Luke 8:22

KJV

¶ Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G2532} it came to pass {G1096} on {G1722} a certain {G3391} day {G2250}, that {G2532} he {G846} went {G1684} into {G1519} a ship {G4143} with {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101}: and {G2532} he said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Let us go over {G1330} unto {G1519} the other side {G4008} of the lake {G3041}. And {G2532} they launched forth {G321}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One day Yeshua got into a boat with his talmidim and said to them, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake."

Berean Standard Bible

One day Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So He got into a boat with them and set out.

American Standard Version

Now it came to pass on one of those days, that he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples; and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake: and they launched forth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:22 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry, signaling a transition from extensive parabolic teaching to powerful demonstrations of His divine authority. This verse meticulously sets the scene for one of the most dramatic and revelatory events in the Gospels: the calming of a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee. It underscores Jesus's proactive leadership and the disciples' immediate obedience, initiating a journey that would profoundly reveal His sovereignty over creation and His mission to reach beyond traditional boundaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a significant block of Jesus's teaching, particularly His parables concerning the Kingdom of God, such as the [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-5-8 "Luke 8:5-8 - The Parable of the Sower") and its interpretation, the [Parable of the Lamp on a Stand](/luke/8-16-18 "Luke 8:16-18 - The Parable of the Lamp"), and the teaching on His true family ([Luke 8:19-21](/luke/8-19-21 "Luke 8:19-21 - Jesus's True Family")). Having just concluded a period of instruction to both crowds and disciples, Jesus now initiates a physical journey that will serve as a practical demonstration of the very authority and truth He has been proclaiming. The transition from word to deed is seamless, preparing the reader for the miraculous events that follow, specifically the [calming of the storm](/luke/8-22-25 "Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus Calms the Storm") and the [exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac](/luke/8-26-39 "Luke 8:26-39 - The Gerasene Demoniac").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "lake" mentioned is the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret or Tiberias. This freshwater lake, approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, is situated in a deep basin surrounded by hills, with the Jordan River flowing through it. Its unique geographical location, nearly 700 feet below sea level, makes it highly susceptible to sudden and violent storms. Cold air rushing down from the surrounding hills can funnel through the valleys, colliding with the warm, moist air over the lake, creating rapid and intense weather changes. Boats were the primary mode of transport for fishing and travel across the lake. Jesus's directive to "go over unto the other side" would lead them towards the eastern, predominantly Gentile regions of the Decapolis (e.g., Gadara or Gerasa), indicating His ministry's intentional expansion beyond Jewish territories and foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:22 contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus's Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**. Jesus is the one who proposes and commands the journey, demonstrating His active leadership and control over the disciples' movements and the unfolding of events. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Discipleship and Obedience**. The disciples' immediate response, "And they launched forth," signifies their trust and submission to Jesus's directive, even without knowing the challenges that lay ahead. This sets a precedent for the nature of following Christ. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Preparation for Revelation**. The seemingly mundane act of crossing the lake is a deliberate prelude to a profound display of Jesus's power over nature, revealing His unique authority as the Son of God, a theme further developed in [Luke 8:24-25](/luke/8-24-25 "Luke 8:24-25 - Jesus's Authority Over Nature"). This journey also anticipates the broader mission to bring the good news to all peoples, Jew and Gentile alike, as seen in the subsequent encounter with the Gerasene demoniac.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came to pass (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, frequently translated as "to become" or "to come into being," carries a sense of unfolding or occurrence. In this context, "it came to pass" signifies an event that is part of a larger, divinely orchestrated sequence. It suggests that this journey was not a random occurrence but a purposeful step in Jesus's ministry, leading to significant revelations of His power and identity. The use of this phrase often introduces a new, important development in the narrative.
* **go over (Greek, _diérchomai'_):** This compound verb, meaning "to traverse" or "to go through/across," emphasizes the act of crossing from one side to another. Jesus's command to "go over unto the other side of the lake" is a direct instruction for a complete traversal. It implies a journey with a specific destination, not merely a short excursion, setting the stage for the challenges and revelations that await them on the opposite shore.
* **lake (Greek, _límnē'_):** This term specifically refers to a body of standing water, in this case, the Sea of Galilee. Its inclusion here is crucial for establishing the geographical setting of the upcoming miracle. The "lake" is not just a backdrop but an active element in the narrative, known for its unpredictable and often violent weather, which will soon become the stage for Jesus's demonstration of cosmic authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Now it came to pass on a certain day,"**: This introductory phrase, common in Luke's narrative, functions as a temporal marker, indicating a specific point in time when the events unfolded. It signals a new episode in Jesus's ministry, emphasizing that these occurrences are historical and purposeful, not merely anecdotal. The phrase "on a certain day" highlights the specificity of the event without providing an exact calendar date, maintaining a focus on the divine timing rather than human chronology.
* **"that he went into a ship with his disciples:"**: This clause details Jesus's action of embarking on a vessel, accompanied by His closest followers. The "ship" (or boat) was a common mode of transport on the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus frequently used it for travel and teaching. The presence of "his disciples" underscores the communal aspect of their journey and their role as eyewitnesses to the subsequent events, positioning them to learn profound lessons about Jesus's identity and authority.
* **"and he said unto them, ‹Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.›"**: This is Jesus's direct command, revealing His initiative and leadership. The phrase "Let us go over" indicates a shared journey, but one initiated and directed by Him. The destination, "the other side of the lake," is significant, as it points towards predominantly Gentile territory, foreshadowing the expansive nature of Jesus's mission beyond Jewish borders. This command is the catalyst for the entire sequence of events that follows.
* **"And they launched forth."**: This final clause describes the disciples' immediate and unquestioning obedience. They set sail in response to Jesus's directive, demonstrating their trust and submission to His authority. This simple act of launching forth sets the stage for the dramatic events that will test their faith and reveal Jesus's unparalleled power over the natural world.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:22 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the seemingly simple act of embarking on a journey across the lake subtly hints at the impending storm and the miraculous display of Jesus's power over nature. The phrase "unto the other side of the lake" also **foreshadows** Jesus's broader mission to the Gentiles, as the other side was largely non-Jewish territory. The narrative's straightforward, almost understated tone, particularly in "And they launched forth," creates a sense of **narrative tension** as the reader, aware of the subsequent events, anticipates the dramatic turn. The **setting** of the Sea of Galilee, known for its volatile weather, serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in the unfolding drama, inherently contributing to the sense of impending challenge and the subsequent revelation of divine authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:22 serves as a powerful theological bridge, connecting Jesus's teaching ministry with His demonstrations of divine power. It underscores the active, directive nature of Christ's leadership, where His word is not merely instruction but also the impetus for action and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The disciples' obedience, though seemingly mundane, positions them for a profound encounter with Jesus's sovereignty over creation and the spiritual realm. This journey across the lake, initiated by Jesus, symbolizes the often unpredictable and challenging nature of following Christ, yet it simultaneously assures believers that Christ is with them in every "crossing," sovereign over every storm. It highlights that God's purposes often unfold through a combination of divine command and human obedience, leading to greater revelations of His glory and power.

