Luke 8:24

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

And {G1161} they came to him {G4334}, and awoke {G1326} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Master {G1988}, master {G1988}, we perish {G622}. Then {G1161} he arose {G1453}, and rebuked {G2008} the wind {G417} and {G2532} the raging {G2830} of the water {G5204}: and {G2532} they ceased {G3973}, and {G2532} there was {G1096} a calm {G1055}.

They went and woke him, saying, "Rabbi! Rabbi! We're about to die!" He woke up, rebuked the wind and the rough water; and they calmed down, so that it was still.

The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm.

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. And he awoke, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

Commentary

Luke 8:24 describes a pivotal moment during Jesus' ministry where His divine authority over creation is vividly displayed. This verse is part of the famous account often referred to as "Jesus calms the storm."

Context

The scene unfolds on the Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake known for its sudden, violent squalls due to its topographical depression and surrounding hills. Jesus and His disciples were crossing the lake when a fierce storm arose, threatening to capsize their boat. While the experienced fishermen among the disciples battled the elements, Jesus was asleep in the stern. Overwhelmed by fear and the imminent danger, the disciples woke Him, expressing their desperate plea.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority Over Nature: The most striking theme is Christ's absolute sovereignty. With a mere word, He commands the wind and waves, demonstrating His power as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. This miracle profoundly reveals His divine nature, distinguishing Him from any mere prophet or teacher.
  • Disciples' Fear vs. Jesus' Calm: The disciples, despite witnessing many of Jesus' miracles, succumb to overwhelming fear in the face of death. Their cry, "Master, master, we perish," highlights their human frailty and limited understanding of who Jesus truly was. In stark contrast, Jesus remains perfectly calm, even asleep, illustrating His profound trust in God and His own inherent authority.
  • The Nature of Faith: This event serves as a powerful lesson on faith. Jesus' subsequent question to them in Luke 8:25, "Where is your faith?", underscores that true faith involves trusting God's power and presence even amidst life's most terrifying storms.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "rebuked" is epitimaō (ἐπιτιμάω). This term is often used in the Gospels when Jesus commands demons to be silent or come out of people (e.g., Luke 4:35). Its application here to the wind and water suggests that Jesus exercised the same authority over the elements as He did over spiritual forces, implying a direct, powerful command and control, not merely a request or calming influence.

Practical Application

This powerful narrative offers immense comfort and challenge for believers today. Just as the disciples faced literal storms, we often encounter metaphorical "storms" in our lives—financial crises, health scares, relational conflicts, or moments of deep uncertainty. Luke 8:24 reminds us that:

  • Christ is Present in Our Storms: Even when it feels like Jesus is "asleep" or distant, He is in the boat with us.
  • He Has Authority Over All Things: No crisis is too great for Him. We can bring our desperate pleas to Him, knowing He possesses the power to bring calm to our chaos.
  • Our Faith is Tested: These trials are opportunities for our faith to grow, moving from panic to profound trust in His sovereign control, just as the Psalmist declared God's power to make the storm a calm.

The miracle serves as an enduring testament to Jesus' identity as Lord over all creation, inviting us to place our complete trust in His unfailing power and presence.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 4:39

    And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

  • Luke 5:5

    And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

  • Psalms 107:25

    For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

  • Psalms 107:29

    He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:9

    But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

  • 2 Corinthians 1:10

    Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

  • Psalms 104:6

    Thou coveredst it with the deep as [with] a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.
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