Thematic Bible




Matthew 14:1 (show verse)

At that time Herod [Antipas], the tetrarch [who governed a portion of Palestine including Galilee and Perea], heard the reports about Jesus,

Matthew 14:2 (show verse)

and said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and that is why the miraculous powers are at work in him.”

Matthew 14:3 (show verse)

For Herod had John arrested and bound him and put him in prison [at the fortress of Machaerus, east of the Jordan, to keep him away] because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,

Matthew 14:4 (show verse)

for John had said to him, “It is not lawful (morally right) for you to have her [living with you as your wife].”

Matthew 14:5 (show verse)

Although Herod wished to have him put to death, he feared the people, for they regarded John as a prophet.

Matthew 14:6 (show verse)

But when Herod’s birthday came, [his niece Salome], the daughter of Herodias danced [immodestly] before them and pleased and fascinated Herod,

Matthew 14:7 (show verse)

so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.

Matthew 14:8 (show verse)

She, being coached by her mother [Herodias], said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

Matthew 14:9 (show verse)

The king was distressed, but because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests, he ordered it to be given her.

Matthew 14:10 (show verse)

He sent and had John beheaded in the prison.

Matthew 14:11 (show verse)

His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother [Herodias].

Matthew 14:12 (show verse)

And John’s disciples came and took away the body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

Matthew 14:13 (show verse)

When Jesus heard about John, He left there privately in a boat and went to a secluded place. But when the crowds heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.

Matthew 14:14 (show verse)

When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt [profound] compassion for them and healed their sick.

Matthew 14:15 (show verse)

When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is an isolated place and the hour is already late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”

Matthew 14:16 (show verse)

But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!”

Matthew 14:17 (show verse)

They replied, “We have nothing here except five loaves and two fish.”

Matthew 14:18 (show verse)

He said, “Bring them here to Me.”

Matthew 14:19 (show verse)

Then He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and He took the five loaves and the two fish and, looking up toward heaven, He blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people,

Matthew 14:20 (show verse)

and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up twelve full baskets of the leftover broken pieces.

Matthew 14:21 (show verse)

There were about 5,000 men who ate, besides women and children.

Matthew 14:22 (show verse)

Immediately He directed the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while He sent the crowds away.

Matthew 14:23 (show verse)

After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was there alone.

Matthew 14:24 (show verse)

But the boat [by this time] was already a long distance from land, tossed and battered by the waves; for the wind was against them.

Matthew 14:25 (show verse)

And in the fourth watch of the night (3:00-6:00 a.m.) Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.

Matthew 14:26 (show verse)

When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear.

Matthew 14:27 (show verse)

But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I! Do not be afraid!”

Matthew 14:28 (show verse)

Peter replied to Him, “Lord, if it is [really] You, command me to come to You on the water.”

Matthew 14:29 (show verse)

He said, “Come!” So Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Matthew 14:30 (show verse)

But when he saw [the effects of] the wind, he was frightened, and he began to sink, and he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Matthew 14:31 (show verse)

Immediately Jesus extended His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:32 (show verse)

And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

Matthew 14:33 (show verse)

Then those in the boat worshiped Him [with awe-inspired reverence], saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”

Matthew 14:34 (show verse)

When they had crossed over [the sea], they went ashore at Gennesaret.

Matthew 14:35 (show verse)

And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word throughout all the surrounding district and brought to Him all who were sick;

Matthew 14:36 (show verse)

and they begged Him to let them merely touch the fringe of His robe; and all who touched it were perfectly restored.