Matthew 14:30
New International Version
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

New Living Translation
But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

English Standard Version
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

Berean Standard Bible
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Berean Literal Bible
And seeing the charging wind, he was afraid, and having begun to sink, he cried out saying, "Lord, save me!"

King James Bible
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

New King James Version
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

New American Standard Bible
But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

NASB 1995
But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

NASB 1977
But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Legacy Standard Bible
But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Amplified Bible
But when he saw [the effects of] the wind, he was frightened, and he began to sink, and he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Christian Standard Bible
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

American Standard Version
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.

Contemporary English Version
But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.

English Revised Version
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But when he noticed how strong the wind was, he became afraid and started to sink. He shouted, "Lord, save me!"

Good News Translation
But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. "Save me, Lord!" he cried.

International Standard Version
But when he noticed the strong wind, he was frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, "Lord, save me!"

Majority Standard Bible
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

NET Bible
But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid. And starting to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

New Heart English Bible
But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he yelled, saying, "Lord, save me."

Webster's Bible Translation
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Weymouth New Testament
But when he felt the wind he grew frightened, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Master, save me."

World English Bible
But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but seeing the vehement wind, he was afraid, and having begun to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Berean Literal Bible
And seeing the charging wind, he was afraid, and having begun to sink, he cried out saying, "Lord, save me!"

Young's Literal Translation
but seeing the wind vehement, he was afraid, and having begun to sink, he cried out, saying, 'Sir, save me.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And seeing the wind strong, he was afraid: and beginning to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But seeing the wind strong, he was afraid: and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying: Lord, save me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, seeing that the wind was strong, he was afraid. And as he began to sink, he cried out, saying: “Lord, save me.”

New American Bible
But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

New Revised Standard Version
But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But when he saw that the wind was severe, he was afraid, and began to sink, and he raised his voice and said, My Lord, save me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when he saw the wind was violent, he was afraid, and he began to sink, and he raised his voice and he said, “My Lord, save me!”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But when he saw the wind strong, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying: Lord, save me.

Godbey New Testament
And seeing the wind strong, became alarmed; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.

Haweis New Testament
But seeing the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink in the deep, he cried out, saying, Lord save me.

Mace New Testament
but finding the wind boisterous, he was afraid: and beginning to sink, cried out, Lord, save me.

Weymouth New Testament
But when he felt the wind he grew frightened, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Master, save me."

Worrell New Testament
But, seeing the wind, he was frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"

Worsley New Testament
And Peter went down from the ship and walked upon the waters to go to Jesus: but seeing the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink cried out, Lord, save me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Walks on Water
29“Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”…

Cross References
Matthew 8:25
The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

Mark 4:38-40
But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” / Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. / “Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?”

Luke 8:24
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.

John 6:19-20
When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified. / But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.”

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

James 1:6
But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Psalm 69:1-3
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. / I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me. / I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

Psalm 107:28-30
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. / He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed. / They rejoiced in the silence, and He guided them to the harbor they desired.

Jonah 2:2-3
saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice. / For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current swirled about me; all Your breakers and waves swept over me.

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Romans 10:13
for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Psalm 18:16
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.

Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 46:1-3
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah


Treasury of Scripture

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

when.

Matthew 26:69-75
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee…

2 Kings 6:15
And 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?

Mark 14:38,66-72
Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak…

boisterous.

Matthew 8:24,25
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep…

Psalm 3:7
Arise, 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.

