Matthew 14:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the ship {G4143} was {G2258} now {G2235} in the midst {G3319} of the sea {G2281}, tossed {G928} with {G5259} waves {G2949}: for {G1063} the wind {G417} was {G2258} contrary {G1727}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But by this time, the boat was several miles from shore, battling a rough sea and a headwind.

Berean Standard Bible

but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:24 vividly depicts the disciples' perilous situation on the Sea of Galilee, where their boat, far from shore, was violently battered by waves and hindered by a strong, opposing wind. This verse serves as a crucial narrative pivot, setting a scene of intense vulnerability and human limitation, thereby preparing the reader for the extraordinary divine intervention that is about to unfold. It encapsulates a moment of profound struggle and isolation, highlighting the disciples' dire need for their Master's presence and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows two significant events in Matthew's Gospel: the miraculous [feeding of the five thousand](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand") and Jesus' subsequent instruction for His disciples to cross the sea while He dismissed the crowds and went to pray. Having just witnessed Jesus' immense power to provide, the disciples are now sent into a situation where their own resources and skills are utterly insufficient. Jesus "constrained" them to get into the boat ([Matthew 14:22](/matthew/14-22 "Matthew 14:22 - Jesus Sends Disciples Ahead")), implying a divine purpose behind their journey into the storm. This sequence underscores a pattern: divine provision followed by a test of faith, often involving a period of perceived absence from the Lord, which then sets the stage for a new revelation of His power and person.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, though an inland freshwater lake, was notorious for sudden, violent storms due to its geographical location. Surrounded by hills and valleys, cold air currents could funnel down, colliding with the warmer air over the lake, creating rapid and severe squalls. For first-century fishermen and travelers in small, open boats, such storms were genuinely life-threatening. Night travel, as implied by the timing ([Matthew 14:23](/matthew/14-23 "Matthew 14:23 - Jesus Prays on the Mountain")), added to the danger and isolation. The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, would have understood the grave peril of being "in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves" with a "contrary" wind, highlighting that this was no ordinary rough patch but a serious threat to their lives.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Adversity and Isolation**, portraying the disciples in a state of extreme vulnerability, far from safety and seemingly alone, a common human experience that often precedes divine intervention. Secondly, it highlights **Human Limitation versus Divine Sovereignty**, underscoring the disciples' inability to overcome the powerful natural forces opposing them, thereby setting a dramatic backdrop for Jesus' subsequent demonstration of His absolute authority over creation. This echoes the earlier storm narrative in [Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), where Jesus' power over the elements is first revealed. Finally, the verse functions as a crucial element in **Setting the Stage for Divine Intervention**, making the disciples' desperate situation the perfect canvas for Jesus to reveal Himself in a new and profound way, demonstrating His active presence and power even in the midst of their deepest struggles, fulfilling His promise to be with them [always, even to the end of the age](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _dé'_):** This particle (G1161) serves as an adversative or continuative conjunction, often introducing a shift or contrast. Here, it signals a transition from Jesus' peaceful prayer on the mountain to the disciples' tumultuous experience on the sea, setting up a dramatic contrast between the Master's tranquility and His followers' distress. It emphasizes that while Jesus was in communion with the Father, the disciples were facing a dire challenge.
* **tossed (Greek, _basanízō'_):** The verb (G928) is a strong term, meaning "to torture," "to pain," "to torment," or "to vex." It conveys far more than mere rocking; it suggests that the ship was being severely distressed, harassed, and put to extreme agony by the waves. This vividly communicates the intensity and violence of the storm, indicating that the disciples were not just inconvenienced but were in a life-threatening struggle.
* **contrary (Greek, _enantíos'_):** This adjective (G1727) means "opposite" or "antagonistic." It describes the wind as directly opposing their efforts, blowing against their intended direction of travel. This highlights the futility of their human strength and skill against such a force, emphasizing that their progress was not just difficult but actively thwarted, creating a sense of being trapped and overwhelmed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the ship was now in the midst of the sea,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the setting and the predicament. The conjunction "But" signals a shift from Jesus' solitary prayer to the disciples' struggle. "In the midst of the sea" indicates they were far from the safety of either shore, isolated and vulnerable. The word "now" (_ḗdē_) implies that some time had passed since they set out, suggesting a prolonged struggle, not just a sudden squall.
* **"tossed with waves:"**: This phrase powerfully describes the violent nature of the storm. The Greek word for "tossed" (_basanízō_) conveys a sense of being tormented or tortured, indicating that the boat was not merely rocking but was undergoing severe, agonizing distress from the relentless battering of the "waves" (_kŷma_), which are billows or surging masses of water. This paints a picture of extreme danger and physical hardship for those on board.
* **"for the wind was contrary."**: This final clause provides the reason for their distress, explaining why the ship was being so violently "tossed." The "wind" (_ánemos_) was "contrary" (_enantíos_), meaning it was directly opposing their desired course. This highlights the insurmountable obstacle they faced; despite their efforts, they could make no progress, leaving them at the mercy of the elements and emphasizing their complete lack of control over the situation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the disciples' dire situation. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "sea" and "storm" serving as potent symbols of the trials, adversities, and overwhelming challenges that believers often face in life. The "tossed" ship, far from shore, symbolizes the feeling of being adrift, vulnerable, and without control amidst life's difficulties. The "contrary wind" represents the opposing forces—whether spiritual, circumstantial, or personal—that hinder progress and threaten to capsize faith. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of **Foreshadowing** in this verse. The extreme peril described sets a dramatic stage, building intense anticipation for Jesus' subsequent miraculous appearance and demonstration of His sovereignty over creation, thereby foreshadowing His ultimate power to deliver His people from all forms of distress and opposition. The vivid, almost personified description of the ship being "tossed" or "tormented" by the waves also lends a subtle touch of **Personification**, emphasizing the relentless and almost malicious nature of the storm's assault.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:24 is rich with theological implications, primarily highlighting the sovereignty of God over all creation and His active presence even in the midst of human struggle. The disciples' desperate situation underscores the biblical truth that even when obeying God's command (as Jesus sent them ahead), one can still encounter severe trials. These "contrary winds" are not random but often serve as divine opportunities for God to reveal His power and faithfulness in ways that human strength or ingenuity cannot accomplish. The narrative emphasizes that God is aware of our struggles, even when He seems distant or absent, and that His timing for intervention is perfect, designed to deepen faith and reveal His glory. This passage anticipates the New Testament's broader teaching on perseverance through trials, trusting in God's ultimate control and His promise to never leave or forsake His people.

