Bible Strands
Matthew 14:30
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter, walking on the water toward Jesus, turns to the wind and begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus: "Lord, save me!"
The words — ἰσχυρὸν (ischuron), literally "charging," renders the wind as a force in motion rather than a passive condition. ἐφοβήθη (ephobēthē), "he was afraid," is a single aorist act that reverses the walk.
The thread — Lamentations 3:54 gives the same drowning image in a lament; Mark 14:38 names the mechanism as the body's weakness against the spirit's willingness. 2 Timothy 4:16 shows the same failure to hold fast when the moment is hard.
Why it lands — The wind was present while Peter walked; what changed was his attention. The verse asks the reader to name where their own attention shifts from the one who spoke to the circumstance that threatens.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Cross-references
- Lamentations 3:54 The waters flowed over my head, and I thought I was going to die.
- 2 Timothy 4:16 At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.
- Mark 14:38 Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
- Matthew 8:24 Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping.
- Psalms 69:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck.
- Jonah 2:2 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.
- Luke 22:54 Then they seized Jesus, led Him away, and took Him into the house of the high priest. And Peter followed at a distance.
- Psalms 3:7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
- Psalms 107:27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and all their skill was useless.
- Psalms 116:3 The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow.