Matthew14
New King James Version
1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus
2and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”
3For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.
4Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
5And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
6But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.
7Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.
8So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”
9And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.
10So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.
11And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.
12Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
13When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities.
14And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
15When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.”
16But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”
18He said, “Bring them here to Me.”
19Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.
20So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained.
21Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
22Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.
23And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.
24But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
26And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
28And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
30But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
34When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret.
35And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick,
36and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Matthew 14.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Death of John the Baptist. (1–12). Five thousand people miraculously fed. (13–21). Jesus walks upon the sea. (22–33). Jesus healing the sick. (34–36).
vv1-12
The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there may be the terror of convictions, where there is not the truth of conversion. When men pretend to favour the gospel, yet live in evil, we must not favour their self-delusion, but must deliver our consciences as John did. The world may call this rudeness and blind zeal. False professors, or timid Christians, may censure it as want of civility; but the most powerful enemies can go no further than the Lord sees good to permit. Herod feared that the putting of John to death might raise a rebellion among the people, which it did not; but he never feared it might stir up his own conscience against him, which it did. Men fear being hanged for what they do not fear being damned for. And times of carnal mirth and jollity are convenient times for carrying on bad designs against God's people. Herod would profusely reward a worthless dance, while imprisonment and death were the recompence of the man of God who sought the salvation of his soul. But there was real malice to John beneath his consent, or else Herod would have found ways to get clear of his promise. When the under shepherds are smitten, the sheep need not be scattered while they have the Great Shepherd to go to. And it is better to be drawn to Christ by want and loss, than not to come to him at all.
vv13-21
When Christ and his word withdraw, it is best for us to follow, seeking the means of grace for our souls before any worldly advantages. The presence of Christ and his gospel, makes a desert not only tolerable, but desirable. This little supply of bread was increased by Christ's creating power, till the whole multitude were satisfied. In seeking the welfare of men's souls, we should have compassion on their bodies likewise. Let us also remember always to crave a blessing on our meals, and learn to avoid all waste, as frugality is the proper source of liberality. See in this miracle an emblem of the Bread of life, which came down from heaven to sustain our perishing souls. The provisions of Christ's gospel appear mean and scanty to the world, yet they satisfy all that feed on him in their hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
vv22-33
Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace to them and for them. He can take what way he pleases to save his people. But even appearances of deliverance sometimes occasion trouble and perplexity to God's people, from mistakes about Christ. Nothing ought to affright those that have Christ near them, and know he is theirs; not death itself. Peter walked upon the water, not for diversion or to boast of it, but to go to Jesus; and in that he was thus wonderfully borne up. Special supports are promised, and are to be expected, but only in spiritual pursuits; nor can we ever come to Jesus, unless we are upheld by his power. Christ bade Peter come, not only that he might walk upon the water, and so know his Lord's power, but that he might know his own weakness. And the Lord often lets his servants have their choice, to humble and prove them, and to show the greatness of his power and grace. When we look off from Christ, and look at the greatness of opposing difficulties, we shall begin to fall; but when we call to him, he will stretch out his arm, and save us. Christ is the great Saviour; those who would be saved, must come to him, and cry to him, for salvation; we are never brought to this, till we find ourselves sinking: the sense of need drives us to him. He rebuked Peter. Could we but believe more, we should suffer less. The weakness of faith, and the prevailing of our doubts, displease our Lord Jesus, for there is no good reason why Christ's disciples should be of a doubtful mind. Even in a stormy day he is to them a very present help. None but the world's Creator could multiply the loaves, none but its Governor could tread upon the waters of the sea: the disciples yield to the evidence, and confess their faith. They were suitably affected, and worshipped Christ. He that comes to God, must believe; and he that believes in God, will come, Heb 11:6.
Key Words
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos): that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
καιρός (kairós): an occasion, i.e. set or proper time
Ἡρώδης (Hērṓdēs): heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings
τετράρχης (tetrárchēs): the ruler of a fourth part of a country ("tetrarch")
ἀκούω (akoúō): to hear (in various senses)
ἀκοή (akoḗ): hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs): Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔπω (épō): to speak or say (by word or writing)
Cross References
Matthew 14Direct parallel account of Herod Antipas hearing of Jesus and suspecting John the Baptist had risen.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel account showing Herod's deep perplexity and desire to see Jesus upon hearing of Him.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Mosaic law explicitly prohibiting marriage to a brother's wife, which John cited to condemn Herod's union.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Detailed parallel history of John's arrest, the birthday banquet, Herodias's plot, and the Baptist's execution.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Detailed parallel account of Jesus withdrawing to a desert place and feeding the five thousand.
Supported by JFB
Parallel account of Jesus dismissing the crowd to pray alone and subsequently walking on the stormy sea.
Supported by JFB
Job declares God alone treads upon the waves, demonstrating Jesus' divine identity in walking on water.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Mosaic law declaring a man marrying his brother's wife an unclean, childless act of incest.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Elisha's miraculous multiplication of barley loaves prefigures Christ's grander feeding of the five thousand.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Old Testament precedent linking royal birthday celebrations with carnal excess, pride, and subsequent executions.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Yahweh calms the storm so the waves are still, a power displayed by Christ on the boat.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Earlier instance in Matthew where touching the hem of Christ's garment released immediate healing power.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Matthew's second account of a miraculous feeding driven by Christ's deep compassion for the hungry multitudes.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Peter's subsequent, formal confession of Jesus as the Son of God, echoing the disciples' confession here.
Supported by Matthew Henry