Luke 8:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} as they {G846} sailed {G4126} he fell asleep {G879}: and {G2532} there came down {G2597} a storm {G2978} of wind {G417} on {G1519} the lake {G3041}; and {G2532} they were filled {G4845} with water, and {G2532} were in jeopardy {G2793}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they set out; and as they were sailing, he fell asleep. A windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat began to fill up with water, putting them in great danger.

Berean Standard Bible

As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:23 vividly portrays a critical moment in Jesus’ ministry, showcasing His profound humanity alongside the sudden and life-threatening perils faced by His disciples. As they embarked on a seemingly routine journey across the Sea of Galilee, Jesus, weary from His relentless teaching and healing, succumbed to deep sleep. Unbeknownst to Him, a violent squall rapidly descended upon the lake, engulfing their vessel and placing the lives of everyone on board in dire jeopardy. This scene sets the stage for a powerful demonstration of divine authority over creation and a profound lesson in faith amidst overwhelming adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Luke's narrative, immediately following a series of parables, most notably the [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-4-15 "Luke 8:4-15 - The Parable of the Sower") and its subsequent explanations, which highlight the varied responses to God's Word. Jesus also defines His true family as those who [hear and do the word of God](/luke/8-19-21 "Luke 8:19-21 - Jesus' True Family"). The journey across the lake, initiated by Jesus' instruction to "[go over unto the other side of the lake](/luke/8-22 "Luke 8:22 - Crossing the Lake")," serves as a transition from His public teaching ministry on the shore to an encounter with a demon-possessed man in the country of the Gerasenes. This transition is not merely geographical but also thematic, moving from teaching about the kingdom to demonstrating the King's power over natural forces and spiritual darkness. The storm, therefore, interrupts a deliberate movement and provides a dramatic backdrop for the ensuing miracle.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, or Lake Gennesaret, is a freshwater lake situated in a deep basin approximately 700 feet below sea level, surrounded by steep hills. This unique topography makes it highly susceptible to sudden and violent windstorms. Cold air descending rapidly from the surrounding hills can collide with the warm, moist air over the lake, creating intense, localized squalls that can develop with little to no warning, transforming the calm waters into a raging tempest within minutes. For fishermen, even experienced ones like many of Jesus' disciples, such storms posed an existential threat, often capsizing boats and leading to drownings. The description of the boat being "filled [with water]" and the disciples being "in jeopardy" is not an exaggeration but a realistic portrayal of the immediate and life-threatening danger inherent to sailing on this particular body of water.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Jesus' Humanity and Dependence**. The fact that Jesus "fell asleep" highlights His genuine human fatigue, vulnerability, and need for rest, contrasting sharply with His divine power that is about to be revealed. Secondly, the sudden and severe "storm of wind" introduces the theme of **Unexpected Adversity and Chaos**. Life's trials and dangers can arise without warning, even when one is in the very presence of Christ, challenging faith and revealing human limitations. Thirdly, the disciples being "filled [with water], and were in jeopardy" emphasizes the theme of **Human Vulnerability and Desperation**. Despite their experience, they were utterly helpless against the forces of nature, leading to a desperate cry for help in the subsequent verse, [Luke 8:24](/luke/8-24 "Luke 8:24 - Jesus Calms the Storm"). This sets the stage for Jesus' display of sovereign authority, which is a key theme throughout Luke's Gospel, demonstrating His power over all creation, including the elements.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fell asleep (Greek, _aphypnóō'_):** This verb (G879) literally means "to become awake" but is used idiomatically here to mean "to drop (off) in slumber." It emphasizes the depth and naturalness of Jesus' sleep, suggesting profound exhaustion. This is a crucial detail, highlighting His genuine humanity and physical limitations, which makes His subsequent display of power even more remarkable.
* **storm (Greek, _laîlaps'_):** The word (G2978) denotes a "whirlwind" or "squall," specifically a sudden, violent tempest. It is not merely a strong wind (ánemos, G417, also present in the phrase "storm of wind") but a destructive, swirling force, indicating the extreme and perilous nature of the weather event. This term conveys the intensity and unexpected ferocity of the natural phenomenon.
* **jeopardy (Greek, _kindyneúō'_):** This verb (G2793) means "to undergo peril," "to be in danger," or "to be at risk." It vividly describes the life-threatening situation the disciples faced. Their lives were genuinely imperiled, emphasizing the severity of the storm and the imminent danger of drowning, which underscores their desperate plea to Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But as they sailed he fell asleep:"** The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a contrast or a new development. While the disciples were actively engaged in sailing (G4126, _pléō_), Jesus was in a state of deep repose. This clause highlights Jesus' humanity and weariness, a direct consequence of His demanding ministry. His sleep is profound, indicating a complete surrender to rest, even amidst the activity of the boat.
* **"and there came down a storm of wind on the lake;"** The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) introduces the sudden and dramatic shift in circumstances. The phrase "came down" (G2597, _katabaínō_) emphasizes the rapid and forceful descent of the storm, typical of the Sea of Galilee. The "storm of wind" (G2978, _laîlaps_ G417, _ánemos_) indicates a violent, swirling tempest, not merely a strong breeze. Its sudden appearance on the lake (G3041, _límnē_) underscores the unexpected nature of the crisis.
* **"and they were filled [with water], and were in jeopardy."** This final clause describes the immediate and dire consequences of the storm. The boat was being "filled [with water]" (G4845, _symplēróō_), meaning it was swamping or taking on so much water that it was on the verge of sinking. Consequently, the disciples "were in jeopardy" (G2793, _kindyneúō_), facing imminent danger to their lives, a situation that would naturally evoke fear and desperation, setting the stage for their urgent appeal to Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:23 employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and convey its theological significance. **Juxtaposition** is prominent, contrasting Jesus' profound sleep with the raging tempest and the disciples' mounting terror. This stark contrast emphasizes both Jesus' humanity (His need for rest) and His divine composure (His ability to sleep through such chaos). **Symbolism** is also at play, with the "storm of wind" serving as a powerful symbol of life's unexpected trials, the forces of chaos, and the spiritual opposition that believers may face. The boat, carrying Jesus and His disciples, can be seen as a symbol of the Church or the individual believer's journey through a turbulent world. Finally, the verse contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the disciples' peril and Jesus' calm prefigure His ultimate victory over death and chaos, hinting at His sovereign power that will be fully revealed in the subsequent verses when He calms the storm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:23 is deeply theological, revealing profound truths about Jesus' dual nature and the nature of discipleship. It affirms Christ's genuine humanity, demonstrating His physical vulnerability to exhaustion, yet simultaneously sets the stage for a dramatic display of His divine authority over creation. The disciples' predicament underscores the reality that following Jesus does not exempt one from life's storms, but rather, it is *in* these storms that one's faith is tested and God's power is revealed. The immediate danger they faced highlights human helplessness in the face of overwhelming forces, pointing to the necessity of divine intervention. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that even when God seems "asleep" or inactive in our trials, He is present, and His power is ultimately supreme over all circumstances.

