Matthew 14:24

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

NIV and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

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

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

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

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

NKJV But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

What does Matthew 14:24 mean?

After putting the disciples in the boat, Jesus went up onto a mountain to pray by Himself. He prayed late into the evening (Matthew 14:22–23). By the time He finished, the disciples were a long way from land and making slow progress against a strong wind. The rough waves were pushing against them.

It is unclear how the disciples expected Jesus to meet them on the other side of the lake or where specifically they intended to land. They eventually arrive in Gennesaret on the northwest shore of the lake (Matthew 14:34). For now, though, they find themselves somewhere in the middle of the lake battling against the wind.

It's important to note that the struggle these men are experiencing is not the result of their disobedience. On the contrary, they are facing resistance because they obeyed Christ's direct command. Not all moments in a Christian's life are "smooth sailing," and not all hardships are the result of poor choices.

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Context Summary
Matthew 14:22–33 contains the miracle of Jesus walking on the water. Immediately after feeding thousands of people from a single small portion, Jesus goes up to a mountain to pray. The disciples spend a long night rowing against a strong wind. Jesus walks across the lake to meet them. Peter walks on the water with Jesus briefly before becoming afraid of the wind and waves and beginning to sink. Jesus saves Peter and asks why he doubted. The wind stops when Jesus gets in the boat, and the disciples worship Him as the Son of God.

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Chapter Summary
Matthew 14 begins with a backstory about the arrest and execution of John the Baptist by Herod the tetrarch, the Jewish ruler of the region. Jesus and the disciples take a boat to a desolate place only to find crowds waiting. Jesus heals many and then feeds as many as twenty thousand people with five loaves and two fish. Later, the disciples row against a strong wind until Jesus walks on the water to meet them and calm the wind. Peter walks on water briefly and then doubts and begins to sink. The disciples worship Jesus. On the other side of the lake, Jesus continues to heal the sick.

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What is the Gospel?

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