Byzantique

Matthew 14

3 notes
Text · Matthew 14

The Death of John the Baptist

1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and that is why these mighty powers are at work in him.” 3For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. 4For John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for yoʋ to have her.” 5Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. 6But when Herod's birthday awas celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before the guests and pleased Herod. 7So he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he commanded it to be given 10and sent orders to have John beheaded in prison. 11John's head was then brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12Later, John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and brought word to Jesus.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

13When Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But the crowds heard about it and followed him on foot from the towns. 14And when Jesus went ashore and saw a large crowd, he was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick. 15As evening approached, bhis disciples came to him and said, “This place is desolate, and the hour is now late. Send the crowds away so that they can go into the villages and buy themselves some food.” 16But Jesus said to them, “They have no need to go away; you give them something to eat.” 17They said to him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18He said, “Bring them here to me.” 19Then he commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said the blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20They all ate and were filled, and the disciples picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Jesus Walks on Water

22Immediately Jesus compelled cthe disciples to get into dthe boat and go ahead of him to the other side of the sea, while he sent the crowds away. 23After sending the crowds away, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. 24Meanwhile, the boat was already ein the middle of the sea, being tossed by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus fwent to them, walking on the sea. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage! It is I; do not be afraid.”

28In response Peter said gto him, “Lord, if it is yoʋ, command me to come to yoʋ on the water.” 29So he said, “Come.” Then Peter got down from the boat and walked on the water hto go to Jesus. 30But when he saw the istrong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “O yoʋ of little faith, why did yoʋ doubt?” 32And when they had gotten into the boat, the wind ceased. 33Then those who were in the boat jcame and worshiped him, saying, “Truly yoʋ are the Son of God.”

Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret

34When they had crossed the sea, they came to kthe land of Gennesaret. 35And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word into the entire surrounding region, and people brought to him all who were sick. 36They begged him to let the sick touch even the fringe of his garment, and all who touched it were completely healed.

Textual notes
  • a14:6was celebrated ¦ came CT
  • b14:15his ¦ the CT
  • c14:22the 𝔐22 ¦ his 𝔐24 ANT PCK TR
  • d14:22the ¦ a SBL WH
  • e14:24in the middle of the sea ¦ some distance from the land NA SBL WH
  • f14:25went ¦ came CT
  • g14:28to him ¦ — PCK
  • h14:29to go ¦ and came CT
  • i14:30strong ¦ — WH
  • j14:33came and ¦ — CT
  • k14:34the land of ¦ land at CT
Commentary
RangeMatthew 14:30–31

The rock sinks

Peter’s name means "rock," and it is ironical that his sinking in the water was the only occasion on which he demonstrated a truly rocklike quality. This man "of little faith" serves in Matthew's version as a symbol of every believer who walks toward Jesus in darkness and turmoil. Even in his failure, he is not condemned; he is saved by the extended hand of Jesus.1

  • 1Patrick Henry Reardon, Reclaiming the Atonement: An Orthodox Theology of Redemption: The Incarnate Word, vol. 1 (Chesterton, IN: Ancient Faith Publishing, 2015), 231.
VerseMatthew 14:33

This is similar to Peter's confession in 16:16 (perhaps linking these accounts or forming an inclusio of what lies between).

It is also notable they prostrated (προσήνεγκαν / prosēnenkan) before Jesus (translated here as "worshiped him"). This is same posture the disciples were later in when receiving the Great Commission (cf. 28:17-20). Cf. note on prostration / adoration in Matthew.

VerseMatthew 14:33

The boat is the Church

Matthew makes an explicit point of the fact that the confession of faith took place "in the boat," a detail rather superfluous unless there is a special symbolic meaning in the boat. We are surely correct in seeing the confessing Church symbolized in Peter's apostolic fishing boat.1

  • 1Patrick Henry Reardon, Reclaiming the Atonement: An Orthodox Theology of Redemption: The Incarnate Word, vol. 1 (Chesterton, IN: Ancient Faith Publishing, 2015), 231.
Synoptic parallels
  • 14:1–2 Herod's Alarm
    Mark 6:14–16Luke 9:7–9

    Herod's Alarm

    3 Gospels · read side by side
    Matthew 14:1–2 · this chapter
    Read with commentary →
    1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and that is why these mighty powers are at work in him.”
    Mark 6:14–16
    Read with commentary →
    14Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become known, and he said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why these mighty powers are at work in him.” 15Others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16But when Herod heard this, he said, “ This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead.”
    Luke 9:7–9
    Read with commentary →
    7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about everything that Jesus was doing, and he was greatly perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8others were saying that Elijah had appeared, and others were saying that one of the ancient prophets had risen. 9But Herod said, “John I beheaded; who then is this man about whom I hear such things?” So he was looking for an opportunity to see him.
    Esc or click outside to close
  • 14:3–12 The Death of John the Baptist
    Mark 6:17–29

    The Death of John the Baptist

    2 Gospels · read side by side
    Matthew 14:3–12 · this chapter
    Read with commentary →
    3For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. 4For John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for yoʋ to have her.” 5Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. 6But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before the guests and pleased Herod. 7So he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he commanded it to be given 10and sent orders to have John beheaded in prison. 11John's head was then brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12Later, John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and brought word to Jesus.
    Mark 6:17–29
    Read with commentary →
    17For Herod himself had sent men to arrest John and chain him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom Herod had married. 18For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for yoʋ to have yoʋr brother's wife.” 19So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she was not able to do so. 20For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When Herod listened to John, he would listen to him gladly and do many things. 21But an opportune day came. On his birthday Herod prepared a banquet for his nobles, military commanders, and the prominent men of Galilee. 22When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. So the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever yoʋ wish, and I will give it to yoʋ.” 23He swore to her, “Whatever yoʋ ask me, I will give to yoʋ, up to half my kingdom.” 24So she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25Immediately the girl came in with haste to the king and made her request, saying, “I want yoʋ to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26The king was very sad, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to reject her. 27So the king immediately sent an executioner and commanded that John's head be brought back. 28The executioner then went and beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. And the girl gave it to her mother. 29When John's disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
    Esc or click outside to close
  • 14:13–21 The Feeding of the Five Thousand
    Mark 6:32–44Luke 9:10b–17John 6:1–15

