Matthew 14:29

KJV

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, Come {G2064}. And {G2532} when Peter {G4074} was come down {G2597} out of {G575} the ship {G4143}, he walked {G4043} on {G1909} the water {G5204}, to go {G2064} to {G4314} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Come!" he said. So Kefa got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

“Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.

American Standard Version

And he said, Come. And Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon the waters to come to Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:29 captures a pivotal moment of audacious faith and divine empowerment as Peter, at Jesus' command, steps out of the boat and walks on the turbulent Sea of Galilee. This verse highlights Jesus' supreme authority over creation and Peter's remarkable, albeit temporary, participation in the miraculous through direct obedience to Christ's invitation. It serves as a profound illustration of the power unleashed when human faith responds to divine initiative, demonstrating that the impossible becomes achievable when one's focus is fixed on Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of Jesus walking on water, immediately following the miraculous feeding of over five thousand people (see [Matthew 14:15-21](/matthew/14-15-21 "Matthew 14:15-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). After dismissing the crowds, Jesus sent His disciples ahead by boat across the Sea of Galilee while He went up on a mountain to pray (see [Matthew 14:22-23](/matthew/14-22-23 "Matthew 14:22-23 - Jesus Prays on the Mountain")). A violent storm arose, tossing the boat, and in the fourth watch of the night (between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM), Jesus came to them walking on the water. Initially terrified, mistaking Him for a ghost, the disciples were calmed by Jesus' reassuring words, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid" (see [Matthew 14:27](/matthew/14-27 "Matthew 14:27 - Jesus Calms His Disciples")). It is in this context of fear, awe, and the miraculous appearance of Christ that Peter, with characteristic impulsiveness and faith, asks to join Jesus on the water, leading directly to the events of Matthew 14:29.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee was notorious for its sudden and violent storms, often caused by cold air rushing down from the surrounding hills. Fishermen, like many of the disciples, were accustomed to these dangers, yet their fear indicates the severity of this particular tempest. Walking on water was universally understood as an act reserved for God alone, a demonstration of divine sovereignty over creation (see [Job 9:8](/job/9-8 "Job 9:8 - God Walks on the Waves") or [Psalm 77:19](/psalm/77-19 "Psalm 77:19 - God's Path Through the Sea")). For the disciples to mistake Jesus for a "ghost" (φάντασμα, *phantasma*) reflects a common ancient belief in spirits, but their ultimate recognition of Him as Lord underscores the profound impact of His miraculous appearance. Peter's request to walk on water, therefore, was not merely a physical challenge but a theological one, seeking to participate in a divine act, a testament to his burgeoning understanding of Jesus' unique identity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospels and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **divine authority and power of Jesus** over all creation, including the elements, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God (see [Matthew 8:27](/matthew/8-27 "Matthew 8:27 - Authority Over Nature")). It profoundly illustrates the nature of **faith and obedience**, showcasing Peter's willingness to step out of the perceived safety of the boat solely on the basis of Jesus' word, a paradigm for radical discipleship. The event also underscores the theme of **supernatural enablement**, demonstrating that God empowers believers to accomplish what is humanly impossible when they respond in trust (compare with [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ")). Finally, it speaks to the concept of **stepping out of comfort zones** and into dependence on Christ, symbolizing the call to leave behind worldly securities for a life of adventurous trust in God's presence and provision, a recurrent motif in the Christian journey.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This word (G2064) is a primary verb meaning "to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)." In this context, Jesus' single word, "Come," is an imperative, a direct command and invitation. Its brevity conveys immense authority, not merely a suggestion but a summons to action. It signifies a movement towards the speaker, emphasizing Peter's desire and subsequent action to draw near to Jesus.
* **walked (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** Derived from G4043, this verb means "to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)." Peter's physical act of walking on the water is a literal demonstration of ability, but it also carries the figurative sense of his "walk" of faith—his life's journey as a follower and votary of Jesus. This word highlights the supernatural enablement that allowed him to defy natural laws.
* **water (Greek, _hýdōr'_):** This noun (G5204) refers to "water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively." In this narrative, "water" represents the chaotic, dangerous, and humanly impossible realm. For Peter to walk *on* the water signifies a triumph over natural limitations, a direct intervention of divine power that suspends the normal laws of physics. Figuratively, water often symbolizes the overwhelming challenges or trials of life, making Peter's walk a powerful metaphor for navigating life's storms by faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, 'Come.'":** This opening clause encapsulates Jesus' divine authority and Peter's immediate response. Jesus' command is concise yet potent, a direct invitation to Peter to participate in the miraculous. It is the catalyst for Peter's extraordinary act of faith, demonstrating that divine initiative precedes and enables human response.
* **"And when Peter was come down out of the ship":** This describes Peter's decisive action. Leaving the relative safety and familiarity of the boat, Peter physically descends onto the turbulent water. This act signifies a courageous step of faith, a willingness to abandon human security and comfort in direct obedience to Jesus' call. It is a moment of profound commitment and trust.
* **"he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.":** This climactic phrase reveals the miraculous outcome of Peter's faith and Jesus' power. Peter's ability to walk on the water is not inherent but a direct result of Jesus' enabling command. The purpose of his walk is explicitly stated: "to go to Jesus," emphasizing that the goal of faith is always to draw nearer to Christ, the source of all power and salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:29 is rich with **Symbolism**. The "ship" or boat symbolizes human security, comfort zones, and the limits of human capability, while the "water" represents the chaotic, dangerous, and impossible aspects of life that are beyond human control. Peter's act of "walking on the water" is a powerful symbol of supernatural enablement and the triumph of faith over natural limitations. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the natural realm (the stormy sea, the sinking boat) and the supernatural realm (Jesus walking on water, Peter's delegated ability). The brevity and directness of Jesus' command, "Come," exemplify **Imperative Mood**, highlighting His absolute authority. The narrative also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Peter's initial success and subsequent sinking (in the following verse) foreshadow the fluctuating nature of faith, marked by moments of triumph and doubt, and the constant need to fix one's gaze on Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:29 profoundly illustrates the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human faith. Jesus' command "Come" is not merely an invitation but an impartation of power, demonstrating His absolute authority over creation, an attribute uniquely belonging to God. Peter's response exemplifies active, audacious faith—a willingness to step into the impossible based solely on Christ's word. This event highlights that true faith is not passive belief but courageous obedience, enabling believers to transcend natural limitations and participate in God's miraculous work. It underscores the truth that God often calls us out of our perceived safety into situations that demand complete reliance on Him, revealing His power most clearly in our weakness and dependence.

