Matthew 14

JMNT^{(i) 1} Within that season Herod, the tetrarch (the district ruler; regional or tribal governor), heard the rumor (news; fame) concerning Jesus, ² and said to his court servants and attendants, "This person is John, the immerser (the one baptizing) – he was raised from the dead ones, and through this the powerful works (exhibitions and deeds of power) are constantly operating within him!" ³ You see, on arresting John and keeping him in custody, Herod bound and put [him] away in prison (or: jail) because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, ⁴ for John kept on saying to him, "It is not allowed by the Law or our custom for you to continue possessing (having and holding) her!" ⁵ However, although constantly wanting and intending to at once kill him, he was made afraid by the crowd, because they continued holding (= regarding) him as a prophet. ⁶ Now during the occurring of Herod's birthday celebration, the daughter of Herodias danced within the midst – and thus, she captivated and gave pleasure to Herod, ⁷ because of which, with an oath, he made a binding statement – to at once give to her whatever she would request (ask; demand)! ⁸ So she, under her mother's prompting (or: by the pushing and inciting of her mother), is then saying, "Give to me here, upon a platter (or: a pine board), the head of John the immerser (baptist)!" ⁹ And though being sorry and grieved (or: distressed), the king – because of the oaths and the people continuing in reclining at table with [him] – commanded (ordered) [it] to be given. ¹⁰ And thus sending [the directive], he beheaded John within the prison (or: jail). ¹¹ Then his head was brought (or: carried) upon a platter (or: pine board) and was given to the girl, and she brought (or: carried) [it] to her mother. ¹² And upon approaching, his disciples removed his corpse and buried (or: entombed) it (or: him), and then coming, they reported to Jesus what had happened. ¹³ Now upon hearing [this], Jesus withdrew back from that place, in a small boat, into an isolated (or: uninhabited; wilderness; lonely) place – in accord with what was His own (or: corresponding to His own [thoughts and feelings]; or: privately). And yet, upon hearing [of His departure], the crowds followed Him on foot, away from the cities. ¹⁴ And then, upon going out from [His secluded location], He saw [the] large crowd – and He felt compassion upon (was moved in His gut over) them – so He tended, attentively served, gave treatment to, began therapy with, prescribed ongoing treatment for, or cured and healed the folks among them who were sick, ailing or without strength. ¹⁵ Now with evening approaching, the disciples approached Him, saying in turn, "The place (= This area) is desolate and uninhabited (or: is a wilderness), and the hour is already advanced (= it is already late in the day). Release (or: Dismiss) the crowds so that, after going away into the villages, they can buy food for themselves in the market places." ¹⁶ However, Jesus said to them, "They are not having any need to go away. You men, yourselves, give them [something] to eat!" ¹⁷ Yet they, in turn, were saying to Him, "At present we have nothing here! – except five loaves of bread, and two fishes." ¹⁸ So He said, "Proceed in bringing them here, to Me." ¹⁹ And then, after directing the crowds to lie back (or: recline) upon the grass and vegetation, upon taking (or: receiving) the five loaves of bread and the two fishes, while looking up into heaven (or: the atmosphere; the sky) He spoke words of wellness and blessing. And then, braking [them] in pieces, He gave the loaves (or: cakes) of bread to the disciples, and the disciples [gave them] to the crowds. ²⁰ So they all ate, and were satisfied (like cattle or sheep being fed in a pasture until full). Then they took up the surplus (the excess; the leftovers) of the broken pieces: twelve wicker hand-baskets full! [note: the disciples now had provisions for themselves – for meals the following days? – beyond the original five loaves, where before they considered themselves to "have nothing"] ²¹ Now those eating were about five thousand adult males – apart from women and little children. ²² And then, without delay, He compelled His disciples to board (step into) the little boat and to be progressively preceding (going ahead of) Him unto the other side – while He would be dismissing and dispersing the crowds. ²³ And so, upon dismissing and dispersing the crowds, He went back up into the mountain (or: hill country) – in accord with what was His own (or: corresponding to His own [thoughts and feelings]; or: privately) – to be praying. So then, it coming to be late in the evening, He was there alone. ²⁴ Now the little boat, already many hundreds of yards (i.e., many stadia) away from land, was continuing distant in the midst of the lake (or: sea), continuously being tried – as with a touchstone to test its metal (and thus, its mettle) – [thus, pounded] by and under the waves, for the wind was continuing against [them] (i.e., it was adverse and contrary). ²⁵ Yet during the fourth watch period of the night (about three o'clock in the morning), He came toward (or: to) them – continuing in walking upon the lake (or: sea). ²⁶ But the disciples, upon seeing Him progressively walking about – upon the lake (sea), were at once shaken and troubled, one after another saying, "It's a ghost (or: a phantom; or: an apparition; or: the effect of something being made visible)!" – then they cried out from fear. ²⁷ Yet Jesus at once spoke to them, proceeding in saying, "Continue in confidence and courage: I AM (or: I am Being; I am continuous Existence; or: = Take heart and continue courageous – It's ME)! Do not continue being afraid." ²⁸ Now in a considered and discerning response, Peter said to Him, "Lord (or: O Master), since You are (or: if You are You; = if it's really You), direct (or: order) me to at once come toward You upon (= on the surface of) the waters!" ²⁹ So He said, "Come at once!" (or: "Go [for it]!") Then, upon stepping down from the little boat, Peter at once walked about upon the waters and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ Yet while continuing in looking at [the effects of] the strong wind, he was made to fear (or: became afraid). And then beginning to progressively sink down, he cried out, saying, "O Lord (Master), save me now (rescue me quickly)!" ³¹ So immediately Jesus, stretching out [His] hand, got a hold upon him, then is saying to him, "O man of little trust (or: confidence) and small faith! Into what two places do you mentally stand (= Why do you waver and hesitate)?" ³² Then, at their stepping down into the little boat, the wind grew weary and died down. ³³ Now the men within the little boat paid Him homage by kneeling down and with obeisance kissing toward Him – some reverently kissing His feet – while one after another was saying, "Truly, You are God's Son (or: In reality You exist being a son of God; You really are [the] Son, whose origin, quality and character is God)!" ³⁴ Later, upon cutting right through [the waters] and traversing across [the lake], they came upon land, [entering] into Gennesaret. ³⁵ Then, upon recognizing Him, the adult males of that place (or: location) sent off into that whole surrounding country (or: area), and were bringing to Him all the folks continually having it badly (= everyone who was ill or needed help in some way). ³⁶ And they began calling Him to their side, and kept on begging and entreating Him – with the purpose that they themselves might only touch the ritual fringe (or: tassel) of His cloak – and as many as touched [it] were thoroughly healed, restored to health, and made whole, through and through (or: were completely rescued; or: were brought safely through [their illness])!