King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:32 Mean?

Matthew 14:32 in the King James Version says “And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Matthew 14:32 · KJV


Context

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?

32

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

33

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

34

And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased (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 (8:23-27), but here He walks through one. Both demonstrate His authority over nature—He commands as Lord whether present in the boat or approaching it.

The immediate calming contrasts with the disciples' earlier amazement (8:27) when He calmed the storm by command. This time the storm ceases at His presence, showing progressive revelation of His deity. The wind that had battered them (v. 24) and terrified them (v. 26) obeys its Creator. Where Christ enters, chaos submits to order.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred during Jesus's Galilean ministry, shortly after feeding the 5,000 (14:13-21) and dismissing the crowds (14:22-23). The Sea of Galilee is notorious for sudden violent storms due to cool air from surrounding mountains colliding with warm air over the water. Roman and Jewish sources attest to the dangerous nature of Galilean lake storms, making the disciples' fear understandable and Jesus's mastery more remarkable.

Reflection Questions

  1. What storms in your life immediately cease when Christ enters your situation?
  2. How does Jesus's presence bring peace even before He explicitly commands your circumstances to change?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

And

G2532

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

ἐμβάντων2 of 9

were come

G1684

to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)

αὐτῶν3 of 9

when they

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς4 of 9

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ5 of 9
G3588

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

πλοῖον6 of 9

the ship

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

ἐκόπασεν7 of 9

ceased

G2869

to tire, i.e., (figuratively) to relax

8 of 9
G3588

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

ἄνεμος9 of 9

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 14:32 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 14:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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