* [Matthew 14:30](/matthew/14-30 "Matthew 14:30 - Peter's Doubt and Sinking")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith Pleases God")
* [Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith Like a Mustard Seed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:29 offers a timeless and powerful call to audacious faith for believers today. Just as Peter was called out of the boat, we are frequently invited by Jesus to step out of our comfort zones, our routines, and our self-reliance into situations that demand radical trust in Him. This might involve pursuing a challenging calling, forgiving an unforgivable offense, stepping into a ministry that feels overwhelming, or trusting God with financial insecurity. Peter's willingness to act on Jesus' single word reminds us that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a courageous, active response to God's voice, even when the circumstances seem impossible or terrifying. Our ability to "walk on water"—to navigate life's storms and accomplish the seemingly impossible—is directly tied to our focus on Jesus. When our gaze shifts from Him to the surrounding "waves" of fear, doubt, or worldly concerns, we begin to sink. This verse is a powerful encouragement to fix our eyes on Christ, trusting that His invitation always comes with His enabling power, empowering us to do extraordinary things in His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "boat" (comfort zone, security, self-reliance) might Jesus be calling you to step out of in your life right now?**
* **What "waves" (fears, doubts, difficult circumstances) are currently distracting you from fixing your eyes on Jesus?**
* **In what area of your life do you need to exercise more "walk on water" faith, trusting Jesus for the humanly impossible?**
* **How does Peter's immediate obedience to "Come" challenge your own responsiveness to God's leading?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Peter's request, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water" (Matthew 14:28), demonstrates a unique blend of audacious faith, impulsive courage, and a deep desire to be with Jesus. While some might see it as rash, it was fundamentally an act of faith—he recognized Jesus' divine power and wished to participate in it, not for personal glory, but to draw nearer to his Lord. It was a bold step of testing the limits of his faith and Jesus' authority, showing a profound, albeit imperfect, trust in Christ's word.

**Was Peter's act of walking on water unique in biblical history?**

Answer: Yes, Peter's experience of walking on water is unique in the New Testament, as only he, besides Jesus, is recorded to have done so. While the Old Testament speaks of God's power over water (e.g., parting the Red Sea in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea") or the Jordan in [Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan")), Peter's walk is a direct, personal participation in a miracle, enabled by Jesus' command. This highlights Peter's extraordinary faith and the unique delegated authority granted to him in that moment, underscoring the singular power of Christ.

**What does Jesus' simple command "Come" signify in this context?**

Answer: Jesus' one-word command, "Come," is incredibly significant. It is an authoritative summons, not a mere suggestion. It signifies His divine power to invite and enable humans to do the impossible. This "Come" is an invitation to step into the supernatural, to experience God's power firsthand, and to draw closer to Him. It implies that the command itself carries the power to fulfill what it asks, empowering Peter to defy natural laws. It is a microcosm of Jesus' broader call to discipleship, inviting believers to follow Him into extraordinary lives of faith and obedience (compare with [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:29, with Peter's miraculous walk on water, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the temporary suspension of natural laws, but in Jesus' complete authority over all creation and His redemptive work. Jesus' ability to command the elements and invite Peter to participate in this divine act powerfully foreshadows His ultimate victory over the forces of chaos, sin, and death. He is the one who truly walks *above* all things, having triumphed over the grave (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Peter's delegated power to walk on water points to the greater spiritual reality that through Christ, believers are empowered to walk in newness of life, no longer enslaved by the "waters" of sin and death (see [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walk in Newness of Life")). Jesus' "Come" is the ultimate invitation to salvation, calling us out of the turbulent "ship" of self-reliance and into a life sustained by His divine power. He is the one who enables us to "walk by faith, not by sight" (see [2 Corinthians 5:7](/2_corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - Walk by Faith")), not just on physical water, but through all the impossible circumstances of life, ultimately leading us to Himself, the very "author and perfecter of our faith" (see [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus")).

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

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Mark 9:23

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

Acts 3:16

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Mark 11:22

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

Mark 11:23

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Luke 17:6

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Romans 4:19

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: