Matthew 14:33

KJV

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} they that were in {G1722} the ship {G4143} came {G2064} and worshipped {G4352} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Of a truth {G230} thou art {G1488} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The men in the boat fell down before him and exclaimed, "You really are God's son!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”

American Standard Version

And they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:33 records a pivotal moment of profound revelation and confession for Jesus' disciples, occurring immediately after His miraculous walk on water and the subsequent calming of a violent storm. Having witnessed His unparalleled power over the natural elements, those in the ship, overwhelmed by awe and conviction, responded with an act of worship and a definitive declaration of His true identity, acknowledging Him as the very Son of God. This confession marks a significant progression in their understanding of who Jesus truly is, moving beyond mere wonder at a miracle worker to a recognition of His divine nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful culmination of the narrative found in [Matthew 14:22-33](/matthew/14-22-33 "Matthew 14:22-33 - Jesus Walks on Water"). It directly follows two significant events: Jesus feeding the five thousand ([Matthew 14:15-21](/matthew/14-15-21 "Matthew 14:15-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")) and His miraculous walk on the Sea of Galilee. After sending the crowds away and instructing His disciples to cross the lake, Jesus went up on a mountain to pray. A violent storm then engulfed the disciples' boat, causing them great distress. Jesus' appearance, initially mistaken for a ghost, and Peter's attempt to walk on water, followed by his doubt and rescue, set the stage. The immediate cessation of the storm upon Jesus' entry into the boat, as described in [Matthew 14:32](/matthew/14-32 "Matthew 14:32 - The Wind Ceases"), directly precipitates the disciples' confession and worship in verse 33. This sequence highlights Jesus' authority over both creation and human doubt, leading to a deeper understanding of His divine person.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee was a vital part of the disciples' lives, many of whom were fishermen. Storms on this lake were common and could be sudden and violent, posing a genuine threat to life and livelihood. For ancient Jewish people, the sea was often viewed as a chaotic, untamable force, a symbol of primal disorder that only God could control (see [Psalm 107:29](/psalms/107-29 "Psalm 107:29 - God Calms the Storm") or [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "Job 38:8-11 - God's Control Over the Sea")). Therefore, Jesus' ability to walk on water and calm the storm was not merely an impressive feat but a profound demonstration of divine power, aligning Him with Yahweh, the God of Israel. The act of "worship" (προσκυνέω, *proskynéō*) in this context would have been understood as an act of homage or adoration typically reserved for God or a divinely appointed king, making the disciples' response particularly significant.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **Deity and Authority of Jesus Christ**. His command over the elements, His ability to walk on water, and the subsequent worship He receives unequivocally point to His divine nature, a theme consistently developed throughout Matthew, from His miraculous birth ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")) to His post-resurrection authority ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Secondly, it highlights the **Gradual Revelation and Disciples' Understanding**. While the disciples often struggled with doubt and misunderstanding, this event marks a significant leap in their recognition of Jesus' identity, moving from initial fear to a profound confession of faith. Finally, the theme of **Faith Over Fear** is prominent, as the disciples' fear during the storm is transformed into worship and adoration in the presence of Christ's power, illustrating how divine intervention can turn despair into a recognition of God's sovereignty and a catalyst for true faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **worshipped (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** From G4352, this word literally means "to fawn or crouch to," and by implication, "to prostrate oneself in homage," "to do reverence to," or "to adore." It describes an act of profound respect, submission, and adoration, often directed towards a deity or a figure of supreme authority. In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), *proskynéō* is frequently used to describe worship of God. The disciples' act here, particularly after witnessing Jesus' control over creation, signifies not mere human respect but a recognition of His divine status and a response of adoration appropriate for God alone.
* **Of a truth (Greek, _alēthōs'_):** From G230, this adverb means "truly," "indeed," "surely," or "verily." Its inclusion here emphasizes the sincerity, certainty, and profound conviction behind the disciples' confession. It's not a casual statement or a mere observation, but a deep, unshakeable realization of Jesus' identity, born out of undeniable evidence. It highlights the authenticity of their recognition, moving beyond superficial awe to a genuine understanding.
* **Son (Greek, _huiós'_):** From G5207, meaning "son," often used broadly for kinship. In conjunction with "God" (G2316, *theós*, meaning "deity, especially the supreme Divinity"), the title "Son of God" carries immense theological weight. While it can sometimes refer to a special relationship or even a king in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, and especially after such a profound display of divine power, it denotes Jesus' unique, essential, and divine relationship with God the Father. It signifies His inherent deity, His co-equality with God, and His unique role as the Messiah. This confession is a Christological climax, acknowledging Jesus as more than a prophet or a rabbi, but as the divine Son.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him,"**: This clause describes the immediate and collective response of all the disciples present in the boat. The act of "coming" implies a deliberate movement towards Jesus, signifying their acceptance and drawing near to Him in His divine presence. The term "worshipped him" (as analyzed above) is crucial, indicating that their response transcended mere astonishment or fear. It was an act of profound reverence and adoration, a recognition of His divine authority and nature, which they expressed through prostration or bowing down—a posture reserved for God.
* **"saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."**: This is the verbal articulation of their internal conviction and the theological climax of the passage. The phrase "Of a truth" (ἀληθῶς, *alēthōs*) underscores the sincerity and certainty of their confession, indicating a deep, undeniable realization. Their declaration, "thou art the Son of God," is a direct and explicit affirmation of Jesus' divine identity. This title, in this context, signifies not merely a human messiah or a specially chosen individual, but one who shares the very nature and essence of God, possessing divine power and authority over creation. It is a foundational Christological statement, marking a significant step in the disciples' understanding of Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological impact. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the **storm** representing the chaos and overwhelming forces of the world, and the **boat** symbolizing the disciples' fragile existence and their dependence on divine intervention. Jesus' mastery over the storm thus symbolizes His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers and spiritual darkness. The immediate cessation of the wind upon His entry into the boat serves as a powerful **miracle** and a **theophany**, a visible manifestation of God's presence and power. The disciples' initial fear, followed by their act of worship, illustrates a dramatic **transformation**—a shift from human terror to divine awe, which is a common pattern in biblical encounters with the holy. Finally, the disciples' collective declaration, "Of a truth thou art the Son of God," functions as a climactic **confession**, a moment of profound **revelation** where the true identity of Jesus is explicitly acknowledged, solidifying a central tenet of Christian faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:33 stands as a cornerstone for Christology, demonstrating a crucial moment in the disciples' understanding of Jesus' divine nature. Their confession, "Of a truth thou art the Son of God," is not simply an intellectual assent but a response of worship born from witnessing Jesus' absolute authority over creation. This event solidifies the theological truth that Jesus is not merely a prophet, a teacher, or a miracle worker, but God incarnate, possessing inherent divine power and deserving of adoration. This recognition is foundational to the Christian faith, establishing Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and His supreme authority over all things, foreshadowing the full revelation of His identity through His death and resurrection.