    The Feeding of the Five Thousand

    4 Gospels · read side by side
    Matthew 14:13–21 · this chapter
    Read with commentary →
    13When Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But the crowds heard about it and followed him on foot from the towns. 14And when Jesus went ashore and saw a large crowd, he was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick. 15As evening approached, his disciples came to him and said, “This place is desolate, and the hour is now late. Send the crowds away so that they can go into the villages and buy themselves some food.” 16But Jesus said to them, “They have no need to go away; you give them something to eat.” 17They said to him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18He said, “Bring them here to me.” 19Then he commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said the blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20They all ate and were filled, and the disciples picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
    Mark 6:32–44
    Read with commentary →✎ 1 note
    32So they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33Now many saw them going away and recognized Jesus. They ran together on foot from all the towns, got there ahead of them, and then gathered around him. 34When Jesus went ashore and saw a large crowd, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things. 35When the hour was already quite late, his disciples came to him and said, “This place is desolate, and the hour is now late. 36Send the people away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves some bread, for they have nothing to eat.” 37But Jesus answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39Then he directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing. He broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and he divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were filled, 43and the disciples picked up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces and of the fish. 44Now those who had eaten the loaves were five thousand men.
    Luke 9:10b–17
    Read with commentary →
    10When the apostles returned, they told Jesus about all they had done. Then he took them and withdrew privately to a desolate place belonging to a town called Bethsaida. 11But when the crowds found out about it, they followed him. So he welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and cured those who had need of healing. 12As the day began to draw to a close, the twelve came up and said to Jesus, “Send the crowd away so that they can go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and provisions, for we are in a desolate place here.” 13But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have only five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for this entire group of people.” 14(For there were about five thousand men.) Then he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of fifty each.” 15The disciples did so, and had everyone sit down. 16Then Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and fish into pieces and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17They all ate and were filled, and what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
    John 6:1–15
    Read with commentary →
    1After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias). 2A large crowd was following him because they saw the miraculous signs he was performing on the sick. 3So Jesus went up on the mountain and sat there with his disciples. 4(Now the Jewish feast of the Passover was near.) 5When Jesus lifted up his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread so that these people may eat?” 6(He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was about to do.) 7Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be sufficient for each of them to receive a little portion.” 8Then one of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, 9“There is a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what good are they for so many people?” 10Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” (Now there was a lot of grass in that place.) So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks, he distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples distributed them to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish, and the people ate as much as they wanted. 12When they were full, Jesus said to his disciples, “Gather together the pieces that are left over so that nothing is wasted.” 13So they gathered them together and filled twelve baskets with the broken pieces from the five barley loaves that were left over by those who had eaten. 14When the people saw the sign that Jesus had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15So Jesus, knowing that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, withdrew to the mountain by himself.
    Esc or click outside to close
  • 14:22–33 Walking on the Water
    Mark 6:45–52John 6:16–21

    Walking on the Water

    3 Gospels · read side by side
    Matthew 14:22–33 · this chapter
    Read with commentary →✎ 3 notes
    22Immediately Jesus compelled the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side of the sea, while he sent the crowds away. 23After sending the crowds away, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. 24Meanwhile, the boat was already in the middle of the sea, being tossed by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28In response Peter said to him, “Lord, if it is yoʋ, command me to come to yoʋ on the water.” 29So he said, “Come.” Then Peter got down from the boat and walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “O yoʋ of little faith, why did yoʋ doubt?” 32And when they had gotten into the boat, the wind ceased. 33Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “Truly yoʋ are the Son of God.”
    Mark 6:45–52
    Read with commentary →
    45Immediately Jesus compelled his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side of the sea, to Bethsaida, while he sent the crowd away. 46After taking leave of them, he went to the mountain to pray. 47When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48He saw the disciples straining as they rowed, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and intended to pass them by. 49But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. 50For they all saw him and were terrified. But Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage! It is I; do not be afraid.” 51Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly and completely amazed and in awe; 52for they did not understand the significance of what had happened with the loaves, because their hearts were hardened.
    John 6:16–21
    Read with commentary →
    16When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17and after getting into the boat, they started going across the sea to Capernaum. Darkness had already set in, but Jesus had not come to them. 18Then the sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea, and they were afraid. 20But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21Then they were willing to receive him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land where they were heading.
    Esc or click outside to close
  • 14:34–36 Healings at Gennesaret
    Mark 6:53–56

    Healings at Gennesaret

    2 Gospels · read side by side
    Matthew 14:34–36 · this chapter
    Read with commentary →
    34When they had crossed the sea, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word into the entire surrounding region, and people brought to him all who were sick. 36They begged him to let the sick touch even the fringe of his garment, and all who touched it were completely healed.
    Mark 6:53–56
    Read with commentary →
    53When they had crossed the sea, they came to the land of Gennesaret and moored the boat. 54When they got out of the boat, people immediately recognized Jesus. 55So the people ran around throughout the entire surrounding region and began to carry the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56And wherever he went, to villages, cities, or the countryside, they would lay the sick in the marketplaces and beg him to let the sick touch even the fringe of his garment. And all who touched it were healed.
    Esc or click outside to close
Referenced elsewhere

New Testament text: Text-Critical English New Testament (TCENT) — © Robert Adam Boyd, CC BY 4.0. Texts & Translations →