Matthew 8 23

Matthew 8:23 kjv

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

Matthew 8:23 nkjv

Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.

Matthew 8:23 niv

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.

Matthew 8:23 esv

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.

Matthew 8:23 nlt

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples.

Matthew 8 verses

Matthew 8 23 Meaning

Matthew 8:23 marks the transition point in Jesus' Galilean ministry, shifting from a focus on individual healings and the cost of discipleship to a powerful demonstration of His authority over creation. It establishes the immediate setting for the calming of the storm, emphasizing Jesus' initiative in embarking on a boat and the ready obedience of His disciples who follow Him, committing to go wherever He leads. This act of following signifies their allegiance and readiness for whatever experiences lay ahead with their Master.

Matthew 8 23 Context

Matthew 8:23 immediately follows Jesus' discourse on the cost of discipleship (Matt 8:18-22), where He challenges potential followers about the sacrifices involved in truly committing to Him. Having performed numerous miracles, Jesus' fame was widespread, and large crowds followed Him. To escape the crowds or for specific teaching moments, Jesus often used boats. This particular journey across the Sea of Galilee, initiated by Jesus entering the boat, sets the stage for a climactic demonstration of His divine power over nature through the calming of the storm, solidifying His authority not just over sickness and demons, but over the very elements of creation. The context highlights Jesus as an active, sovereign figure who leads, and the disciples as committed followers, ready to obey.

Matthew 8 23 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A common conjunction, it serves to seamlessly connect the preceding narrative of healing and discourse on discipleship to the upcoming journey. It emphasizes continuity in Jesus' ministry.
• when he was entered (ἐμβάντος αὐτοῦ - embantos autou): From embainō, meaning "to step into" or "to embark." The genitive absolute construction highlights Jesus' initiative and distinct action. He is the leader, making the decision to move to a new location. This suggests intentionality and authority in His movements.
• into a ship (εἰς τὸ πλοῖον - eis to ploion): Ploion refers to a boat or ship, often used for fishing or transport on the Sea of Galilee. The definite article "the" (τὸ) could imply a specific, perhaps familiar, boat used by Jesus and His disciples, or simply refer to 'a' boat in that immediate context, as 'the' boat for this purpose. It signifies a mode of transport across water, moving from one setting to another, away from the immediate land-based crowd.
• his disciples (οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ - hoi mathētai autou): Mathētai are "learners" or "followers." They are not just random individuals but a specific group bound to Jesus by allegiance and a desire to learn from Him. Their identity is defined by their relationship with Him. This contrasts with the wider "crowds" often mentioned.
• followed him (ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ - ēkolouthēsan autō): From akoloutheō, meaning "to accompany" or "to follow." This is a key verb for discipleship in the Gospels. The aorist tense denotes a simple, complete action: they followed without hesitation. This action demonstrates their obedience, commitment, and readiness to join Jesus wherever He went, reflecting the essence of true discipleship expressed in the prior verses (Matt 8:18-22).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And when he was entered into a ship": This phrase establishes Jesus as the initiator of the action. He leads the way, demonstrating His authority and direction over His ministry. It marks a physical departure, often signifying a shift in focus or context within the Gospel narrative.
• "his disciples followed him": This emphasizes the immediate and defining response of the disciples. Their very identity is tied to "following" Jesus. This action signifies their obedience, loyalty, and commitment to share in His journey, illustrating the active nature of discipleship beyond just belief. It also serves as a poignant reminder after the earlier warnings about the cost of such following.

Matthew 8 23 Bonus section

• The transition from land to sea is a recurring motif in the Gospels, often preceding a significant event or a deeper revelation of Jesus' nature. It suggests a movement beyond the usual terrestrial boundaries of ministry.
• The presence of the disciples alone with Jesus in the boat hints at a more intimate teaching or testing environment, setting the stage for lessons not meant for the broader crowds.

Matthew 8 23 Commentary

Matthew 8:23 serves as a pivotal bridge within the Gospel narrative. After illustrating Jesus' immense power over disease and the spiritual realm (Matt 8:1-17), and presenting stark teachings on the rigorous demands of discipleship (Matt 8:18-22), this verse physically moves the narrative forward. Jesus takes the initiative by stepping into the boat, leading His followers onto the water. The disciples' immediate act of "following him" is a testament to their unwavering commitment and the practical demonstration of what it means to be a "disciple." They leave the familiar land behind to embark on a journey led by Jesus, symbolizing their readiness to face the unknown with Him. This prepares the reader for the dramatic events of the impending storm, where Jesus will further reveal His divine sovereignty over the forces of nature, providing a potent illustration of the security found in truly following Christ, even when facing life's greatest tempest.