Matthew 14:30

KJV

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when he saw {G991} the wind {G417} boisterous {G2478}, he was afraid {G5399}; and {G2532} beginning {G756} to sink {G2670}, he cried {G2896}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, save {G4982} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when he saw the wind, he became afraid; and as he began to sink, he yelled, "Lord! Save me!"

Berean Standard Bible

But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

American Standard Version

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:30 vividly captures the pivotal moment when Peter, having stepped out onto the tumultuous Sea of Galilee to walk towards Jesus, shifts his gaze from the Lord to the overwhelming "boisterous wind." This change in focus immediately precipitates fear, causing him to begin sinking into the water. In a desperate and simple cry, Peter appeals directly to Jesus for rescue, highlighting the fragility of human faith in the face of daunting circumstances and the immediate availability of divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of the narrative of Jesus walking on water, immediately following Peter's bold request and initial successful steps on the water in [Matthew 14:28-29](/matthew/14-28-29 "Matthew 14:28-29 - Peter Walks on Water"). The preceding verses describe Jesus sending the disciples ahead by boat after feeding the five thousand, His solitary prayer on the mountain, and the disciples' struggle against a strong headwind during the fourth watch of the night. Jesus' appearance, initially mistaken for a ghost, and His reassuring words, "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid" ([Matthew 14:27](/matthew/14-27 "Matthew 14:27 - Jesus Calms Their Fears")), set the stage for Peter's extraordinary act of faith. Verse 30 marks the turning point where Peter's faith falters, leading to his immediate peril and subsequent rescue. The narrative then concludes with Jesus saving Peter and calming the storm, leading to the disciples' worship in [Matthew 14:31-33](/matthew/14-31-33 "Matthew 14:31-33 - Jesus Rescues Peter and Calms the Storm").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee was known for its sudden, violent storms, caused by cold air rushing down from the surrounding hills into the warm, low-lying basin. Fishermen, like many of the disciples, were intimately familiar with these dangers. The disciples' boat was likely a standard fishing vessel, relatively small and vulnerable to such conditions. In ancient Jewish culture, the sea was often viewed as a symbol of chaos and danger, a realm that only God could truly control. Walking on water, therefore, was a profound demonstration of divine power, asserting Jesus' authority over creation. The disciples' initial fear of a "ghost" (phantasma) was a common superstition of the time, reflecting their immediate human reaction to the supernatural and unknown before recognizing Jesus. Peter's address of Jesus as "Lord" (Kyrios) signifies a recognition of divine authority, even in his moment of panic.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 14:30 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **nature of faith**, illustrating its fragility when focus shifts from God to circumstances, as seen in Peter's initial courage giving way to fear. The verse also underscores **human weakness and dependence** on divine power; even a bold disciple like Peter is shown to be utterly helpless without Christ's sustaining presence. Furthermore, it powerfully demonstrates the **immediate availability of God's grace and salvation** in response to a desperate cry for help, reinforcing the theme of Jesus' compassion and readiness to rescue His followers from peril. This episode serves as a powerful parable for the Christian walk, where believers are called to fix their eyes on Jesus amidst the "boisterous winds" of life, trusting in His ultimate authority over all circumstances, a theme woven throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew "The Gospel of Matthew - The King and His Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **boisterous (Greek, _ischyrós'_):** From G2478, meaning "forcible (literally or figuratively):--boisterous, mighty(-ier), powerful, strong(-er, man), valiant." This word emphasizes the immense and violent power of the wind, suggesting a storm that was not merely strong but overwhelming and threatening. It underscores the objective reality of the danger Peter faced, making his fear understandable from a human perspective.
* **afraid (Greek, _phobéō'_):** From G5399, meaning "to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere:--be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence." In this context, it denotes a sudden, intense alarm or terror that grips Peter, indicating a loss of composure and a shift from faith to a natural, human response to overwhelming danger.
* **sink (Greek, _katapontízō'_):** From G2670, meaning "from κατά and a derivative of the same as Πόντος; to plunge down, i.e. submerge:--drown, sink." This verb vividly portrays the immediate and dire physical consequence of Peter's fear and faltering faith. It implies a rapid descent into the water, highlighting the imminent threat to his life and the direct result of his shifted focus.
* **save (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** From G4982, meaning "from a primary (contraction for obsolete , "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole." Peter's desperate cry uses this word, which encompasses both physical deliverance from danger and spiritual salvation. Here, it is a plea for immediate physical rescue from drowning, but it also carries the broader theological implication of Jesus' power to deliver from all forms of peril.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when he saw the wind boisterous":** This clause marks a critical turning point. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a contrast to Peter's previous state of faith and walking. His perception shifts from the person of Jesus to the power of the natural elements, specifically the violent, "boisterous" wind. This visual focus on the external threat initiates his downfall.
* **"he was afraid":** The immediate emotional consequence of Peter's shifted focus. The overwhelming power of the wind, now fully perceived and dominating his attention, instills terror in him. This fear is a direct result of his gaze moving from the supernatural power of Jesus to the natural, chaotic power of the storm.
* **"and beginning to sink":** The physical manifestation and immediate consequence of his fear and doubt. As his faith wavers and fear takes hold, the miraculous ability to walk on water vanishes, and the laws of nature reassert themselves. The word "beginning" (G756, _árchomai_) suggests a rapid onset of sinking, indicating the swift and dire implications of his loss of faith.
* **"he cried, saying, Lord, save me":** In his moment of extreme peril, Peter's response is a desperate, concise, and direct plea for help. The word "cried" (G2896, _krázō_) implies a loud, urgent, and perhaps even a shriek-like appeal. Addressing Jesus as "Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_) demonstrates a recognition of His authority and power to intervene, even in his fear. This simple, heartfelt prayer underscores the immediate and accessible nature of divine aid.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:30 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The most prominent is **Contrast**, evident in Peter's initial bold faith and his subsequent debilitating fear. This dramatic shift highlights the precariousness of human resolve when faced with overwhelming circumstances, especially when focus is diverted from the divine. There is also a powerful **Symbolism** at play: the "boisterous wind" and "waves" serve as potent metaphors for the trials, anxieties, and temptations that assail believers in life. Peter's "sinking" symbolizes the spiritual and emotional despair that can result from losing sight of Christ amidst these challenges. The narrative employs **Dramatic Irony**, as Peter, having just performed an impossible feat, succumbs to a very human fear, underscoring the constant need for dependence on Christ. Finally, the verse presents a moment of **Climax** in Peter's personal journey of faith, where his human limitations are starkly revealed, setting the stage for Jesus' immediate and compassionate intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the interplay between human faith and divine power. It reveals that while God empowers us to do extraordinary things, our ability to sustain that empowerment is directly linked to our unwavering focus on Him. Peter's experience teaches us that even a brief shift in attention from the all-sufficient Christ to the overwhelming circumstances can lead to fear and spiritual "sinking." However, it also beautifully showcases the immediate and compassionate nature of God's grace. Peter's simple, desperate cry, "Lord, save me," is met with instant divine intervention, demonstrating that God is always ready to rescue us, even when our faith falters. This highlights the accessibility of prayer and the unwavering faithfulness of Christ, who does not abandon us in our moments of weakness but extends His hand to lift us up.

