But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
Parallel translations
- KJV But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
- BSB but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
- NKJV But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
- NASB But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.
- NLT Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The boat is far out, battered by waves and a contrary wind. The disciples face danger while Jesus is absent from view.
Overview
By night the disciples' boat is in the midst of the lake, struggling against the waves and an opposing wind. Their distress recalls an earlier storm and tests their faith anew. The perilous situation prepares for the revelation of Jesus' power and identity as He comes to them across the water.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- Mark 6:48Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them,
- John 6:18The sea was tossed by a great wind blowing.
- Matt 8:24Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves, but he was asleep.
- Isa 54:11“You afflicted, tossed with storms, and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in beautiful colors, and lay your foundations with sapphires.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
How Matthew 14:24 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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