Mark 4:38

KJV

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he {G846} was {G2258} in {G1909} the hinder part of the ship {G4403}, asleep {G2518} on {G1909} a pillow {G4344}: and {G2532} they awake {G1326} him {G846}, and {G2532} say {G3004} unto him {G846}, Master {G1320}, carest {G3199} thou {G4671} not {G3756} that {G3754} we perish {G622}?

Complete Jewish Bible

But he was in the stern on a cushion, asleep. They woke him and said to him, "Rabbi, doesn't it matter to you that we're about to be killed?"

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?”

American Standard Version

And he himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion: and they awake him, and say unto him, Teacher, carest thou not that we perish?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:38 vividly portrays Jesus' profound humanity and the disciples' desperate fear amidst a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. While the boat is being swamped, Jesus remains deeply asleep on a pillow in the stern, a striking image of peace or exhaustion. Overwhelmed by the imminent danger, the terrified disciples awaken Him with a poignant, almost accusatory question, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?", revealing their panic and a momentary lapse in their understanding of His divine power and care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the narrative found in [Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), immediately following a significant section where Jesus teaches extensively through parables, particularly the Parable of the Sower and its explanation, and the Parable of the Lamp. Having spent a long day ministering and teaching, Jesus proposes crossing the Sea of Galilee to the other side. The sudden, violent storm that erupts serves as a dramatic transition from His verbal teaching to a powerful demonstration of His authority, challenging the disciples' understanding of who He truly is. Their desperate cry in [Mark 4:38](/mark/4-38 "Mark 4:38 - Jesus Asleep in the Storm") sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent rebuke of the wind and waves, and then of their lack of faith in [Mark 4:39-40](/mark/4-39-40 "Mark 4:39-40 - Jesus Rebukes the Wind and Waves").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake situated in a deep basin surrounded by hills, is notorious for sudden, violent storms. Cold air currents sweeping down from the surrounding mountains and gorges can rapidly converge with warmer air over the lake, creating unpredictable and dangerous squalls, even for experienced fishermen. The boats of that era were relatively small, open vessels, making them highly vulnerable to such tempestuous conditions. The disciples, many of whom were seasoned fishermen, would have been intimately familiar with the lake's dangers, and their terror indicates that this was no ordinary storm but one that genuinely threatened their lives, highlighting the severity of the situation depicted in [Mark 4:37](/mark/4-37 "Mark 4:37 - A Great Windstorm Arose").
* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:38 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. It starkly contrasts **Faith vs. Fear**, as the disciples' panic is set against Jesus' serene sleep, prompting His later question about their faith in [Mark 4:40](/mark/4-40 "Mark 4:40 - Why are you so fearful?"). The verse also underscores **Jesus' Humanity**, demonstrating His physical exhaustion and need for rest, even as it simultaneously sets the stage for the revelation of His **Authority over Nature** in the subsequent verses. Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **Discipleship**, illustrating the process by which the disciples, despite their proximity to Jesus, still struggled to fully grasp His identity and power, learning to **Trust God in Trials** even when circumstances seem overwhelming, a lesson echoed throughout [the Gospel of Mark](/mark/1 "The Gospel of Mark").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **asleep (Greek, _katheúdō'_):** This word, meaning "to lie down to rest" or "to fall asleep," emphasizes the depth of Jesus' slumber. It highlights His genuine humanity and physical exhaustion after a day of intense ministry and teaching. His ability to sleep so soundly amidst such a violent storm is remarkable, suggesting either profound peace or extreme fatigue, or perhaps both.
* **pillow (Greek, _proskephálaion'_):** This term refers to a cushion or bolster, specifically "something for the head." In the context of a boat, it likely refers to a cushion used by the helmsman or a part of the boat's standard equipment. This detail adds a touch of realism to the scene, underscoring Jesus' physical presence and comfort even in the midst of chaos.
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** The disciples address Jesus as "Master," meaning "instructor" or "teacher." This title acknowledges His authority in teaching and His role as their spiritual guide. However, their subsequent question reveals a disconnect between their intellectual acknowledgment of Him as a teacher and their full comprehension of His divine power and care in a life-threatening situation.
* **perish (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** This verb signifies "to destroy fully," or reflexively, "to perish" or "lose." The disciples' use of this word conveys the absolute terror and conviction that their lives were truly in jeopardy. It underscores the severity of the storm and their utter helplessness, contrasting sharply with Jesus' peaceful state and foreshadowing His power over death itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow:"** This clause sets the scene, placing Jesus in the stern (the "hinder part") of the boat. His position, typically where the helmsman would sit, and His state of deep sleep on a cushion, create a striking image of calm amidst the brewing chaos. It emphasizes His human vulnerability, needing rest, yet also hints at a profound peace that transcends the external turmoil.
* **"and they awake him, and say unto him,"** This action highlights the disciples' desperation. They are not merely seeking comfort but are actively rousing Him from sleep, indicating that their fear has reached a critical point where they see Him as their only hope, even if they don't fully understand how He might help. Their awakening of Him is a direct plea for intervention.
* **"Master, carest thou not that we perish?"** This is the emotional core of the verse. The disciples' question is a rhetorical one, born out of panic and a sense of abandonment. It expresses not just fear of death, but also a profound doubt about Jesus' concern for their well-being. It's a common human cry in crisis: "Do you not see what we are going through? Do you not care?" This question reveals their limited faith at that moment, despite having witnessed His miracles and heard His teachings.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [Mark 4:38](/mark/4-38 "Mark 4:38 - Jesus Asleep in the Storm") is rich with **Contrast**, most notably between the raging tempest and the profound tranquility of Jesus' sleep. This juxtaposition amplifies the disciples' terror and highlights Jesus' unique composure. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: the experienced fishermen are utterly terrified and helpless, while Jesus, a carpenter by trade, is completely undisturbed. The disciples' question, "Carest thou not that we perish?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, expressing their desperation, accusation, and doubt rather than genuinely seeking information. Furthermore, the entire scene carries significant **Symbolism**: the storm often symbolizes the trials, tribulations, and chaos of life; the boat can represent the community of believers or the individual's journey of faith; and Jesus' presence in the boat, even when seemingly inactive, symbolizes His constant presence with His people through all difficulties.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:38 serves as a powerful theological statement about the dual nature of Christ and the nature of faith. Jesus' sleep underscores His true humanity, subject to physical needs and exhaustion, yet His ability to sleep through such a storm hints at a divine peace and control that transcends human limitations. The disciples' question, born of fear, challenges Jesus' care and concern, mirroring humanity's frequent doubt in God's providence during times of crisis. This passage ultimately teaches that true faith is trusting in Jesus' presence and power, even when He seems silent or distant, knowing that He is sovereign over all circumstances, including the most terrifying storms of life. It emphasizes that God is not indifferent to our suffering, even if His immediate action is not what we expect.

