And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

MATTHEW 14:32KJV
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Matthew 14:32 (KJV)

What does Matthew 14:32 mean?

Matthew 14:32 describes how, after Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind that had been troubling the disciples stopped immediately. This verse shows a sudden change in the situation, marking the end of the storm once Jesus was present with his followers in the boat.

The setting is the Sea of Galilee at night, after Jesus had walked on the water to reach his disciples, who were struggling against strong winds. The disciples had been afraid, but as soon as Jesus and Peter entered the boat, the wind ceased. This moment highlights both the authority of Jesus over nature and the relief experienced by the disciples after a frightening ordeal.

The Greek behind Matthew 14:32

  • πλοῖον (ploion, "ship"): This word refers to a boat or ship, making clear that the setting is on the water and that the disciples were not on land when this event happened.
  • ἄνεμος (anemos, "wind"): The Greek word for "wind" points to the natural force that had been causing trouble for the disciples, emphasizing the dramatic change when it stopped.
  • ἐκόπασεν (ekopasen, "ceased"): This verb means "stopped" or "became calm," and in Greek it often carries the sense of something coming to a complete halt, not just lessening. The use of this word underlines the sudden and total calm that followed Jesus' arrival in the boat.

Why Matthew 14:32 matters

  • Matthew 14:32 clears up that the calming of the wind was directly connected to Jesus entering the boat, not just a coincidence or a gradual change in weather.
  • This verse emphasizes that Jesus’ presence brings peace and resolution to a chaotic situation, which is a key theme in the surrounding story.
  • The detail that the wind ceased immediately after Jesus entered the boat connects this event to earlier miracles where Jesus demonstrated authority over nature, reinforcing his identity to the disciples.

Where else these words appear

“ceased” Greek G2869 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
  • Mark 6:51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

“come” 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.

“wind” Greek G417 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
  • John 6:18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.

“ship” Greek G4143 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • 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 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.