Matthew 14:25

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

And {G1161} in the fourth {G5067} watch {G5438} of the night {G3571} Jesus {G2424} went {G565} unto {G4314} them {G846}, walking {G4043} on {G1909} the sea {G2281}.

Around four o'clock in the morning, he came toward them, walking on the lake!

During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea.

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

Matthew 14:25 (KJV): "And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea."

Context

This verse immediately follows two significant events in the life of Jesus: the miraculous feeding of over five thousand people with only five loaves and two fish, and Jesus sending His disciples ahead in a boat while He went up a mountain to pray. The disciples were out on the Sea of Galilee, struggling against strong winds and rough waves. This setting emphasizes their human limitations and vulnerability, contrasting sharply with Jesus' divine capabilities.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Divine Power Over Creation: The most prominent theme is Jesus' absolute authority over natural laws. His ability to walk on water demonstrates His sovereignty, not merely as a prophet, but as God incarnate. This miracle is a profound display of His divine nature and sovereignty over creation, akin to other miracles where He controlled elements, such as calming a violent storm.
  • Jesus' Presence in Adversity: Even when the disciples felt alone and were struggling in the dark, Jesus came to them. This highlights His constant awareness of His followers' plight and His timely intervention in their moments of greatest need and fear.
  • The Disciples' Misunderstanding and Fear: Initially, the disciples did not recognize Jesus, mistaking Him for a ghost due to the unusual circumstances and the darkness. This underscores their human limitations and the initial fear that often precedes understanding of divine power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the fourth watch of the night" is significant. Roman military divisions of the night were into four watches. The first watch was from 6 PM to 9 PM, the second from 9 PM to 12 AM, the third from 12 AM to 3 AM, and the fourth watch was from 3 AM to 6 AM. This detail emphasizes that Jesus came to them in the darkest and most challenging part of the night, just before dawn, after they had been toiling against the wind for many hours. This timing adds to the dramatic impact and highlights the disciples' exhaustion and despair.

Related Scriptures

This event is also recorded in Mark 6:48 and John 6:19, providing multiple perspectives on this powerful miracle. Matthew's account uniquely includes Peter's attempt to walk on water in the subsequent verses, further exploring themes of faith and doubt.

Practical Application

Matthew 14:25 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. When we face our own "storms" in life—be they financial troubles, health crises, relational conflicts, or spiritual doubts—this verse reminds us that Jesus sees our struggle. He often comes to us in the "fourth watch," when our strength is depleted and hope seems dim. His presence, even in the most unexpected and seemingly impossible ways, is a testament to His power and His care. It calls us to recognize Him amidst our fears and to trust that He is sovereign over all circumstances, offering peace even in the midst of the tempest.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 9:8

    Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

  • 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 6:19

    So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

  • Matthew 24:43

    But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

  • Luke 12:38

    And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find [them] so, blessed are those servants.

  • Psalms 93:3

    The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

  • Psalms 93:4

    The LORD on high [is] mightier than the noise of many waters, [yea, than] the mighty waves of the sea.

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