Matthew 14:28

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 14:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto the upon the waters.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto the upon the waters.
Matthew 14:28 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto the upon the waters.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Peter answered him and said, etc.] Who knew his voice, and was ready to believe it might be Christ; and having more courage, and being more forward than the rest of the disciples, ventured to speak to him; saying, Lord, if it be thou; for he was not fully assured that it was he: he might consider that nocturnal apparitions are deceitful, and that Satan can transform himself into an angel of light, and could put on the appearance, and mimic the voice of Christ; wherefore, to try whether it was a spectre, or really Christ, he says, bid me come unto thee on the water; thereby expressing great love and affection to Christ, being willing to come to him, though through danger, through storms…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“JESUS CROSSES TO THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE LAKE WALKING ON THE SEA--INCIDENTS ON LANDING. ( = Mar 6:45; Joh 6:15-24). (Mat 14:22-26) And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it is thou, bid me come to thee on the water--(Also see on Mar 6:50.)”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And Peter answered ... - Here is an instance of the characteristic ardor and rashness of Peter. He had less real faith than he supposed, and more ardor than his faith would justify. He was rash, headlong, incautious, really attached to Jesus, but still easily daunted and prone to fall. He was afraid, therefore, when in danger, and, sinking, cried again for help. Thus he was suffered to learn his own character, and his dependence on Jesus: a lesson which all Christians are permitted sooner or later to learn by dear-bought experience. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“bid: Mat 19:27, Mat 26:33-35; Mar 14:31; Luk 22:31-34, Luk 22:49, Luk 22:50; Joh 6:68, Joh 13:36-38; Rom 12:3 Matthew 14:29”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification