Matthew 14:24
New International Version
and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

New Living Translation
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.

English Standard Version
but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.

Berean Standard Bible
but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Berean Literal Bible
and the boat being now many stadia from the land, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

King James Bible
But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

New King James Version
But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

New American Standard Bible
But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.

NASB 1995
But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.

NASB 1977
But the boat was already many stadia away from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the boat was already many stadia away from the land, being battered by the waves; for the wind was against them.

Amplified Bible
But the boat [by this time] was already a long distance from land, tossed and battered by the waves; for the wind was against them.

Christian Standard Bible
Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the boat was already over a mile from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them.

American Standard Version
But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary.

Contemporary English Version
By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves.

English Revised Version
But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The boat, now hundreds of yards from shore, was being thrown around by the waves because it was going against the wind.

Good News Translation
and by this time the boat was far out in the lake, tossed about by the waves, because the wind was blowing against it.

International Standard Version
By this time the boat was in the middle of the sea and was being battered by the waves, because the wind was against them.

Majority Standard Bible
but the boat was already in the midst sea, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

NET Bible
Meanwhile the boat, already far from land, was taking a beating from the waves because the wind was against it.

New Heart English Bible
But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, battered by the waves, for the wind was against it.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

Weymouth New Testament
Meanwhile the boat was far out on the Lake, buffeted and tossed by the waves, the wind being adverse.

World English Bible
But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Berean Literal Bible
and the boat being now many stadia from the land, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Young's Literal Translation
and the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the ship was already in the midst of the sea, overcharged by waves: for the wind was contrary.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the boat in the midst of the sea was tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But in the midst of the sea, the boat was being tossed about by the waves. For the wind was against them.

New American Bible
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.

New Revised Standard Version
but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the boat was many miles away from the land, tossed by the waves, for the wind was against it.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the ship was many furlongs distant from the land while it was tossed greatly by the waves, for the wind was against it.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was against them.

Godbey New Testament
And the ship was already midsea, laboring by the waves; for the wind was contrary.

Haweis New Testament
But the vessel was already in the midst of the sea, tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary.

Mace New Testament
by this time the vessel was half sea over, violently toss'd with the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Weymouth New Testament
Meanwhile the boat was far out on the Lake, buffeted and tossed by the waves, the wind being adverse.

Worrell New Testament
But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary.

Worsley New Testament
And in the evening He was there alone. Now the ship was by this time in the midst of the sea, and violently tossed by the waves; for the wind was contrary:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Walks on Water
23After He had sent them away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, 24but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea.…

Cross References
Mark 6:47-51
When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and Jesus was alone on land. / He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them, / but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— ...

John 6:16-21
When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, / got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them. / A strong wind was blowing, and the sea grew agitated. ...

Matthew 8:23-27
When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. / Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” ...

Psalm 107:23-30
Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. / They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. / For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. ...

Jonah 1:4-15
Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart. / The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. / The captain approached him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call upon your God. Perhaps this God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” ...

Acts 27:14-44
But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. / Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along. / Passing to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we barely managed to secure the lifeboat. ...

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Job 9:8
He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.

Psalm 65:7
You stilled the roaring of the seas, the pounding of their waves, and the tumult of the nations.

Psalm 89:9
You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them.

Psalm 93:3-4
The floodwaters have risen, O LORD; the rivers have raised their voice; the seas lift up their pounding waves. / Above the roar of many waters—the mighty breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is majestic.

Nahum 1:4
He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts.

Luke 8:22-25
One day Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So He got into a boat with them and set out. / As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. ...

Exodus 14:21-22
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.

2 Kings 2:8
And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.


Treasury of Scripture

But the ship was now in the middle of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

tossed.

Matthew 8:24
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

Isaiah 54:11
O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Mark 6:48
And 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.

