Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:26

What does Matthew 14:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:26 means

Upon seeing Jesus walking on the sea, the disciples were terrified, believing He was a ghost, and they cried out in fear. Their reaction reveals their human limitation in understanding divine power; they interpreted His supernatural appearance through the lens of their naturalistic fears. Their distress underscores the shocking nature of this event and their immediate inability to grasp the profound implications of what they were witnessing.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when they saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they gave cries of fear.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the disciples having seen him walking upon the sea, were troubled saying--`It is an apparition,' and from the fear they cried out;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they seeing him walking upon the sea, were troubled, saying: It is an apparition. And they cried out for fear.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the disciples, seeing him walking on the sea, were troubled, saying, It is an apparition. And they cried out through fear.

Context

This verse describes the disciples' immediate, fearful reaction to seeing Jesus walking on water. It highlights their misunderstanding and panic, setting up Jesus' direct intervention to calm their fears. This moment of terror is crucial for understanding the power of Jesus' reassuring words and His subsequent interaction with Peter, as it demonstrates their need for His clear revelation.

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

v.26This passage

v.27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 24:45

    Then opened he their mind, that they might understand the scriptures;

  • Job 4:14

    Fear came upon me, and trembling, Which made all my bones to shake.

  • Acts 12:15

    And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel.

  • 1 Samuel 28:12

    And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice; and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.

  • Daniel 10:6

    his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like unto burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

  • Luke 24:37

    But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they beheld a spirit.

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