* [Matthew 8:24-27](/matthew/8-24-27 "Matthew's Account of Jesus Calming the Storm")
* [Mark 4:37-41](/mark/4-37-41 "Mark's Account of Jesus Calming the Storm")
* [Psalm 107:23-30](/psalms/107-23-30 "God's Deliverance from Storms at Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:23 offers a timeless and deeply resonant message for believers navigating the complexities of life. It reminds us that even with Christ in our "boat," we are not immune to "storms"—sudden crises, overwhelming fears, or periods of intense spiritual or emotional turbulence. The disciples, experienced fishermen, were utterly terrified, demonstrating that expertise and effort are often insufficient against life's fiercest tempests. This verse invites us to honestly assess our own reactions when unexpected adversity strikes. Do we, like the disciples, succumb to panic and fear, or do we remember that Christ, though seemingly "asleep" or inactive from our limited perspective, is indeed present and sovereign? It challenges us to cultivate a deeper trust in His ultimate control, even when circumstances seem dire and His intervention feels delayed. The passage sets a crucial foundation for the subsequent lesson in faith, encouraging us to cry out to Him and to rest in the assurance that He has power over all things, including the storms that threaten to overwhelm us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" are you currently facing in your life, and how do they make you feel vulnerable or in jeopardy?**
* **In what ways might Jesus seem "asleep" or inactive in your current challenges, and how does this affect your faith?**
* **How can remembering Jesus' humanity and His divine power, as shown in this verse, help you navigate your own moments of fear or crisis?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jesus asleep during such a violent storm?**

Answer: Jesus' sleep in [Luke 8:23](/luke/8-23 "Luke 8:23 - Jesus Asleep in the Storm") highlights His genuine humanity. He had been engaged in extensive teaching and ministry, including delivering several parables ([Luke 8:4-18](/luke/8-4-18 "Luke 8:4-18 - Parables of Jesus")), which would have been physically and mentally exhausting. His ability to sleep so profoundly amidst the chaos of a violent storm underscores His deep physical fatigue and perhaps also His perfect peace and trust in the Father, undisturbed by external circumstances. It demonstrates that He truly shared in the human experience, including the need for rest.

**What kind of storm was this, and why was it so dangerous?**

Answer: The Greek word used for "storm" (_laîlaps_, G2978) specifically denotes a sudden, violent whirlwind or squall, often associated with a tempest. The Sea of Galilee is geographically prone to such events; its deep basin surrounded by hills creates conditions where cold air can rapidly descend and collide with warm lake air, generating intense, localized storms with little warning. For a small fishing boat, even with experienced sailors like the disciples, such a storm could quickly swamp and capsize the vessel, putting everyone's lives in "jeopardy" ([Luke 8:23](/luke/8-23 "Luke 8:23 - The Perilous Storm")). The danger was real and immediate, threatening drowning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:23, while depicting Jesus' humanity in His need for sleep, powerfully foreshadows His divine authority and ultimate victory. The raging storm, a symbol of chaos and the forces hostile to God's order, is ultimately powerless against the sleeping Christ. This scene points forward to Jesus' greater victory over the ultimate storm of sin and death. Just as He rises to command the winds and waves, proclaiming "[Peace, be still!](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")" in the parallel account, so too does He confront and conquer the chaos of humanity's fallen state. His ability to bring calm to the tempest foreshadows His role as the Prince of Peace, who through His atoning work on the cross, brings [reconciliation to all things](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ") and offers a profound peace that [surpasses all understanding](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). The disciples' fear and subsequent awe at His power reveal Him not just as a weary man, but as the Son of God, the Lord of creation, whose very presence guarantees ultimate safety and triumph over every earthly and spiritual threat, offering true rest and security in Him, even amidst life's most terrifying storms.

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

Psalms 93:3

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

Psalms 93:4

The LORD on high [is] mightier than the noise of many waters, [yea, than] the mighty waves of the sea.

Psalms 107:23

¶ They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;

Psalms 107:30

Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Acts 27:14

But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

Acts 27:20

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on [us], all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

Luke 8:22

¶ 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.