ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Matthew 14

Matt. 14:1 Herod Antipas was the Roman ruler (tetrarch) over the region where Jesus ministered. When his father, Herod the Great, died, the kingdom was divided among three of Herod’s sons—Archelaus, Antipas, and Philip II.

Matt. 14:3–4 For Herod had seized John. Verses 3–12 describe a past event. Herod Antipas loved Herodias, the wife of his half brother Herod Philip I (not the tetrarch Philip mentioned in Luke 3:1). Both were married at the time. Herodias divorced Herod Philip I and Herod Antipas divorced his wife, and they married. John the Baptist had publicly condemned Herod Antipas for his actions (It is not lawful for you to have her).

Matt. 14:12 John’s disciples remained loyal to him throughout his imprisonment. They now buried him, since all of John’s family was probably dead (“advanced in years”; Luke 1:7).

Matt. 14:15–21 These verses record Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000, the only miracle from Jesus’ earthly ministry recorded in all four Gospels (compare Mark 6:32–34; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–13). Having followed Jesus to a desolate place, the great crowd is stranded late in the day without food. The scene recalls God’s provision of manna for Israel after the exodus. The mention of twelve baskets left over may symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel as well as the abundance of God’s provision. They all ate and were satisfied may also represent the messianic banquet in the kingdom at the end of the age (compare Matt. 8:11). five thousand men, besides women and children. The total number may have included 10,000 or more. Jesus is the new and better Moses, who fills the needs of his people.

Matt. 14:22 other side. See note on 8:28.

Matt. 14:24 long way from the land. The disciples are probably about 3 miles (4.8 km) out into the lake (see John 6:19), which would have been 4–5 miles (6.4–8.0 km) wide (see Matt. 14:34; also John 6:17).

Matt. 14:25 fourth watch. The Roman military divided the night into four watches of three hours each, from 6:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. The fourth watch would have been between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m., so the disciples had battled the storm for more than nine hours (see “by this time,” v. 24).

Matt. 14:27 It is I could be translated “I am.” Compare the Lord’s voice from the burning bush, “I am who I am” (Ex. 3:14; see also Isa. 43:10–13).

Matt. 14:28–33 the Son of God. This is the only time in Matthew that the disciples use this full title to address Jesus.

Matt. 14:34 Gennesaret. Either the town or the plain on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, south of Capernaum.

Matt. 14:35–36 recognized. There is no record of any prior ministry by Jesus in Gennesaret, but its people had heard about him.