Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

MATTHEW 14:33KJV
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Matthew 14:33 (KJV)

What does Matthew 14:33 mean?

Matthew 14:33 describes how those who were in the boat with Jesus responded to Him by worshipping Him and declaring, "Truly you are the Son of God." This moment shows the disciples recognizing Jesus' divine identity after witnessing Him calm the storm and walk on water.

The people in the boat are Jesus' disciples, who have just seen Him perform a miracle by walking on the sea and saving Peter from sinking. Their reaction—worship and a clear statement about Jesus being the Son of God—marks a significant moment of realization for them. This verse highlights a turning point where the disciples move from fear and amazement to open acknowledgment of who Jesus is.

The Greek behind Matthew 14:33

  • προσκυνέω (proskuneō, "worshipped"): This Greek word often means to bow down or show deep respect, and in this context, it suggests the disciples are giving Jesus honor due to someone divine.
  • ἀληθῶς (alēthōs, "truth"): The word here carries the sense of something being genuinely or certainly true, emphasizing the disciples' conviction in their statement.
  • υἱός (huios, "Son"): This term is used in a special sense here, not just as a descendant but as a unique relationship, pointing to Jesus’ special status.
  • θεός (theos, "God"): The disciples use this word to directly connect Jesus to God, which is a strong declaration in the context of Jewish belief.

Why Matthew 14:33 matters

  • This verse marks a key moment when the disciples move from questioning and fear to a clear confession of Jesus’ divine identity, showing growth in their understanding.
  • The use of the word "worshipped" signals that the disciples are not just showing respect but recognizing something unique and divine about Jesus, which is significant in the Gospel narrative.
  • Matthew 14:33 connects to the wider passage by showing the impact of Jesus’ miracles on those closest to Him, highlighting how witnessing His power leads to deeper faith and recognition.

Where else these words appear

“truth” Greek G230 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
  • Luke 21:3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
  • John 7:40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

“worshipped” Greek G4352 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • John 4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
  • Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

“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.

“art” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
  • John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.