Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 14:33

"And they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God." — Matthew 14:33 (ASV)

The climax of the story is not the stilling of the storm but the confession and worship of the disciples: “Truly you are the Son of God.” This is the first time Jesus has been addressed by the disciples with this full title (cf. 16:16; 26:63; et al.). But it already lurks behind 3:17 (“my Son”), and the devil has used it of Jesus (see 4:3, 6). It is most likely abbreviated to “the Son” in Jesus’ selfreferences in 11:25–27. Exactly what the disciples meant by this title is uncertain. They probably did not understand it in a genuine ontological sense . They perhaps used the title in a messianic way, but still with superficial comprehension . The final response of the disciples is to worship Jesus.