New Testament
Matthew 14:26
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When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a spirit!" and they cried out for fear.
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And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
What Matthew 14:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the disciples are in a boat during a storm when they see someone walking on the water. Their immediate reaction is fear, as they think they are seeing a ghost or spirit. This reflects their lack of understanding of who Jesus is and the power He possesses. The sight of someone walking on water is so extraordinary that it terrifies them. Their fear leads them to cry out, revealing their panic and confusion in a moment of crisis. This moment highlights the human tendency to fear the unknown and the supernatural, especially in dire situations. It also sets the stage for Jesus to reveal His true identity and calm their fears, demonstrating His divine authority over nature. The disciples' reaction serves as a reminder of how fear can cloud our judgment and understanding, especially when faced with unexpected challenges. It emphasizes the need for faith and recognition of Jesus' presence in our lives, even in turbulent times.
How to apply Matthew 14:26 to your life
When faced with fear or uncertainty, remember that Jesus is present with us, even in difficult situations. Instead of succumbing to panic, we can choose to trust in His power and presence. This encourages us to seek understanding and faith in our challenges.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Walking on the Water (Matthew 14:22–33)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 14:26 mean?
Matthew 14:26 describes the moment when the disciples see Jesus walking on water and mistake Him for a ghost, leading to their fear and panic. This verse illustrates their lack of understanding of Jesus' true nature and power.
What is the significance of the disciples' fear in Matthew 14:26?
The disciples' fear in Matthew 14:26 highlights their human tendency to react with panic in the face of the unknown. It emphasizes the importance of faith and recognizing Jesus' presence, especially during challenging times.
What does the phrase 'It is a spirit' in Matthew 14:26 mean?
The phrase 'It is a spirit' reflects the disciples' immediate reaction of fear, as they believed they were seeing a ghost. This shows their misunderstanding of Jesus' identity and the extraordinary nature of His actions.
How does Matthew 14:26 relate to faith?
Matthew 14:26 relates to faith by showing how fear can cloud judgment and understanding. The disciples' initial panic serves as a reminder to trust in Jesus' presence and power, even in frightening situations.
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