Matthew 14:30
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄνεμον
the wind
G417
ἄνεμον
the wind
Strong's:
G417
Word #:
4 of 14
wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)
ἐφοβήθη
he was afraid
G5399
ἐφοβήθη
he was afraid
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
6 of 14
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔκραξεν
he cried
G2896
ἔκραξεν
he cried
Strong's:
G2896
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Mark 14:38Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.Psalms 3:7Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.2 Kings 6:15And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
Historical Context
The Sea of Galilee could produce waves 10-15 feet high during storms. Peter, an experienced fisherman who had survived countless storms, found himself sinking not from inexperience but from unbelief. The miracle's interruption teaches that sustaining faith is as necessary as initiating faith. The 'boisterous wind' (literally 'strong wind') represents the trials that test whether our faith rests in Christ's word or favorable circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'winds and waves' in your life cause you to shift your gaze from Christ to circumstances, and how can you maintain focus on him?
- How does Peter's immediate cry to Jesus even while sinking demonstrate that failing faith should drive us toward Christ, not away from him?
- Why did Peter begin to sink the moment he focused on the storm rather than on Jesus, and what does this teach about the nature of faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid (βλέπων δὲ τὸν ἄνεμον ἰσχυρὸν ἐφοβήθη, blepōn de ton anemon ischyron ephobēthē)—the shift from 'looking at Jesus' to 'seeing the wind' marks the moment of failure. The word blepōn (seeing, perceiving) indicates Peter's focus shifted from Christ to circumstances. Beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me (ἀρξάμενος καταποντίζεσθαι ἔκραξεν λέγων, Κύριε, σῶσόν με, arxamenos katapontizesthai ekraxen legōn, Kyrie, sōson me)—even sinking, Peter had the presence of mind to cry to Christ. The word ekraxen (cried out) conveys desperate urgency.
Peter's cry 'Lord, save me' is the essential gospel prayer—acknowledging both Christ's lordship and our desperate need. Though his faith wavered, Peter knew where to turn in crisis. This three-word prayer contains the essence of salvation: recognizing Christ's authority ('Lord'), our helplessness (implicit in 'save'), and personal need ('me').