And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

MATTHEW 14:22KJV
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Matthew 14:22 (KJV)

What does Matthew 14:22 mean?

Matthew 14:22 describes how Jesus immediately directed his disciples to get into a boat and go ahead of him to the other side of the lake, while he stayed behind to dismiss the crowds. This verse shows Jesus taking charge of the situation after a public event, making sure his disciples leave before he does.

Jesus is the one speaking or acting here, giving instructions to his closest followers, the disciples, right after the feeding of the five thousand. The setting is by the Sea of Galilee, with large crowds present. The verse highlights Jesus’ authority and care in managing both his disciples and the crowd, setting up the next events where the disciples will be alone on the water.

The Greek behind Matthew 14:22

  • The word "constrained" (ἠνάγκασεν, ēnankasen) often means to strongly urge or compel. This suggests Jesus was insistent that the disciples leave immediately, not just casually asking.
  • The word "straightway" (εὐθέως, eutheōs) means "immediately" or "at once," emphasizing the urgency with which Jesus acted after the miracle.
  • The word "ship" (πλοῖον, ploion) refers to a boat, likely a fishing vessel common to the Sea of Galilee, showing this was a practical, familiar setting for the disciples.
  • The word "sent away" (ἀπολύω, apolyō) means to dismiss or release, showing Jesus personally took responsibility for ending the gathering with the crowds.

Why Matthew 14:22 matters

  • Matthew 14:22 clarifies that Jesus deliberately separated his disciples from the crowds, which sets the stage for the coming story of Jesus walking on the water.
  • The verse shows Jesus’ intentional leadership, making decisions for both the disciples and the crowd, rather than leaving events to unfold on their own.
  • This moment marks a transition from a public miracle to a private lesson for the disciples, highlighting a shift in focus from the crowds to Jesus’ closest followers.

Where else these words appear

“constrained” Greek G315 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
  • Acts 26:11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
  • Galatians 2:3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

“get” Greek G1684 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
  • Mark 4:1 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
  • Luke 8:22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

“before” Greek G4254 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • Mark 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

“side” Greek G4008 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 4:35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
  • John 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.