King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:29 Mean?

Matthew 14:29 in the King James Version says “And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.”

Matthew 14:29 · KJV

Context

27

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28

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

29

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30

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

31

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Read Matthew 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said, Come (ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, Ἐλθέ, ho de eipen, Elthe)—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. When Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water (καὶ καταβὰς ἀπὸ τοῦ πλοίου ὁ Πέτρος περιεπάτησεν ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα, kai katabas apo tou ploiou ho Petros periepatēsen epi ta hydata)—the aorist tense indicates Peter actually accomplished this miracle, however briefly.

For several steps, Peter experienced what only Christ could do naturally—mastery over creation. This walking on water wasn't mere levitation but participation in Christ's divine power through faith. The miracle demonstrates that Christ's word alone ('Come') transforms impossibility into reality. Faith activates divine power, enabling believers to accomplish what contradicts natural law when called by Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish thought, walking on water demonstrated sovereignty over chaos and creation—attributes belonging to God alone (Job 9:8, Psalm 77:19). Only the Creator could command the waters. By calling Peter to walk on water, Jesus shared his divine prerogative, giving his disciple temporary participation in a miracle that testified to his deity. This event uniquely demonstrates Christ empowering a human to share in a divine work.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'impossible' obedience is Christ calling you to, where his word 'Come' is the only power that can enable your steps?
  2. How does Peter's actual success in walking on water (even temporarily) encourage you that Christ-empowered faith can accomplish what seems impossible?
  3. Why is Christ's single word 'Come' sufficient to enable miracles, and how does this truth apply to your daily walk of faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὁ1 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 19

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἐλθεῖν4 of 19

“Come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ5 of 19

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καταβὰς6 of 19

“was come down”

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ7 of 19

“out of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ8 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλοίου9 of 19

“the ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

ὁ10 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Πέτρος11 of 19

“when Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

περιεπάτησεν12 of 19

“he walked”

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

ἐπὶ13 of 19

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὰ14 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὕδατα15 of 19

“the water”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

ἐλθεῖν16 of 19

“Come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς17 of 19

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν18 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦν19 of 19

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

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 14:29 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 14:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 4:13Mark 9:23Acts 3:16Luke 17:6Mark 11:22-23Matthew 21:21

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