Psalm 69:1,2
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul…

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Afraid Beginning Begun Boisterous Cried Cry Fear Felt Frightened Grew Help Master Save Sink Sir Starting Strong Vehement Wind
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Afraid Beginning Begun Boisterous Cried Cry Fear Felt Frightened Grew Help Master Save Sink Sir Starting Strong Vehement 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 when he saw
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in Peter's experience. The Greek word for "saw" is "βλέπω" (blepō), which implies more than just physical sight; it suggests perception and understanding. Peter's focus shifts from Jesus to the surrounding circumstances. This serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining spiritual focus amidst life's distractions. In a broader scriptural context, this moment illustrates the human tendency to falter when we take our eyes off Christ and focus on worldly challenges.

the strength of the wind
The "strength" here is translated from the Greek word "ἰσχυρός" (ischyros), meaning strong or mighty. The wind represents the trials and tribulations that believers face. Historically, the Sea of Galilee is known for sudden, violent storms, which would have been a familiar threat to the disciples, many of whom were seasoned fishermen. This phrase symbolizes the overwhelming nature of life's challenges that can cause fear and doubt when we rely on our own strength rather than God's.

he was afraid
Fear, from the Greek "φοβέομαι" (phobeomai), is a natural human response to danger. However, in a spiritual context, fear often signifies a lack of faith. Peter's fear contrasts with the peace that comes from trusting in Jesus. This moment serves as a cautionary tale about the paralyzing effect of fear when it overshadows faith. Theologically, it underscores the need for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and power over all circumstances.

and beginning to sink
The act of sinking, "καταποντίζω" (katapontizō), is both literal and metaphorical. Literally, Peter is physically sinking into the water, but metaphorically, it represents the spiritual decline that occurs when faith wavers. This imagery is powerful, illustrating the consequences of doubt and the necessity of maintaining faith in Christ. It serves as a reminder that without Jesus, we are susceptible to being overwhelmed by life's challenges.

he cried out
The Greek word "κράζω" (krazō) conveys a loud, urgent cry for help. This is a moment of desperation and recognition of Peter's inability to save himself. It reflects the human condition of needing divine intervention. In a broader biblical context, crying out to the Lord is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's help in times of trouble. It is a call to humility and dependence on God's grace.

'Lord, save me!'
This plea is both simple and profound. "Lord" acknowledges Jesus' authority and divinity, while "save me" is a direct appeal for deliverance. The Greek "σῴζω" (sōzō) means to save, rescue, or deliver. This cry for salvation is central to the Christian faith, symbolizing the sinner's call for redemption. It highlights the personal relationship between the believer and Christ, where Jesus is both Savior and Lord. This moment encapsulates the essence of faith—recognizing our need for Jesus and trusting in His power to save.

(30) When he saw the wind boisterous.--The adjective is wanting in the best MSS.

He was afraid.--In the conflict between sight and faith, faith was worsted, and with that came fear. The supernatural strength left him, and the swimmer's art would not now avail, and so the waters were closing over him, and he cried out in his agony. And then the gracious pity of his Lord helped the "little faith" with the firm sustaining grasp, not, indeed, without a word of loving reproof, and yet as unwilling even here to quench the smoking flax.

Verse 30. - But when he saw the wind boysterous (ἰσχυρόν is clearly a gloss, and therefore omitted by the Revised Version). He was afraid; and beginning to sink. The natural tendency to sink, which he had had all the time, was counteracted before by his faith, which enabled him to receive Christ's power. But now that his doubt made him incapable of receiving this, he sank (cf. Meyer). He cried (ἔκραξεν), saying, Lord, save me (Matthew 8:25). Aphraates ('Homilies,' vide Resch, 'Agrapha,' p. 380) quotes an apocryphal saying of our Lord's, "Doubt not; lest ye are engulfed in the world, as Simon; for he doubled, and began to sink in the sea."

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

when he saw
βλέπων (blepōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative 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.

strength
ἰσχυρὸν (ischyron)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2478: Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.

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

he was afraid,
ἐφοβήθη (ephobēthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

beginning
ἀρξάμενος (arxamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 756: To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.

to sink,
καταποντίζεσθαι (katapontizesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 2670: From kata and a derivative of the same as Pontos; to plunge down, i.e. Submerge.

cried out,
ἔκραξεν (ekraxen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2896: To cry aloud, shriek. A primary verb; properly, to 'croak' or scream, i.e. to call aloud.

“Lord,
Κύριε (Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

save
σῶσόν (sōson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4982: To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.

me!”
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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