestation of divine power in the works of healing coinc...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 34-36** Whithersoever Christ went, he was doing good. They brought unto him all that were diseased. They came humbly beseeching him to help them. The experiences of others may direct and encourage us in seeking for Christ. As many as touched, were made perfectly whole. Those whom Christ heals, he heals perfectly. Were men more acquainted with Christ, and with the diseased state of the...
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And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment</strong> (καὶ παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν ἵνα μόνον ἅψωνται τοῦ κρασπέδου τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ)—The verb παρακαλέω (parakaleō, 'to beseech, to beg') shows humble petition. The request to touch μόνον ('only') the κράσπεδον (kraspedon, 'fringe, tassel') recalls the woman with the hemorrhage (9:20-22) who was healed by touching Jesus's garm...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **That they might only touch the hem of his garment.**—The wide-spread belief may be noted as the natural result of the miracle already recorded in Matthew 9:20-22, and as the touch implied the faith which was the condition of receptivity, it was now also, as before, effective. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 34-36** Whithersoever Christ went, he was doing good. They brought unto him all that were diseased. They came humbly beseeching him to help them. The experiences of others may direct and encourage us in seeking for Christ. As many as touched, were made perfectly whole. Those whom Christ heals, he heals perfectly. Were men more acquainted with Christ, and with the diseased state of the...
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