* [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ")
* [Luke 4:41](/luke/4-41 "Luke 4:41 - Demons Confess Jesus as Son of God")
* [John 1:49](/john/1-49 "John 1:49 - Nathanael's Confession")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disciples' journey from fear to worship in Matthew 14:33 offers a profound blueprint for our own faith. Just as they faced a terrifying storm and found peace in Jesus' presence, we too navigate the turbulent waters of life—personal crises, societal upheavals, or moments of profound doubt. This passage calls us to move beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment of Jesus' existence to a heartfelt, worshipful recognition of His divine power and authority over all circumstances. When we truly grasp that the one who calms the storm is the Son of God, our fear can transform into faith, and our struggles can become opportunities for deeper adoration. Our response, like the disciples', should be one of humble submission and genuine worship, allowing His sovereignty to reorient our perspective and anchor our hope, even when the winds of life rage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" in your life are you currently facing, and how does Jesus' power in Matthew 14:33 speak to your situation?**
* **How does your understanding of Jesus as "Son of God" impact your daily life and your response to challenging circumstances?**
* **In what ways can you move beyond intellectual assent to a deeper, more worshipful acknowledgment of Christ's sovereignty?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the disciples worshipping Jesus in this passage?**

Answer: The act of "worshipping" (Greek: *proskynéō*) Jesus in [Matthew 14:33](/matthew/14-33 "Matthew 14:33 - Disciples Worship Jesus") is profoundly significant because it indicates their recognition of His divine nature, not merely His human authority or miraculous power. In Jewish culture, *proskynéō* was primarily reserved for God. While it could sometimes denote deep respect for a king or prophet, in this context, immediately following Jesus' supernatural control over the elements—an act attributed solely to God in the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God Rules the Raging Sea"))—the disciples' worship signifies their acknowledgment of Jesus' unique, divine identity as the Son of God. This is a pivotal moment where their understanding of Jesus transcends that of a mere human teacher or prophet.

**What does the title "Son of God" mean in this context?**

Answer: In [Matthew 14:33](/matthew/14-33 "Matthew 14:33 - Disciples Confess Jesus as Son of God"), the title "Son of God" signifies Jesus' inherent divinity and His unique relationship with God the Father. While "son of God" could sometimes be a messianic title or refer to a righteous person in a broader sense, here, coupled with the disciples' worship and Jesus' display of divine power over creation, it points to His co-equality with God. It's a theological statement affirming that Jesus shares the very nature and attributes of God. This confession is a foundational Christological truth, paving the way for further revelations of Jesus' divine identity throughout the New Testament, culminating in His resurrection and ascension.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:33, where the disciples confess Jesus as "Of a truth thou art the Son of God," serves as a powerful prefigurement and partial fulfillment of Christ's ultimate identity and mission. This dramatic event, showcasing Jesus' divine authority over creation, points forward to His greater victory over sin and death. The "Son of God" who calms the physical storm is the same Son of God who would ultimately conquer the spiritual storm of humanity's sin through His sacrificial death on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). His entry into the boat, bringing immediate peace, foreshadows His indwelling presence in believers, bringing peace that surpasses understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). The disciples' worship of Him anticipates the universal worship He will receive as the resurrected and exalted Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")). Thus, this narrative is not merely a display of power but a profound revelation of the incarnate God, who came to reconcile humanity to Himself, establishing His kingdom and demonstrating His sovereign rule over all things, ultimately leading to His glorious return when every eye will see Him as the true Son of God ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")).

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 2:7

¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

John 11:27

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

John 1:49

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Romans 1:4

And declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

Mark 1:1

¶ The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

John 9:35

¶ Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

John 9:38

And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.