Luke 8:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:24 vividly portrays Jesus' profound authority over creation as He miraculously calms a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. Faced with imminent peril, His terrified disciples awaken Him with a desperate plea for salvation. In response, Jesus rises and, with a powerful word, rebukes the wind and the raging waters, bringing about an instantaneous and complete calm, thereby revealing His divine sovereignty and challenging His followers' understanding of His true identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This dramatic account of Jesus calming the storm is strategically placed within Luke's Gospel, following a series of teachings and parables that emphasize the importance of hearing and obeying God's word. Prior to this event, Jesus has taught the Parable of the Sower ([Luke 8:4-15](/luke/8-4-15 "Luke 8:4-15 - The Parable of the Sower")), explained the purpose of light ([Luke 8:16-18](/luke/8-16-18 "Luke 8:16-18 - Light Under a Basket")), and redefined true kinship as those who hear and do the word of God ([Luke 8:19-21](/luke/8-19-21 "Luke 8:19-21 - True Kinship")). The journey across the lake, initiated by Jesus Himself in [Luke 8:22](/luke/8-22 "Luke 8:22 - Jesus Enters the Boat"), serves as a practical test of the disciples' faith and comprehension of His authority, moving from verbal instruction to a tangible demonstration of His power over the physical world. The subsequent questioning of their faith in [Luke 8:25](/luke/8-25 "Luke 8:25 - Jesus Questions Their Faith") ties this miracle directly back to the preceding lessons on hearing and believing.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, a large freshwater lake, is situated in a deep basin surrounded by hills, making it notoriously susceptible to sudden and violent squalls. Cold air descending from the surrounding heights can funnel through valleys, colliding with the warmer air over the lake, creating rapid and dangerous meteorological conditions. For the disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, such a storm would have been a familiar, yet terrifying, occupational hazard. Their cry of "we perish" underscores the severity of the tempest and their genuine fear for their lives. Culturally, the sea was often viewed in ancient Near Eastern thought as a symbol of chaos and untamed power, a realm that only God could truly control (as seen in [Psalm 107:23-30](/psalms/107-23-30 "Psalm 107:23-30 - God's Power Over the Sea")). Jesus' ability to command the elements thus places Him squarely in the realm of divine authority.

* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly illuminates several core themes. Foremost is the **Divine Authority of Christ**, demonstrating Jesus' absolute sovereignty not only over disease and demons (as seen in earlier miracles) but also over the very forces of nature. His command to the wind and waves is an act that only the Creator Himself could perform, unequivocally revealing His deity. Another crucial theme is the **Nature of Faith**, particularly as it is tested in crisis. The disciples, despite having witnessed many of Jesus' miracles, succumb to overwhelming fear, highlighting the fragility of human faith when confronted with life-threatening circumstances. In stark contrast, Jesus' serene sleep and subsequent calm demeanor illustrate a profound, unwavering trust in God's sovereign control. This event also serves as a critical lesson in **Discipleship**, teaching the followers of Christ to rely on His power and presence even when external circumstances appear dire and beyond human control.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Master (Greek, _epistátēs_):** This term (G1988) signifies an "appointee over" or "commander," often translated as "master" or "teacher." The disciples' repeated use of "Master, master" indicates their recognition of Jesus' authority as a teacher and leader, yet their desperate cry "we perish" simultaneously reveals their limited understanding of the full extent of His divine power. They appeal to His human leadership in a moment of crisis, not yet fully grasping His cosmic authority.
* **perish (Greek, _apóllymi_):** The verb (G622) means "to destroy fully," "to perish," or "to lose." It conveys the disciples' conviction that their lives were imminently and irrevocably at an end. Their use of this word underscores the extreme danger they perceived and their absolute helplessness in the face of the storm, making Jesus' subsequent intervention all the more miraculous.
* **rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō_):** This powerful verb (G2008) means "to tax upon," "censure," "admonish," or "forbid." It is notably used elsewhere in the Gospels for Jesus' commands to demons (e.g., [Luke 4:35](/luke/4-35 "Luke 4:35 - Jesus Rebukes a Demon")) and fevers. Its application here to the wind and water suggests that Jesus exercised the same absolute, authoritative control over the elements as He did over spiritual forces, implying a direct, powerful command and control, not merely a request or calming influence.
* **calm (Greek, _galḗnē_):** This noun (G1055) denotes "tranquillity." The immediate and complete cessation of the storm, resulting in perfect stillness, highlights the absolute and effective nature of Jesus' command. It was not a gradual quieting but an instantaneous peace, a testament to His divine power to bring order out of chaos.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish."**: This clause captures the disciples' state of panic and desperation. Despite their experience as fishermen, they were overwhelmed by the storm's ferocity. Their repeated address, "Master, master," conveys both respect and an urgent, almost frantic, plea for help, revealing their fear for their lives and their belief that only Jesus could intervene, even if they didn't fully comprehend *how* He could.
* **"Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water:"**: This marks Jesus' decisive action. His rising signifies an immediate and authoritative response. The crucial verb "rebuked" (G2008, _epitimáō_) indicates a direct, powerful command, not a request or an observation. Jesus addresses the natural elements as if they are sentient beings under His dominion, demonstrating His unique power over creation, akin to His authority over demonic forces. The "raging" (G2830, _klýdōn_) of the water emphasizes the violent, tumultuous nature of the storm He confronted.
* **"and they ceased, and there was a calm."**: This final clause describes the miraculous outcome. The wind and water instantly "ceased" (G3973, _paúō_), meaning they stopped completely. The result was an immediate and profound "calm" (G1055, _galḗnē_), a perfect tranquility that astonished the disciples. This instantaneous transformation from violent chaos to absolute stillness serves as irrefutable proof of Jesus' divine power and authority.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Jesus calming the storm is rich with literary devices that enhance its theological impact. **Contrast** is a prominent feature, starkly juxtaposing the disciples' abject fear and panic with Jesus' serene sleep and subsequent authoritative calm. This highlights the vast difference between human frailty and divine power. **Dramatic Irony** is also present, as the disciples, despite being eyewitnesses to Jesus' previous miracles, still cry out "we perish," unaware of the full extent of the divine power residing in their "Master." The reader, however, is being led to understand Jesus' true identity. Furthermore, Jesus' act of "rebuking" the wind and water employs a form of **Personification**, treating the inanimate elements as if they were rebellious entities subject to His command, thereby emphasizing His absolute dominion over all creation. The immediate and total cessation of the storm, resulting in perfect tranquility, serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of Jesus' capacity to bring order out of chaos, both in the natural world and in the lives of His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal event in Luke's Gospel powerfully affirms Jesus' divine nature, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over the natural world. By simply speaking, He commands the wind and waves, an act that in the Old Testament is exclusively attributed to Yahweh (e.g., [Psalm 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God Rules the Raging Sea"), [Psalm 107:29](/psalms/107-29 "Psalm 107:29 - God Stills the Storm")). This miracle therefore serves as a profound revelation of Jesus' identity as God incarnate, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. It challenges the disciples, and by extension, all believers, to move beyond a mere recognition of Jesus as a great teacher or prophet to an understanding of Him as the Lord of all creation, whose power is limitless and whose presence brings ultimate peace even in the most terrifying circumstances.