* [Mark 6:48](/mark/6-48 "Mark 6:48 - Jesus Sees Disciples Toiling") – A parallel account that explicitly states Jesus "saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them."
* [Psalm 107:23-30](/psalm/107-23-30 "Psalm 107:23-30 - God Delivers from Storms") – Describes those who "go down to the sea in ships" encountering storms, crying out to the Lord, and being delivered by Him, highlighting God's ancient power over the elements.
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Trials Produce Steadfastness") – Encourages believers to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials," knowing that the testing of faith produces steadfastness, a theme powerfully illustrated by the disciples' experience.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:24 offers profound and enduring relevance for believers navigating the complexities of life today. It reminds us that faithfully following Christ does not guarantee an absence of storms; in fact, sometimes obedience leads us directly into them. Like the disciples, we may find ourselves "in the midst of the sea," far from the comfort of the familiar, feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and battling "contrary winds" that seem to thwart every effort. These storms can manifest as financial crises, health battles, relational conflicts, professional setbacks, or spiritual doubts. In such moments, this verse encourages us to acknowledge our limitations and the futility of relying solely on our own strength or ingenuity. It prepares us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and anticipate the Lord's intervention. Even when He seems distant or delayed, He is aware of our struggle, and His timing is perfect. Our trials, though painful, are often the very means by which He draws us closer, reveals His power, and deepens our faith, transforming our fear into profound trust in His sovereign control over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "contrary winds" or "storms" are you currently facing in your life that make you feel like you're making no progress?**
* **In what ways do you tend to rely on your own strength or resources when faced with overwhelming challenges, rather than looking to Christ?**
* **How does the disciples' experience of being "tossed" by waves resonate with your own feelings of being overwhelmed or "tormented" by difficult circumstances?**
* **How can remembering Christ's ultimate sovereignty over creation, even in the midst of your personal storms, bring you peace and hope?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus send His disciples into a storm, knowing what would happen?**

Answer: Jesus often led His disciples into challenging situations to deepen their faith and reveal more about His divine nature and authority. By sending them ahead into the storm, He created a context where their human limitations were starkly exposed, making His subsequent miraculous appearance and power to walk on water and calm the storm all the more profound. This experience was not meant to punish them but to teach them to trust Him in impossible circumstances, demonstrating that His presence and power transcend all natural laws and human capabilities. It was a crucial lesson in dependence and a powerful revelation of His identity as the Son of God, who commands even the winds and the sea ([Matthew 8:27](/matthew/8-27 "Matthew 8:27 - The Disciples' Amazement")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:24, though describing a physical storm, profoundly points to Christ's ultimate triumph over the greater storms of sin, death, and spiritual opposition. The disciples' desperate struggle in the boat, tossed by waves and hindered by a contrary wind, vividly illustrates humanity's inherent helplessness against the overwhelming forces of a fallen world and spiritual darkness. Just as Jesus sovereignly walked on the water, demonstrating His mastery over creation, He ultimately walked through death and rose again, proving His ultimate authority over sin and the grave ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Resurrection")). He is the one who calms not only physical storms but also the tempestuous anxieties of the human heart and the raging spiritual battles that assail believers ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). His coming to the disciples "in the fourth watch of the night" ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")), at their moment of greatest need, foreshadows His continuous presence with His church, promising to never leave or forsake His own ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave Us")). He is the true deliverer, the one who brings peace to the troubled soul and enables His followers to walk by faith even amidst the most formidable "contrary winds" of life, ultimately leading them safely to the eternal shore ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 6:48

And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

John 6:18

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

Matthew 8:24

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

Isaiah 54:11

¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.