Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 14:25
The fourth watch - Anciently the Jews divided the night into three watches, consisting of four hours each. The first watch is mentioned, Lamentations 2:19 ; : the second, Judges 7:19 ; and the third, Exodus 14:24 ; but a fourth watch is not mentioned in any part of the Old Testament. This division the Romans had introduced in Judea, as also the custom of dividing the day into twelve hours: see John 11:9 . The first watch began at six o'clock in the evening, and continued till nine;... read more
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 14:24
Tossed with waves - Grievously agitated. This is the proper meaning of the word βασανιζομενον : but one MS. reads βαπτιζομενον , plunged under the waves, frequently covered with them; the waves often breaking over the vessel. read more