Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:24

What does Matthew 14:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:24 means

While Jesus was praying, the disciples' boat was far out in the sea, struggling against strong headwinds and battered by waves. This description highlights the dangerous and difficult conditions they faced without Jesus' physical presence. The contrary wind signifies opposition and struggle, creating a situation where the disciples were truly distressed and in need of help. This portrays a common human experience of facing overwhelming difficulties.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, and was troubled by the waves: for the wind was against them.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the boat in the midst of the sea was tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but the ship was already in the middle of the sea tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Context

This verse describes the perilous situation of the disciples at sea, occurring while Jesus was alone praying. It establishes the immediate setting for the next miracle, detailing the severe weather conditions and the disciples' distress. This perilous scene is essential for understanding the dramatic entrance of Jesus walking on water, providing the dire circumstances from which they needed rescue.

v.23And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone.

v.24This passage

v.25And in the fourth watch of the night he came unto them, walking upon the sea.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 6:48

    And seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them, about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking on the sea; and he would have passed by them:

  • John 6:18

    And the sea was rising by reason of a great wind that blew.

  • Isaiah 54:11

    O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will set thy stones in fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

  • Matthew 8:24

    And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

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