Matthew 14:29

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#4
ἐλθεῖν
Come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
καταβὰς
was come down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#7
ἀπὸ
out of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#8
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
πλοίου
the ship
a sailer, i.e., vessel
#10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
Πέτρος
when Peter
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
#12
περιεπάτησεν
he walked
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)
#13
ἐπὶ
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#14
τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ὕδατα
the water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#16
ἐλθεῖν
Come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#17
πρὸς
to
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,
#18
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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