King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:24 Mean?

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 14:24 · King James Version

Context

22

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.

23

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.

24

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

25

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying , It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

Read Matthew 14 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
'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 faced 'contrary' (ἐναντίος/enantios) wind blowing against them. Reformed theology sees multiple lessons: (1) Obedience to Jesus doesn't guarantee smooth circumstances—disciples obeyed His command (v.22) yet faced storm; (2) Jesus knew storm was coming yet sent them anyway—sometimes He leads into difficulty for growth; (3) Trials test and strengthen faith—disciples would witness Jesus's power over nature (v.25-33); (4) Jesus's awareness—He saw their struggle (Mark 6:48) and came to them. The storm wasn't punishment but pedagogy. Believers face contrary winds, waves, mid-sea difficulties—not despite but sometimes because of obedience. Yet Jesus never abandons us in storms.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sea of Galilee, though technically lake (13 miles long, 8 miles wide), was notorious for sudden, violent storms. Surrounded by hills, wind funneled through valleys creating dangerous conditions. Experienced fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James, John) knew these dangers intimately. The storm was real, serious threat—these weren't panicked novices but seasoned sailors recognizing genuine danger. John specifies they'd rowed about 25-30 stadia (John 6:19), roughly 3-4 miles, suggesting hours of exhausting labor against contrary wind. The timing—'fourth watch' (v.25), 3-6 AM—meant they'd struggled most of the night. Jesus deliberately allowed this, remaining on mountain praying while disciples battled storm. Yet He never stopped watching them. Mark records: 'he saw them toiling in rowing' (Mark 6:48). Throughout Scripture, God allows trials while remaining present: Israel in Egypt, Job's suffering, Paul's thorn. The pattern: God permits difficulty, sees our struggle, comes at the right moment. The lesson: trust Him in the storm, knowing He's aware and will intervene according to His perfect timing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when obeying Jesus leads into difficulty rather than ease?
  2. What does this teach about God's timing—He sees our struggles but doesn't always intervene immediately?
  3. How does knowing Jesus is aware of your storm affect your perspective when facing contrary winds?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
τὸ
1 of 17
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ
2 of 17

“But”

G1161
but, and, etc
πλοῖον
3 of 17

“the ship”

G4143
a sailer, i.e., vessel
ἤδη
4 of 17

“now”

G2235
even now
μέσον
5 of 17

“in the midst”

G3319
middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)
τῆς
6 of 17
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θαλάσσης
7 of 17

“of the sea”

G2281
the sea (genitive case or specially)
ἦν
8 of 17

“was”

G2258
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
βασανιζόμενον
9 of 17

“tossed”

G928
to torture
ὑπὸ
10 of 17

“with”

G5259
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῶν
11 of 17
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυμάτων
12 of 17

“waves”

G2949
a billow (as bursting or toppling)
ἦν
13 of 17

“was”

G2258
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
γὰρ
14 of 17

“for”

G1063
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐναντίος
15 of 17

“contrary”

G1727
opposite; figuratively, antagonistic
ὁ
16 of 17
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄνεμος
17 of 17

“the wind”

G417
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 14:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 14:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 6:18Mark 6:48Matthew 8:24Isaiah 54:11

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 14 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes