Matthew 14:32

KJV

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they {G846} were come {G1684} into {G1519} the ship {G4143}, the wind {G417} ceased {G2869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As they went up into the boat, the wind ceased.

Berean Standard Bible

And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind died down.

American Standard Version

And when they were gone up into the boat, the wind ceased.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:32 describes the immediate and dramatic cessation of a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee the moment Jesus and Peter stepped into the disciples' boat. This pivotal event, following Jesus' miraculous walk on water and Peter's brief, faith-challenged attempt to join Him, powerfully underscores Christ's absolute sovereignty over creation and His ability to bring instantaneous peace amidst chaos, serving as a profound confirmation of His divine identity to His astonished disciples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic resolution to a series of extraordinary events in Matthew 14. It immediately follows the miraculous feeding of over five thousand people (Matthew 14:13-21), after which Jesus sent His disciples ahead by boat while He ascended a mountain to pray (Matthew 14:22-23). During the turbulent "fourth watch of the night" (roughly 3-6 AM), the disciples found themselves battling a fierce storm and strong headwind (Matthew 14:24). Jesus then appeared, walking on the water, initially terrifying the disciples who mistook Him for a ghost (Matthew 14:25-26). It was in this tumultuous setting that Peter, at Jesus' invitation, stepped out onto the water, only to begin sinking when his faith wavered (Matthew 14:28-31). Matthew 14:32 thus marks the instantaneous calm that settles over the sea and the disciples' hearts as the Lord enters their vessel, bringing the natural crisis to an abrupt end.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake surrounded by hills, is notoriously prone to sudden, violent squalls due to cold air rushing down the surrounding ravines and colliding with warmer air over the lake. Fishermen of that era, like many of Jesus' disciples, were intimately familiar with these dangers. Their small fishing vessels offered little protection against such storms, making the disciples' fear entirely rational. For a Jewish audience, the ability to command the elements was a distinct attribute of God (e.g., [Psalm 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God's Sovereignty Over the Sea")), and a key characteristic expected of the Messiah. Jesus' actions here, therefore, resonated deeply with the Old Testament understanding of divine power, further validating His messianic claims in a way that would have been profoundly significant to those witnessing or hearing of the event.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 14:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Authority Over Creation**, demonstrating Jesus' absolute sovereignty not only over the physical elements but also over the forces that threaten human life and peace. This miracle echoes other instances where Jesus displays such power, such as when He [rebuked the wind and waves](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm") in an earlier storm, asserting His unique status as the Son of God. Another crucial theme is that **The Presence of Christ Brings Peace**. The immediate cessation of the storm upon Jesus' entry into the boat symbolizes how His presence can bring tranquility and order to the chaos and anxieties of human life. This is a profound spiritual lesson, suggesting that inviting Christ into our struggles can bring resolution and calm. Finally, the event serves as a **Confirmation of Jesus' Identity**. The disciples' subsequent worship and confession, "Of a truth thou art the Son of God" (Matthew 14:33), underscore the revelatory nature of this miracle, solidifying their understanding of who Jesus truly is.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **come (Greek, _embaínō'_):** G1684. This verb means "to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)." In this context, it specifically refers to the act of Jesus and Peter stepping into the ship. The significance lies in the *action* of entry, which immediately precedes the miraculous cessation of the wind, highlighting the direct causal link between Christ's presence and the calm.
* **wind (Greek, _ánemos'_):** G417. This noun refers to atmospheric currents, a natural force. Here, it signifies the violent, opposing force that had been hindering the disciples' progress and threatening their lives. The use of this common word for "wind" emphasizes the reality of the natural phenomenon that was supernaturally brought to a halt.
* **ceased (Greek, _kopázō'_):** G2869. Derived from a word meaning "to tire," this verb signifies "to relax, to abate, or to cease completely." Its use here implies an instantaneous and total cessation of the wind, not a gradual dying down. This immediate and complete halt underscores the supernatural nature of the event, leaving no doubt that the calming was a direct, decisive act of divine power, rather than a natural lull in the storm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they were come into the ship":** This clause establishes the critical moment of entry. "They" refers to Jesus and Peter, who had just concluded the dramatic episode of Peter walking on water and then sinking. Their physical presence *in* the ship is presented as the direct catalyst for the subsequent miracle. It emphasizes that Christ's authority is not merely exercised from a distance but is profoundly effective in the immediate sphere of His physical presence.
* **"the wind ceased.":** This concise statement reveals the immediate, supernatural outcome of Jesus' entry. The active, violent "wind" (ánemos) that had been raging suddenly and completely "ceased" (kopázō). The abruptness implied by "ceased" (kopázō) highlights the miraculous nature of the event, demonstrating Jesus' absolute dominion over the forces of nature. There is no mention of a command or a word spoken by Jesus, only His presence, which is enough to bring about the divine calm.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:32 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the raging storm representing the chaotic, overwhelming trials and anxieties of life, and the ship symbolizing the community of faith or the individual's journey. Jesus' entry into the ship and the immediate calm thus symbolize His power to bring peace and order to the storms of human existence. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the preceding turmoil of the storm against the instantaneous tranquility that follows Jesus' presence. This sharp contrast magnifies the divine power at work. Furthermore, the event itself is a **Miracle**, a supernatural intervention that defies natural laws, serving as undeniable proof of Jesus' divine authority and identity. The brevity and directness of the statement "the wind ceased" contribute to the dramatic impact, underscoring the immediate and absolute nature of this divine act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:32 is a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all creation, echoing Old Testament affirmations of God's dominion over the elements. The instantaneous cessation of the wind upon His entry into the boat is not merely a display of power but a profound revelation of His divine nature. It demonstrates that the same God who "stills the storm to a whisper" (Psalm 107:29) is present in Jesus, capable of bringing immediate peace to the most turbulent circumstances. This event foreshadows the ultimate peace and order Christ will establish in His kingdom, where all chaos and opposition will be brought to submission under His sovereign rule. It also reinforces the truth that true peace is found not in the absence of storms, but in the presence of the Storm-Stiller.