* [Psalm 18:6](/psalm/18-6 "Psalm 18:6 - The Lord Hears My Cry"): "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears."
* [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus"): "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
* [James 1:6](/james/1-6 "James 1:6 - Asking in Faith"): "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:30 offers a timeless and deeply personal lesson for every believer navigating the complexities of life. Just as Peter faced a "boisterous wind," we too encounter moments of intense pressure, fear, and uncertainty—be it financial struggles, relational conflicts, health crises, or spiritual doubts. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our stability in these storms is not found in our own strength or the absence of external threats, but in our unwavering gaze upon Jesus. When we allow the "winds" of life to dominate our focus, fear inevitably sets in, leading to spiritual paralysis or "sinking." However, Peter's immediate cry for help, though born of panic, demonstrates the profound truth that even a faltering faith, when directed towards Christ, is met with His immediate and saving grace. It encourages us to be honest about our fears and weaknesses, and to always turn to the Lord in prayer, knowing that His hand is always ready to reach out and lift us up, regardless of how deep we may feel we are sinking. Our security is not in the perfection of our faith, but in the perfection of our Savior's faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "boisterous winds" or overwhelming circumstances are currently threatening to shift your focus from Jesus?**
* **How does fear manifest in your life when you take your eyes off Christ and focus on your problems?**
* **What is your immediate response when you feel yourself "sinking" spiritually or emotionally? Is it to cry out to Jesus?**
* **How can you intentionally practice keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus daily, even when the "winds" are calm?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter start to sink if he had faith to walk on water?**

Answer: Peter began to sink because his focus shifted from Jesus, the source of his miraculous ability, to the overwhelming and "boisterous" natural elements around him. While his initial faith was strong enough to step out onto the water at Jesus' command, his perception of the powerful wind and waves instilled fear. This fear, born from a change in focus, caused his faith to waver, and consequently, he lost his supernatural support and began to sink, illustrating the direct link between faith, focus, and divine empowerment.

**What does "boisterous" mean in this context?**

Answer: The word "boisterous" (Greek: _ischyrós_) describes the wind as "strong, mighty, powerful." It emphasizes the intensity and violence of the storm, indicating that the wind was not merely a gentle breeze but a forceful, turbulent, and threatening gale. This detail highlights the extreme conditions Peter faced, making his fear, from a human perspective, understandable, yet simultaneously underscoring the extraordinary nature of walking on such a sea.

**Is it okay to be afraid, even if you have faith?**

Answer: Yes, it is okay to experience fear, as it is a natural human emotion. Peter, despite his faith and courage, was "afraid" when he saw the boisterous wind. The Bible acknowledges human fear, but it consistently encourages us not to let fear dominate or paralyze us. The key is what we do with our fear. Peter's example shows that even in fear, turning to Jesus with a cry for help is the right response. Our faith is not the absence of fear, but trust in God's presence and power even in the midst of it, allowing Him to be our refuge and strength, as seen in [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:30, with Peter's desperate cry of "Lord, save me," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the only true Savior. Peter's sinking illustrates humanity's inherent inability to sustain itself in the face of life's overwhelming storms without divine intervention. Christ's immediate response—reaching out His hand to rescue Peter—foreshadows His greater work of salvation for all who cry out to Him. He is not merely a rescuer from physical peril but the one who delivers us from the "boisterous winds" of sin, death, and despair. Just as He demonstrated authority over the natural elements by walking on water and calming the storm in [Matthew 8:26-27](/matthew/8-26-27 "Matthew 8:26-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), He possesses ultimate authority over the spiritual forces that threaten to overwhelm us. His act of saving Peter is a microcosm of His redemptive mission: to seek and to save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus provides the ultimate "save me" for humanity, offering eternal life and deliverance from the power of sin to all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). He is the one who sustains our faith, even when it falters, and His grace is always sufficient to uphold us, ensuring that those who fix their eyes on Him will not ultimately sink, but will be brought safely to the eternal shore ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")).

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

Lamentations 3:54

Waters flowed over mine head; [then] I said, I am cut off.

Lamentations 3:57

Thou drewest near in the day [that] I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not.

Mark 14:38

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly [is] ready, but the flesh [is] weak.

2 Timothy 4:16

¶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

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.

Matthew 8:25

And his disciples came to [him], and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.