Matthew 14:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:28 captures a pivotal moment of audacious faith and human limitation as Peter, amidst a raging storm on the Sea of Galilee, responds to Jesus' miraculous appearance by requesting a divine command to join Him in walking on the water. This verse encapsulates Peter's characteristic blend of bold initiative and conditional faith, highlighting his profound recognition of Christ's unique authority and the enabling power of His word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of Jesus walking on water, immediately following the feeding of the five thousand ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). After dismissing the crowds, Jesus sent His disciples ahead by boat across the Sea of Galilee and withdrew to a mountain to pray ([Matthew 14:22-23](/matthew/14-22-23 "Matthew 14:22-23 - Jesus Prays on the Mountain")). During the fourth watch of the night (between 3 and 6 AM), while the disciples struggled against strong winds and waves, Jesus came to them, miraculously walking on the water ([Matthew 14:24-25](/matthew/14-24-25 "Matthew 14:24-25 - Jesus Walks on Water")). Their initial reaction was terror, believing they saw a ghost ([Matthew 14:26](/matthew/14-26 "Matthew 14:26 - Disciples Terrified")). Jesus quickly reassured them with the profound declaration, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" ([Matthew 14:27](/matthew/14-27 "Matthew 14:27 - Jesus Reassures His Disciples")). It is in response to this divine self-identification and calming assurance that Peter, ever the first to speak and act, makes his remarkable request.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, known for its sudden and violent storms due to its location below sea level and surrounding hills, frequently posed dangers to fishermen. In ancient Jewish culture, walking on water was an act uniquely attributed to God, demonstrating divine sovereignty over creation (e.g., [Job 9:8](/job/9-8 "Job 9:8 - God Walks on the Sea")). The disciples' immediate assumption of seeing a "ghost" reflects common superstitions and fears of the supernatural in the darkness. Peter's request, "bid me come," reflects an understanding of the authority inherent in a master's command, particularly a divine one. He wasn't asking for permission as much as for an empowering word, recognizing that only a true divine figure could enable such a supernatural feat.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **divine authority of Jesus** over the natural world, as He demonstrates power over the chaotic sea. It highlights the **unique character of Peter**, showcasing his impulsiveness, boldness, and a nascent, though at times wavering, faith that sets him apart among the disciples. Peter's conditional request, "if it be thou," while sometimes interpreted as doubt, can also be seen as a profound recognition that only the true Messiah possesses the power to command such a miracle, thus serving as a test of divine identity and an appeal for **the enabling power of Christ's word**. This moment also foreshadows the **journey of faith** for believers, where stepping out in obedience to Christ's call often involves defying natural limitations and relying solely on His power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bid (Greek, _keleúō_):** This word signifies to "urge on" or "order," conveying a strong sense of command or instruction. Peter is not merely asking for permission but for an authoritative decree from Jesus that would empower him to perform the impossible. This highlights his understanding that only Christ's divine word carries the power to defy natural laws.
* **come (Greek, _érchomai_):** This verb means "to come or go" and is used in a wide variety of applications. Here, it specifically denotes Peter's desire to move towards Jesus across the water. The act of "coming" is an act of obedience and trust, contingent upon Jesus' command.
* **water (Greek, _hýdōr_):** Referring to the physical substance of the sea, "water" here represents the natural barrier and the realm of chaos and danger that Peter desires to transcend. His request to walk "on the water" is a direct challenge to natural limitations, made possible only by divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Peter answered him and said,"**: This opening clause immediately positions Peter as the spokesman and initiator among the disciples, a role he frequently assumes in the Gospels. His quick response highlights his characteristic impulsiveness and readiness to engage directly with Jesus.
* **"Lord, if it be thou,"**: This is a conditional statement. Far from expressing outright doubt, Peter's "if" functions more as a plea for confirmation or a test of divine authority. He recognizes that only the true Lord, the Son of God, could command the elements and empower a human to walk on water. It is a request for Jesus to validate His identity through a specific, empowering word.
* **"bid me come unto thee on the water."**: This is the audacious request itself. Peter is asking for a direct, authoritative command from Jesus. He understands that his ability to perform this supernatural act hinges entirely on Christ's enabling word, demonstrating a profound, albeit conditional, faith in Jesus' power and sovereignty over creation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Dialogue** to reveal character and advance the narrative. Peter's direct address to Jesus immediately showcases his bold and often impetuous nature, contrasting with the other disciples' silent fear. **Symbolism** is also prominent; the "water" or sea often symbolizes chaos, danger, and the unknown in biblical literature. Peter's desire to walk "on the water" represents a yearning to transcend natural limitations and participate in divine power, a powerful symbol of faith overcoming adversity. Furthermore, the scene contains elements of **Foreshadowing**, as Peter's initial step of faith and subsequent faltering ([Matthew 14:29-31](/matthew/14-29-31 "Matthew 14:29-31 - Peter Walks and Sinks")) foreshadows his later spiritual journey, marked by both great acts of faith and moments of weakness. The **Contrast** between the disciples' collective fear and Peter's singular, daring request also serves to highlight his unique role and personality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's request in Matthew 14:28 is a profound theological statement about the nature of faith and divine authority. It underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a willingness to act upon Christ's word, even when it defies natural logic or human capability. Peter's "if it be thou" is not a sign of unbelief but a recognition that only the divine Lord possesses the power to enable such an impossible feat. It is a plea for an empowering command, demonstrating that Peter understood the absolute sovereignty of Jesus over creation. This moment highlights that our ability to navigate life's "storms" and perform seemingly impossible tasks is not rooted in our own strength or courage, but in the authoritative word and enabling power of Christ. It calls believers to seek and obey Christ's specific commands, trusting that His word carries the power to make the impossible possible.