* [Psalm 107:29](/psalms/107-29 "Psalm 107:29 - God Stills the Storm")
* [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Rebukes the Wind and Sea")
* [Luke 8:24](/luke/8-24 "Luke 8:24 - Jesus Calms the Storm")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:32 offers profound spiritual comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating the inevitable storms of life. Just as the physical presence of Jesus brought immediate calm to the raging Sea of Galilee, His spiritual presence, invited into our lives, can bring tranquility to our deepest anxieties, fears, and uncertainties. This verse encourages us to actively seek and acknowledge Christ's presence in every challenging circumstance, reminding us that no storm—whether personal, relational, financial, or spiritual—is too great for His divine authority to overcome. It is a call to faith, urging us to trust that when Christ is "in our ship," even the most tumultuous waves of life can be stilled, and His peace, which surpasses all understanding, can prevail. Our focus should shift from the magnitude of the storm to the magnitude of our Savior, recognizing that His power is made perfect in our weakness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" are you currently facing in your life, and how might inviting Jesus more fully into them bring peace?**
* **How does this miracle challenge your understanding of Jesus' power and authority over your circumstances?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to take your eyes off Jesus, like Peter, when facing difficulties?**
* **What does the disciples' response in the following verse (Matthew 14:33) teach us about how we should respond to God's miraculous interventions in our lives?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the wind ceasing immediately upon Jesus entering the boat, rather than Him speaking a command?**

Answer: The immediate cessation of the wind upon Jesus' entry into the boat in [Matthew 14:32](/matthew/14-32 "Matthew 14:32 - The Wind Ceases") is highly significant because it underscores the inherent power and authority of Christ's very presence. Unlike the earlier calming of the storm in [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Rebukes the Wind"), where Jesus explicitly rebuked the wind and waves, here His mere physical presence is sufficient to bring about divine calm. This demonstrates that His sovereignty over creation is not dependent on spoken words alone, but is an intrinsic attribute of His being. It highlights His divine nature, suggesting that the Creator's presence itself brings order to chaos, revealing a profound and effortless dominion that transcends human understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:32, where the wind instantaneously ceased upon Jesus' entry into the boat, profoundly points to Christ as the sovereign Lord over all creation and the ultimate source of peace. This miracle is not merely an isolated display of power but a tangible demonstration of the divine authority that belongs to the Son of God, who is the very Word through whom all things were made (John 1:3). Jesus' ability to command the elements without even a spoken word, simply by His presence, foreshadows His ultimate reign where "every knee should bow" (Philippians 2:10) and all creation will acknowledge His Lordship. He is the one who brings true *shalom*—a comprehensive peace that encompasses spiritual, physical, and relational well-being—to a world tossed by the storms of sin, fear, and chaos. Just as He stilled the physical storm for His disciples, He offers to still the spiritual storms within us, inviting us to find rest for our souls in Him (Matthew 11:28-30). His calming presence in the boat prefigures His redemptive work on the cross, where He conquered the ultimate storm of sin and death, offering eternal peace and reconciliation to all who believe (Colossians 1:19-20). Thus, Matthew 14:32 is a powerful testament to Jesus as the divine King who brings order to chaos, peace to turmoil, and ultimate salvation to humanity.

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

Psalms 107:29

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

Psalms 107:30

Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Mark 4:41

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

John 6:21

Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

Mark 6:51

And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.