Matthew 8:24 kjv

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

Matthew 8:24 nkjv

And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.

Matthew 8:24 niv

Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.

Matthew 8:24 esv

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep.

Matthew 8:24 nlt

Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.

Matthew 8 verses

Matthew 8 24 Meaning

Matthew 8:24 describes the initial state of a dire situation on the Sea of Galilee. As Jesus and His disciples crossed the water, a sudden and violent tempest arose. The storm was so intense that waves crashed over the boat, threatening to submerge it. In stark contrast to the disciples' fear and the raging elements, Jesus remained asleep in the boat, undisturbed by the surrounding chaos. This verse sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority over nature, highlighting both His full humanity, capable of weariness, and the hidden depths of His divine power and peace amidst severe adversity.

Matthew 8 24 Context

Matthew chapter 8 immediately follows the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus taught about the Kingdom of Heaven. Chapter 8 then begins to showcase Jesus' divine authority and power through a series of miracles, demonstrating that He is the promised Messiah, capable of fulfilling what He preached. Prior to this tempest incident, Jesus healed a leper, the centurion's servant, and Peter's mother-in-law, also casting out many demons. He also discussed the cost of discipleship with potential followers, warning them that the Son of Man had "no where to lay his head" (Matt 8:20).

This specific event of the calming of the storm occurs as Jesus and His disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is geographically positioned in a rift valley, surrounded by hills. This topography is notorious for creating sudden, violent squalls and storms due to cold air sweeping down the hillsides and meeting the warm, moist air over the lake. Such a storm would have been terrifying even for the seasoned fishermen among Jesus' disciples, emphasizing the severe peril described. The event highlights not only Jesus' authority over nature but also prepares the disciples, and us, for the reality of trials in following Him.

Matthew 8 24 Word analysis

• And, behold (καὶ ἰδοὺ, kai idou): This Greek phrase functions as an interjection, drawing the reader's immediate attention to a surprising or significant event. It signals a dramatic shift or an important revelation about to unfold, emphasizing the unexpected and severe nature of what followed.
• there arose (ἀνέβη, anebē): Literally "went up" or "ascended." Used here for the storm "rising" or breaking forth on the sea. It implies a sudden and powerful emergence, characteristic of the violent storms on the Sea of Galilee.
• a great tempest (σεισμὸς μέγας, seismos megas): The word seismos (from which "seismic" derives) most commonly means "earthquake" in the New Testament (e.g., Matt 24:7, 27:54, 28:2; Rev 6:12, 11:13, 16:18). Its use here to describe a sea storm is striking, indicating an extraordinarily violent upheaval—not merely strong winds, but a literal "great shaking" or "commotion" that caused the entire boat to feel as if it were being struck by an earthquake. The adjective megas ("great") underscores the immense and terrifying nature of this storm.
• in the sea (ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ, en tē thalassē): Refers specifically to the Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. Known for its capacity for sudden and severe storms, often catching fishermen by surprise.
• insomuch that (ὥστε, hōste): A conjunction introducing the result of the tempest. It emphasizes the direct and extreme consequence of the storm's power.
• the ship (τὸ πλοῖον, to ploion): A small fishing vessel typical of the era, not a large ship. This small size makes its vulnerability to the "great tempest" even more acute and terrifying.
• was covered with the waves (καλύπτεσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων, kalyptesthai hypo tōn kymatōn): Kalyptesthai is in the imperfect passive infinitive, suggesting a continuous state or repeated action—the boat was being covered, or constantly being swamped by the waves, indicating it was repeatedly filling with water, on the verge of sinking, not just briefly splashed. The disciples were bailing frantically to survive.
• but he was asleep (αὐτὸς δὲ ἐκάθευδεν, autos de ekatheuden): The pronoun autos de ("but he himself," "while he") strongly contrasts Jesus' state with the desperate situation. Ekatheuden is in the imperfect tense, indicating ongoing action—He was sleeping continuously, implying a deep, peaceful slumber, uninterrupted by the raging storm. This highlights Jesus' true humanity, subject to weariness, but more importantly, His unparalleled inner peace and trust, or His divine peace that transcends all external chaos.

Matthew 8 24 Bonus section

• The dramatic contrast between the "great tempest" (chaos, fear, human limitation) and "but He was asleep" (peace, divine sovereignty, implicit power) is central to understanding the verse's impact.
• Jesus' sleep is not a sign of apathy or ignorance but potentially a deliberate act demonstrating His perfect trust and the profound peace that He Himself offers to those who believe.
• This miracle immediately precedes Jesus casting out demons in the Gerasene region, indicating His supreme authority not only over nature but also over spiritual forces. He is sovereign over all dimensions of reality.
• The incident foreshadows how Christ's peace is available even when "His boat" (the Church or individual believer's life) feels overwhelmed and close to sinking by life's "storms."

Matthew 8 24 Commentary

Matthew 8:24 vividly portrays the human condition amidst divine power. The sudden, "great tempest," described with a term usually reserved for an "earthquake," indicates a chaotic, life-threatening situation, far beyond an ordinary squall. The fact that an experienced crew of fishermen was terrified and that their vessel was continually "covered with the waves" underlines the severity and immediate peril they faced. Yet, in this maelstrom, Jesus, the Master of creation, was deeply asleep.

This sleep is profoundly significant. On one hand, it highlights His genuine humanity, a shared vulnerability to physical exhaustion, particularly after His extensive ministry and teaching. He truly shared in our infirmities. On the other hand, it speaks to an unprecedented inner peace and absolute trust in the Father. His serenity amidst such terrifying external chaos demonstrates a state of perfect repose, far surpassing human understanding. It contrasts sharply with the disciples' frantic fear, exposing their lack of faith despite witnessing His prior miracles. Jesus' slumber implicitly served as a test for their faith, forcing them to confront their perceived helplessness and question His seeming indifference or vulnerability. The scene sets the stage for them to grasp the radical truth of who Jesus is—not merely a man, but the sovereign Lord who holds all creation in His hands, whose presence offers profound peace even when "asleep" to human perception. This scenario is a microcosm of the Christian life: disciples often face overwhelming "storms," feeling as if Christ is distant or inactive, only to discover His presence and power are unwavering, often revealed most profoundly in their desperate cries for help.