Matthew 14:30
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Matthew 14:30 · King James Version
Meaning
When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus, he showed great faith and courage. However, as he focused on the strong wind and waves around him, he became fearful and started to sink. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus, especially during challenging times. When we allow external circumstances to distract us from God's presence and power, we may begin to doubt and fear. Peter's cry for help, "Lord, save me," demonstrates his recognition of his own weakness and his dependence on Jesus for rescue. This verse encourages us to turn to the Lord when we feel overwhelmed or afraid, trusting in His ability to save us from whatever troubles we may face. It reminds us that true strength and security can only be found in Him.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me," is that it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in challenging circumstances. In this account from the Gospel of Matthew, Peter walked on water towards Jesus but became afraid when he noticed the strong wind. The moment he took his focus away from Jesus, he began to sink. This highlights the significance of keeping one's eyes fixed on God amidst life's storms. The word study of "boisterous" in this verse can also shed light on its meaning. The Greek word used here is "orgilos," which denotes a violent agitation. This emphasizes the turbulent and chaotic nature of the wind that Peter saw, contributing to his fear and subsequent plea for help from the Lord. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant lesson on the power of faith and the need to trust in God's saving grace, especially in times of trouble.
Matthew 14:30 in other translations
American Standard Version
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.
World English Bible
But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Douay-Rheims
But seeing the wind strong, he was afraid: and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying: Lord, save me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But when he sawe a mightie winde, he was afraide: and as he began to sinke, he cried, saying, Master, saue me.