Matthew 14:28

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And {G1161} Peter {G4074} answered {G611} him {G846} and said {G2036}, Lord {G2962}, if {G1487} it be {G1488} thou {G4771}, bid {G2753} me {G3165} come {G2064} unto {G4314} thee {G4571} on {G1909} the water {G5204}.

Then Kefa called to him, "Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water."

“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.”

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee upon the waters.

Commentary

Matthew 14:28 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus walking on water, showcasing the unique character of Peter and his immediate, bold response to Christ's presence amidst a stormy sea.

Context

This verse occurs after Jesus had sent His disciples ahead in a boat across the Sea of Galilee, while He went up into a mountain to pray. In the fourth watch of the night (around 3-6 AM), Jesus came to them, walking on the water. The disciples, terrified, believed they were seeing a ghost. Jesus quickly reassured them, saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matthew 14:27). It is in this moment of divine revelation and reassurance that Peter, ever the spokesman, steps forward.

Key Themes

  • Peter's Impulsiveness and Boldness: Peter is often portrayed as quick to speak and act. Here, his request to walk on water demonstrates an extraordinary blend of daring faith and perhaps a desire for tangible proof of Christ's identity.
  • Faith and Confirmation: His phrase, "if it be thou," indicates a cautious yet hopeful faith. He acknowledges Jesus' power by asking for a command, recognizing that only Christ could enable such a supernatural feat. This is not doubt in Jesus' ability, but a desire for a direct, authoritative word.
  • The Authority of Christ's Word: Peter understands that if it truly is Jesus, His word ("bid me come") carries the power to defy natural laws. This highlights the absolute authority of Jesus over creation and circumstances.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "bid me come" is significant. It's not merely a request for permission, but a plea for a divine command or instruction. Peter is asking for Jesus to utter the word that would empower him to do the impossible, much like Jesus commanded the winds and waves (Matthew 8:26). This emphasizes the enabling power inherent in Christ's authoritative word.

Practical Application

Matthew 14:28 challenges believers to consider their own responses to Christ's call in challenging circumstances. Peter's willingness to step out of the boat, even with a measure of caution, serves as a powerful example:

  • Stepping Out in Faith: When we hear Christ's voice, are we willing to ask for His specific command and then act upon it, even when it seems impossible or defies logic?
  • Seeking Christ's Authority: Our ability to overcome life's "storms" often depends not on our own strength, but on hearing and obeying the authoritative word of Jesus.
  • Facing Fears with Christ: Peter's request, though audacious, was a step towards overcoming fear by focusing on Jesus. It teaches us to look to Christ when doubts or fears arise, rather than being paralyzed by them. The subsequent events in Matthew 14:29 show Peter's initial success and eventual sinking, a reminder that while faith enables extraordinary feats, maintaining focus on Christ is paramount.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, 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.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
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Cross-References

  • John 6:68

    Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

  • Romans 12:3

    For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

  • Matthew 26:33

    Peter answered and said unto him, Though all [men] shall be offended because of thee, [yet] will I never be offended.

  • Matthew 26:35

    Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

  • John 13:36

    ¶ Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

  • John 13:38

    Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

  • Matthew 19:27

    Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
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