* [Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Calms the Storm"): Jesus demonstrates His authority over the elements by rebuking the wind and the sea, showing His power to command nature.
* [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Power to Become Children of God"): To those who believe in His name, Jesus gives "power to become the sons of God," illustrating the enabling power that comes through faith in Him.
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential"): This verse emphasizes that "without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:28 serves as a powerful invitation for believers to consider the depth of their own faith and willingness to step out in obedience to Christ's call. Peter's audacious request, even with its conditional phrasing, challenges us to move beyond passive observation of God's power to active participation in His miraculous work. It prompts us to ask ourselves if we are willing to seek a direct, empowering word from Jesus when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and then to act upon it. The "water" represents the fears, uncertainties, and impossibilities in our lives—the very things that threaten to overwhelm us. Peter's example encourages us to fix our gaze on Christ, rather than the storm, recognizing that His command alone can enable us to walk through our challenges. This passage teaches us that true spiritual growth often occurs when we are willing to leave the relative safety of the boat and venture into the unknown, trusting solely in the authority and power of Jesus' word. It is in these moments of bold, dependent faith that we experience Christ's enabling grace most profoundly, even if our journey includes moments of faltering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "waters" (challenges, fears, impossible situations) are you currently facing that require a divine "bid" from Jesus for you to overcome?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on Christ's authoritative word, trusting that His command can empower you to do what seems impossible?**
* **In what specific areas of your life is Jesus calling you to step out in audacious faith, even if it means leaving your comfort zone or defying conventional wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Was Peter doubting Jesus when he said, "if it be thou"?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While the phrase "if it be thou" can imply a degree of uncertainty, in this context, it is more accurately understood as a request for confirmation and a test of divine authority. Peter recognized that walking on water was an act only God could enable. His "if" was not a question of Jesus' existence, but a plea for Jesus to validate His divine identity and power through a specific, empowering command. It was a bold request for a sign that would confirm Jesus' true nature and enable Peter to participate in the miraculous, demonstrating a nascent faith that sought tangible evidence of Christ's unique sovereignty.

**Why did Peter ask to walk on water?**

Answer: Peter's request to walk on water reveals several aspects of his character and faith. Firstly, it demonstrates his characteristic impulsiveness and boldness; he was often the first to speak and act among the disciples. Secondly, it shows a profound desire for a personal, tangible experience of Christ's power and identity. He wanted to confirm that it was truly Jesus, and he believed that if it were, Jesus' word could empower him to do the impossible. It was an audacious act of faith, a desire to participate directly in the miracle, and a recognition that only Jesus possessed the authority to command such a supernatural feat. This desire to "come unto thee on the water" was a unique blend of daring faith, a yearning for confirmation, and a testament to his belief in Jesus' divine power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's audacious request to "bid me come unto thee on the water" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the broader Christ-centered narrative of the believer's walk of faith. Jesus, as the [Lord of creation](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator") and the [one who holds all authority in heaven and on earth](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"), is the only one capable of empowering humanity to transcend natural limitations. Peter's desire to step out of the boat and walk on the chaotic waves, dependent solely on Christ's command, beautifully foreshadows the Christian life. We are called to "come unto" Jesus, not just physically but spiritually, stepping out of our comfort zones and into the often-turbulent "waters" of life, trusting in His word. Just as Jesus' "bid" enabled Peter, so too does the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, empower believers to live lives of extraordinary faith, to overcome sin, and to fulfill God's purposes, even when they seem humanly impossible ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). The ultimate fulfillment lies in the reality that Christ is our enabling power, the one who calls us to Himself and sustains us through every storm, allowing us to walk by faith, not by sight ([2_corinthians/5-7](/2-corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - We Walk by Faith")). Peter's experience on the water is a microcosm of the believer's journey: an initial step of faith, reliance on Christ's word, and the constant need to fix our eyes on Him to avoid sinking in the face of doubt or fear.

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

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?