New Testament
Matthew 14:30
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But when he noticed how fierce the wind was, fear overtook him. He started to sink and cried out, "Lord, save me!"
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But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
What Matthew 14:30 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, is walking on water towards Jesus. However, when he sees the strong wind, he becomes afraid and begins to sink. This moment illustrates the struggle between faith and fear. Initially, Peter had the faith to step out of the boat, but when he focused on the storm instead of Jesus, his fear took over. His cry for help, 'Lord, save me!' shows his recognition of his need for Jesus' intervention. This scene emphasizes that even strong believers can falter when they allow fear to overshadow their faith. It also highlights the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus, especially during life's storms, as He is the source of our strength and salvation.
How to apply Matthew 14:30 to your life
When facing difficult situations, remember to keep your focus on Jesus rather than the challenges around you. Just like Peter, we may feel overwhelmed by fear, but we can always call out to Jesus for help. Trusting Him can lead to peace and strength in tough times.
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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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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 14:30 mean?
Matthew 14:30 describes Peter's moment of doubt while walking on water towards Jesus. When he notices the strong wind, fear takes over, causing him to sink. This illustrates the struggle between faith and fear, emphasizing the need to focus on Jesus.
What is the meaning of 'Lord, save me!' in Matthew 14:30?
'Lord, save me!' reflects Peter's recognition of his need for Jesus' help in a moment of fear and desperation. It shows that even in our struggles, we can call out to Jesus for assistance and find salvation.
How does Matthew 14:30 relate to fear and faith?
Matthew 14:30 illustrates how fear can overshadow faith. Peter initially has the faith to walk on water, but when he focuses on the storm, fear takes over, reminding us to keep our eyes on Jesus.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 14:30?
The lesson from Matthew 14:30 is to focus on Jesus rather than our fears or challenges. It teaches that in moments of doubt, we can always reach out to Him for help and strength.
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