Matthew 14:32
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐμβάντων
were come
G1684
ἐμβάντων
were come
Strong's:
G1684
Word #:
2 of 9
to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)
αὐτῶν
when they
G846
αὐτῶν
when they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 9
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 9
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 4:41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?Mark 6:51And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.John 6:21Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
Historical Context
This occurred during Jesus's Galilean ministry, shortly after feeding the 5,000 (14:13-21) and dismissing the crowds (14:22-23). The Sea of Galilee is notorious for sudden violent storms due to cool air from surrounding mountains colliding with warm air over the water. Roman and Jewish sources attest to the dangerous nature of Galilean lake storms, making the disciples' fear understandable and Jesus's mastery more remarkable.
Questions for Reflection
- What storms in your life immediately cease when Christ enters your situation?
- How does Jesus's presence bring peace even before He explicitly commands your circumstances to change?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased (καὶ ἀναβάντων αὐτῶν εἰς τὸ πλοῖον ἐκόπασεν ὁ ἄνεμος)—The verb ἀναβαίνω (anabainō, 'to go up, to embark') marks the moment Jesus and Peter enter the boat together. Immediately the verb κοπάζω (kopazō, 'to grow weary, to cease') in aorist tense indicates instant cessation of the storm. Earlier Jesus slept through a storm (8:23-27), but here He walks through one. Both demonstrate His authority over nature—He commands as Lord whether present in the boat or approaching it.
The immediate calming contrasts with the disciples' earlier amazement (8:27) when He calmed the storm by command. This time the storm ceases at His presence, showing progressive revelation of His deity. The wind that had battered them (v. 24) and terrified them (v. 26) obeys its Creator. Where Christ enters, chaos submits to order.