* [Matthew 8:23](/matthew/8-23 "Matthew 8:23 - Jesus Enters the Boat")
* [Mark 4:35](/mark/4-35 "Mark 4:35 - Jesus Commands to Cross the Lake")
* [Luke 8:23](/luke/8-23 "Luke 8:23 - The Storm Arises")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:22 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our spiritual journeys, much like the disciples' physical one, are initiated and directed by Christ. Often, Jesus calls us to "go over unto the other side"—to step into unknown territories, uncomfortable situations, or challenging seasons of life. This requires a posture of immediate obedience and trust, even when the path ahead is unclear or promises difficulties. Just as the disciples launched forth without knowing the storm that awaited them, we are called to trust Jesus's leadership, knowing that His commands always lead to a greater revelation of His power and purpose. Our obedience, even in seemingly small acts, positions us to witness God's sovereignty and experience His presence amidst life's inevitable storms. It teaches us that true discipleship is not merely hearing His word but acting upon it, confident that He is always with us, even when the winds and waves rise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other side" might Jesus be calling you to go to in your life today, whether physically, relationally, or spiritually?**
* **How does the disciples' immediate obedience challenge or encourage your own readiness to follow Christ's directives?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust Jesus's leadership more, even when the future is uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Why does Luke emphasize "on a certain day" and the disciples' launching forth?**

Answer: Luke's Gospel, known for its historical precision and orderly account, uses "on a certain day" to ground the event in a specific, though unnamed, historical moment. This phrase often introduces a significant new development in Jesus's ministry. Emphasizing the disciples' immediate action, "And they launched forth," highlights their obedience and trust in Jesus's command. This detail is crucial because it sets the stage for the subsequent miraculous event—the [calming of the storm](/luke/8-22-25 "Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus Calms the Storm")—demonstrating that their journey, and the challenges they faced, were a direct result of following Jesus's clear directive. It underscores the theme of discipleship as a journey of faith and obedience, where divine initiative is met with human response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:22, while seemingly a simple narrative transition, profoundly points to Christ's identity and mission. His command, "Let us go over unto the other side of the lake," is not merely a logistical decision but a demonstration of His divine prerogative and purposeful leadership. This act foreshadows His ultimate journey to the "other side" of human experience, crossing the chasm of sin and death to bring salvation. Just as He led His disciples into a storm that would reveal His power over creation, so too does He lead humanity through the storms of life and sin, ultimately conquering them through His cross and resurrection. The journey to the Gentile side of the lake prefigures the universal scope of the Gospel, fulfilling the Old Testament promises that all nations would come to Him ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")). Jesus, the sovereign Lord, initiates the journey, not just across a lake, but across the boundaries of human brokenness and division, ultimately bringing reconciliation and new life through His atoning work, as declared in [Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Reconciling Work"). This verse, therefore, is a microcosm of Christ's redemptive plan: a divine initiative, a challenging journey, and a powerful revelation of His saving authority.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:23

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

Matthew 8:27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Mark 4:35

¶ And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

Mark 4:41

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Mark 6:45

¶ And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

Matthew 14:22

¶ And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

Luke 8:23

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled [with water], and were in jeopardy.