* [Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm")
* [Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")
* [Psalm 65:7](/psalms/65-7 "Psalm 65:7 - God Stills the Tumult of the Peoples")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Jesus calming the storm in Luke 8:24 offers profound comfort and a powerful challenge for believers navigating the "storms" of life today. Just as the disciples faced a literal tempest that threatened their physical lives, we often encounter metaphorical storms—periods of intense anxiety, financial hardship, relational conflict, health crises, or profound uncertainty. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that Christ is always present in our boat, even when it feels as though He is "asleep" or distant. No crisis is too great, no fear too overwhelming, for His authority extends over all things. Our faith is frequently tested in these moments, and like the disciples, we are called to move beyond panic to a profound trust in His sovereign control. This miracle invites us to bring our desperate pleas to Him, knowing that He possesses the power to bring calm to our chaos, not always by removing the storm, but by granting us His peace within it and demonstrating His unwavering presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" are you currently facing in your personal life, family, or community?**
* **How does this passage challenge your understanding of Jesus' power and presence in your moments of fear or crisis?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate deeper trust in Christ's authority and unfailing care amidst the uncertainties of life?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jesus sleeping during such a severe storm?**

Answer: Jesus' sleep in the stern of the boat highlights both His true humanity and His profound peace. As fully human, He experienced fatigue and needed rest, especially after a day of extensive teaching and ministry. However, His ability to sleep through such a violent storm also demonstrates His absolute trust in His Father's sovereignty and His own inherent authority. It served as a stark contrast to the disciples' panic, perhaps even as a deliberate test to reveal their lack of faith and their need to truly rely on Him.

**What does "rebuked" mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "rebuked" is _epitimáō_ (G2008). This term is highly significant because it is often used in the Gospels when Jesus authoritatively commands demons to be silent or to come out of people (e.g., [Luke 4:35](/luke/4-35 "Luke 4:35 - Jesus Rebukes a Demon")). Its application here to the wind and water implies that Jesus exercised the same divine authority over the forces of nature as He did over spiritual forces of evil. He was not merely requesting the storm to subside or offering a calming influence; He was issuing a direct, powerful, and sovereign command, demonstrating His absolute dominion as the Lord of creation.

**Did the disciples truly believe Jesus was divine before this miracle?**

Answer: The disciples certainly recognized Jesus as a powerful teacher and miracle worker, addressing Him as "Master" (G1988, _epistátēs_). They had witnessed His healing powers and insightful teachings. However, their desperate cry of "we perish" and their subsequent question in [Luke 8:25](/luke/8-25 "Luke 8:25 - Who Then Is This?")—"Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and water, and they obey him?"—suggest that while they believed in His authority, they had not yet fully grasped the extent of His divine identity as the Son of God. This miracle was a pivotal moment in their journey of understanding, forcing them to confront the reality that Jesus was far more than just a prophet or a great man.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The calming of the storm in Luke 8:24 serves as a powerful microcosm of Christ's ultimate redemptive work. The chaos of the storm, threatening to engulf and destroy, vividly foreshadows the spiritual chaos and destructive power of sin and death that threaten humanity. Just as Jesus, with a mere word, brought immediate and perfect calm to the raging sea, so too does He possess the divine authority to conquer the ultimate storms of sin, death, and evil. His power over the elements points to His greater power to forgive sins ([Luke 5:24](/luke/5-24 "Luke 5:24 - The Son of Man Has Authority to Forgive Sins")) and to overcome death itself through His resurrection ([Luke 24:6-7](/luke/24-6-7 "Luke 24:6-7 - He Is Not Here, But Is Risen")). He is the one who brings true peace, not merely to external circumstances, but to the tempestuous human heart, offering a peace that "surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Ultimately, this miracle anticipates the new heavens and new earth, where Christ's reign will ensure a cosmos free from all chaos, suffering, and the curse of sin, bringing about an eternal calm and perfect order ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

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.