Thematic Bible
Matthew 14:1 (show verse)
At that time Prince Herod heard of the fame of Jesus,
Matthew 14:2 (show verse)
And said to his attendants: " This must be John the Baptist; he must be risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are active in him."
Matthew 14:3 (show verse)
For Herod had arrested John, put him in chains, and shut him up in prison, to please Herodias, the wife of Herod's brother Philip.
Matthew 14:4 (show verse)
For John had said to him 'You have no right to be living with her.'
Matthew 14:5 (show verse)
Yet, though Herod wanted to put him to death, he was afraid of the people, because they looked on John as a Prophet.
Matthew 14:6 (show verse)
But, when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before his guests, and so pleased Herod,
Matthew 14:7 (show verse)
That he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.
Matthew 14:8 (show verse)
Prompted by her mother, the girl said 'Give me here, on a dish, the head of John the Baptist.'
Matthew 14:9 (show verse)
The king was distressed at this; yet, on account of his oath and of the guests at his table, he ordered it to be given her.
Matthew 14:10 (show verse)
He sent and beheaded John in the prison;
Matthew 14:11 (show verse)
And his head was brought on a dish and given to the girl, and she took it to her mother.
Matthew 14:12 (show verse)
Then John's disciples came, and took the body away, and buried it; and went and told Jesus.
Matthew 14:13 (show verse)
When Jesus heard of it, he retired privately in a boat to a lonely spot. The people, however, heard of his going, and followed him in crowds from the towns on foot.
Matthew 14:14 (show verse)
On getting out of the boat, Jesus saw a great crowd, and his heart was moved at the sight of them; and he cured all the sick among them.
Matthew 14:15 (show verse)
In the evening the disciples came up to him, and said: " This is a lonely spot, and the day is now far advanced; send the crowds away, that they may go to the villages, and buy themselves food."
Matthew 14:16 (show verse)
But Jesus said: "They need not go away, it is for you to give them something to eat."
Matthew 14:17 (show verse)
"We have nothing here," they said, "except five loaves and two fishes."
Matthew 14:18 (show verse)
"Bring them here to me," was his reply.
Matthew 14:19 (show verse)
Jesus ordered the people to take their seats on the grass; and, taking the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to Heaven, and said the blessing, and, after he had broken the loaves, gave them to his disciples; and they gave them to the crowds.
Matthew 14:20 (show verse)
Every one had sufficient to eat, and they picked up enough of the broken pieces that were left to fill twelve baskets.
Matthew 14:21 (show verse)
The men who ate were about five thousand in number, without counting women and children.
Matthew 14:22 (show verse)
Immediately afterwards Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and cross over in advance of him, while he dismissed the crowds.
Matthew 14:23 (show verse)
After dismissing the crowds, he went up the hill by himself to pray; and, when evening fell, he was there alone.
Matthew 14:24 (show verse)
The boat was by this time some miles from shore, laboring in the waves, for the wind was against her.
Matthew 14:25 (show verse)
Three hours after midnight, however, Jesus came towards the disciples, walking on the water.
Matthew 14:26 (show verse)
But, when they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they exclaimed, and cried out for fear.
Matthew 14:27 (show verse)
But Jesus at once spoke to them. "Courage!" he said, "It is I; do not be afraid!"
Matthew 14:28 (show verse)
"Master," Peter exclaimed, "if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water."
Matthew 14:29 (show verse)
And Jesus said: "Come." So Peter got down from the boat, and walked on the water, and went towards Jesus;
Matthew 14:30 (show verse)
But, when he felt the wind, he was frightened, and, beginning to sink, cried out: "Master! Save me!"
Matthew 14:31 (show verse)
Instantly Jesus stretched out his hand, and caught hold of him. "O man of little faith!" he said, "Why did you falter?"
Matthew 14:32 (show verse)
When they had got into the boat, the wind dropped.
Matthew 14:33 (show verse)
But the men in the boat threw themselves on their faces before him, and said: "You are indeed God's Son."
Matthew 14:34 (show verse)
When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.
Matthew 14:35 (show verse)
But the people of that place, recognizing Jesus, sent out to the whole country round, and brought to him all who were ill,
Matthew 14:36 (show verse)
Begging him merely to let them touch the tassel of his cloak; and all who touched were made perfectly well.