John 6:18

Arose. Literally, “was awakened,” “was aroused.” Sudden, violent storms are frequent on the Lake of Galilee, caused by cool air from the surrounding highlands rushing down through deep ravines to the surface of the lake. These often arise quickly and subside as suddenly. Because of the severity of these storms, even in modern times small fishing boats are said usually to keep close to shore unless the water is especially calm. From their point of departure east of Bethsaida, the disciples would normally never have been far from shore on their way to Capernaum. However, Matthew speaks of them at this time as being “in the midst of the sea” (Matt. 14:24), and textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 146) for reading “They were many stadia away from the land.” Whether or not such a reading is the original, the fact seems to be that apparently because of the storm they missed their destination and landed farther south in Gennesaret. Hence they had been driven far “away from the land.” See on Matt. 8:24; 14:24.