Matthew 14:26 Meaning and Explanation
“And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The disciples, seeing a figure on the water, are terrified and cry out, thinking it a ghost.
What Does Matthew 14:26 Mean?
The disciples see the figure approaching across the waves and are seized with terror. Unable to imagine that it could be Jesus, they take Him for a spirit and cry out in fear. The very rescue drawing near to them looks at first like a new threat in the dark.
We do not always recognize the Lord when He comes in unexpected ways. His approach through the storm frightened the men He came to save, because they did not expect Him there. So we may mistake His nearness in our darkest hours for one more terror. Often the thing that alarms us is Christ Himself, coming closer than we dared to hope.
Matthew 14:26 in the Original Language
phantasma (φάντασμα), 'spirit' -- an apparition or ghost; what they feared they were seeing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 14:26
What does Matthew 14:26 mean?
The disciples, seeing a figure on the water, are terrified and cry out, thinking it a ghost.