And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter's request isn't just about testing Jesus; it's a profound desire to be with Jesus, even if it means stepping into the dangerous unknown. He doesn't ask to walk on water for show, but to join Jesus by Jesus's command, revealing a heart that leaps towards Him despite fear.
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just miraculously fed over five thousand men with only five loaves and two fish, then sent the crowds away. He then compelled his disciples to get into a boat and cross the sea, while he went up a mountain to pray alone. As night falls, the disciples are struggling against a strong, contrary wind, and Jesus appears to them, walking on the water. Terrified, thinking he's a ghost, they cry out, but Jesus immediately speaks to them, revealing himself and telling them not to be afraid.
Peter sees Jesus walking on water, and his first instinct is to join him. But it's not just a simple 'Yes!' – there's a crucial condition attached.
Peter’s request, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water,” reveals a faith that is eager but not yet fully settled. He's convinced it might be Jesus, but he needs a divine 'go ahead' to act.
Why did Peter rush to step onto the water? It wasn't just curiosity or a desire for a show; his heart was pulling him towards Jesus.
While Peter's request might seem rash, it’s deeply rooted in love and a longing to be with Jesus. He's willing to brave the stormy seas, not to prove himself, but to be near his Lord.
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Jesus grants Peter’s request, but it's not just about a miracle. It's a deliberate lesson in faith, dependence, and the limits of our own strength.
Jesus doesn't rebuke Peter’s initial request to come, but instead says, 'Come.' This acceptance allows Peter to experience firsthand the reality of his own limitations and his absolute need for Christ.
Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of respect, authority, and divine lordship, often used for Jesus as acknowledging His sovereignty and mastership over the speaker.
keleuō · Greek Verb
To cause someone to move toward another, indicating authoritative instruction that provides the basis for the recipient's action.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. His fame spreads widely.
c. AD 27-30
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously feeds over 5,000 men with only five loaves and two fish near the Sea of Galilee.
Evening of the Feeding
Disciples' Departure
Jesus compels his disciples to board a boat and cross the Sea of Galilee to Bethsaida, while he sends the crowds away.
Night of the Feeding
Jesus Prays Alone
Jesus withdraws to a mountain to pray alone as night falls.
About the Fourth Watch of the Night— this verse
Jesus Walks on Water
Jesus appears to his disciples in the boat, walking on the stormy sea, intending to pass by them.
During the Encounter
Peter's Bold Request
Peter, mistaking Jesus for a ghost and then daringly believing, asks Jesus to command him to walk on water.
This passage describes Jesus walking on water to meet his disciples, presenting a very similar scene where the disciples are also in distress and see Jesus approaching them in a miraculous way.
Luke 5:8When Peter recognizes Jesus' divine power after a miraculous catch of fish, he falls at Jesus' knees and exclaims, 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!' This shows Peter's awe and realization of his own unworthiness in the presence of divine power, a feeling echoed in his request to come to Jesus.
Hebrews 11:1This verse defines faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,' which perfectly frames Peter's bold request to step out of the boat based on the conviction that Jesus' word would make the impossible possible.
1 Peter 5:8Peter, the author of this verse, warns believers to 'Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.' This reflects the spiritual danger Peter faced when his focus shifted from Jesus to the storm, highlighting the constant need for watchfulness.
calvinMatthew 14:22-33: "And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away."
- And immediately Jesus constrained his disciples to embark, and to go before him to the opposite bank, till he had sent away the multitudes. 23. And when he had sent away the multitudes, he went up into a mountain alone to pray; and when the evening came, he was there alone. 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tosse…
barnesMatthew 14:28: "And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water."
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 lea…
Peter's request isn't just about testing Jesus; it's a profound desire to be with Jesus, even if it means stepping into the dangerous unknown. He doesn't ask to walk on water for show, but to join Jesus by Jesus's command, revealing a heart that leaps towards Him despite fear.
Jesus has just miraculously fed over five thousand men with only five loaves and two fish, then sent the crowds away. He then compelled his disciples to get into a boat and cross the sea, while he went up a mountain to pray alone. As night falls, the disciples are struggling against a strong, contrary wind, and Jesus appears to them, walking on the water. Terrified, thinking he's a ghost, they cry out, but Jesus immediately speaks to them, revealing himself and telling them not to be afraid.
Jesus has just miraculously fed over five thousand men with only five loaves and two fish, then sent the crowds away. He then compelled his disciples to get into a boat and cross the sea, while he went up a mountain to pray alone. As night falls, the disciples are struggling against a strong, contrary wind, and Jesus appears to them, walking on the water. Terrified, thinking he's a ghost, they cry out, but Jesus immediately speaks to them, revealing himself and telling them not to be afraid.
"And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”" — Peter's request isn't just about testing Jesus; it's a profound desire to be with Jesus, even if it means stepping into the dangerous unknown. He doesn't ask to walk on water for show, but to join…
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Last reviewed October 2026