Matthew 14:25
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
Original Language Analysis
φυλακῇ
watch
G5438
φυλακῇ
watch
Strong's:
G5438
Word #:
3 of 14
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπῆλθεν
went
G565
ἀπῆλθεν
went
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
6 of 14
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 14
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
περιπατῶν
walking
G4043
περιπατῶν
walking
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
11 of 14
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)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Job 9:8Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.Mark 6:48And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.John 6:19So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.Matthew 24:43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.Luke 12:38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.Psalms 104:3Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
Historical Context
The fourth watch (Roman division) was 3-6am, meaning the disciples had fought the storm most of the night. Jesus had spent this time in prayer on the mountain (v. 23). His walking on water would terrify the disciples, who initially thought Him a spirit (v. 26). This nature miracle reveals Jesus as Creator sovereign over His creation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' delay in coming during your 'storms' test and strengthen your faith?
- What does Jesus walking on water teach about His divine nature?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' coming to the disciples 'in the fourth watch of the night walking on the sea' demonstrates His power over natural laws. The 'fourth watch' (3-6am) meant the disciples had struggled against the storm for hours. Jesus' walking on water reveals His divine nature—only God treads upon the waves (Job 9:8). His delay until the fourth watch tested their endurance and heightened appreciation for His rescue. He comes precisely when needed, not necessarily when desired.