Jump to Previous
Adverse Already Battered Beaten Boat Buffeted Considerable Contrary Distance Distant Distressed Far Furlongs Lake Meanwhile Middle Midst Sea Ship Time Tossed Waves Wind
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Adverse Already Battered Beaten Boat Buffeted Considerable Contrary Distance Distant Distressed Far Furlongs Lake Meanwhile Middle Midst Sea Ship Time Tossed Waves Wind
Matthew 14
1. Herod's opinion of Jesus.
3. Wherefore John Baptist was beheaded.
13. Jesus departs into a solitary place,
15. where he feeds five thousand men with five loves and two fishes.
22. He walks on the sea to his disciples;
34. and landing at Gennesaret,
35. heals the sick who touch of the hem of his garment.














but the boat
The "boat" here is a small vessel, likely a fishing boat, used by Jesus' disciples. In the Greek, the word for boat is "πλοῖον" (ploion), which indicates a vessel of modest size, suitable for the Sea of Galilee. This setting is significant as it represents the Church or the believer's life, often depicted as a vessel navigating through the waters of the world. The boat is a place of both refuge and vulnerability, symbolizing the journey of faith amidst life's challenges.

was already far from land
The phrase "far from land" suggests a significant distance from safety and security. In the Greek, "ἤδη" (ēdē) implies that the boat had been out for some time, emphasizing the disciples' isolation. This distance from land can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's journey away from the familiar and secure, venturing into deeper faith and reliance on God. It reflects the Christian experience of stepping out in faith, often feeling distant from the comfort zones of life.

buffeted by the waves
The term "buffeted" comes from the Greek "βασανιζόμενον" (basanizomenon), meaning to be tormented or harassed. This word choice conveys the intensity of the struggle the disciples faced. The waves represent the trials and tribulations that believers encounter. Historically, the Sea of Galilee is known for sudden and violent storms, which can be seen as a parallel to the unexpected challenges in a Christian's life. The waves are a reminder of the spiritual battles and the need for steadfast faith.

because the wind was against it
The "wind" in Greek is "ἄνεμος" (anemos), often symbolizing spiritual forces or challenges. The phrase "was against it" indicates opposition, suggesting that the disciples were facing a headwind, making their journey difficult. This opposition can be likened to the spiritual warfare that believers face, where forces contrary to God's will attempt to hinder progress. The wind's resistance is a call to perseverance and trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem insurmountable.

(24) Tossed with waves.--Literally, vexed, or tormented.

Verse 24. - But the ship; boat (Revised Version); ver. 22. Was now; rather, already, when the following incident happened. In the midst of the sea. So also the text of the Revised Version (with practically Mark 6:47), but its margin, "was many furlongs distant from the land." Westcott and Hort prefer the latter, with Codex B and the Old Syriac. It somewhat resembles John 6:19. Tossed; distressed (Revised Version). For βασανιζόμενον suggests not physical motion, but pain and anguish, the idea being transferred in figure to the boat. In Mark it is applied more strictly to the disciples. With waves; by the waves (Revised Version). The agents of the torture (ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων). For the wind was contrary. Yet he came not at once, for he would teach us to bear troubles bravely (cf. Chrysostom).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

boat
πλοῖον (ploion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4143: A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.

was
ἀπεῖχεν (apeichen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 568: To have in full, be far, it is enough. From apo and echo; to have out, i.e. Receive in full; to keep away, i.e. Be distant.

already
ἤδη (ēdē)
Adverb
Strong's 2235: Already; now at length, now after all this waiting. Apparently from e and de; even now.

far
πολλοὺς (pollous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

land,
γῆς (gēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

buffeted
βασανιζόμενον (basanizomenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 928: To examine, as by torture; I torment; I buffet, as of waves. From basanos; to torture.

by
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

waves
κυμάτων (kymatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2949: A wave, surge, billow. From kuo (with young), i.e. Bend, curve); a billow.

because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

wind
ἄνεμος (anemos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 417: The wind; fig: applied to empty doctrines. From the base of aer; wind; by implication, quarters.

was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

against it.
ἐναντίος (enantios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1727: Opposite, opposed, contrary; the adversary. From enanti; opposite; figuratively, antagonistic.


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