* [Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")
* [Luke 8:22-25](/luke/8-22-25 "Luke 8:22-25 - Jesus Calms a Storm")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - Through Waters and Rivers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 4:38 resonates deeply with the human experience of facing overwhelming difficulties. Like the disciples, we often find ourselves in "storms" – crises of health, finance, relationships, or faith – where we feel swamped and on the verge of perishing. In such moments, it is natural to feel fear, panic, and even to question God's presence or care. We might cry out, "Lord, do you not care that I am perishing?" This verse reminds us that even when Jesus seems "asleep" or unresponsive to our immediate pleas, He is undeniably present in the "boat" of our lives. Our call is not to succumb to despair but to turn to Him, even with our raw, fearful questions. It is in the act of awakening Him, of crying out, that we acknowledge His ultimate authority and our dependence on His power to bring calm to our chaos. This passage encourages us to move beyond our immediate fear to a deeper trust that the One who controls the winds and waves is also intimately concerned with our well-being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when faced with overwhelming "storms" in my life – with panic, doubt, or a desperate cry for help?**
* **What does the disciples' question "Carest thou not?" reveal about my own occasional doubts or fears regarding God's presence and care during trials?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in Jesus' sovereignty and loving presence, even when He seems "asleep" or distant from my immediate struggles?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Jesus' sleep in the midst of the storm highlights several aspects of His person. Primarily, it underscores His genuine humanity. After a long day of teaching and ministry, He was physically exhausted and needed rest, just like any human being. His deep sleep also suggests a profound peace and trust in His Father's sovereignty, demonstrating that even in the face of life-threatening chaos, He remained undisturbed. It was a testament to His perfect peace that transcended the external circumstances, setting a stark contrast to the disciples' panic and preparing the ground for the miraculous demonstration of His divine authority over creation in [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Rebukes the Wind").

**What does the disciples' question "Carest thou not that we perish?" reveal about their faith?**

Answer: The disciples' question, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?", reveals a significant, albeit temporary, lapse in their faith and understanding of Jesus' identity and power. While they acknowledged Him as "Master" (teacher), their desperate plea indicates that they had not yet fully grasped His divine authority over creation or His unwavering care for them. Their question is born out of fear and a feeling of abandonment, suggesting that they perceived Jesus as indifferent to their plight. This moment of doubt and fear, however, becomes a crucial teaching opportunity, leading to Jesus' rebuke of their lack of faith in [Mark 4:40](/mark/4-40 "Mark 4:40 - Why are you so fearful?"), and subsequently, a deeper revelation of His divine nature to them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:38, with Jesus asleep amidst the raging storm, powerfully foreshadows His ultimate victory over the chaos of sin and death. His serene slumber, even as the forces of nature threaten to overwhelm, speaks to His inherent divine authority and the peace that He alone can offer. This is not merely a man exhausted, but the Son of God, who by His very nature sustains all things, as affirmed in [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer"). The disciples' desperate cry, "Carest thou not that we perish?", echoes humanity's cry for deliverance from the storms of life and the ultimate storm of sin. Jesus' subsequent calming of the storm in [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm") is a microcosm of His greater work: He came to bring peace not just to the physical world, but to the human heart, offering a peace that "surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). He is the one who, through His death and resurrection, has conquered the ultimate forces of chaos—sin and death—and now offers true rest and security to all who trust in Him, assuring us, "My peace I give you" ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")). His presence in the boat with His disciples, even when seemingly inactive, symbolizes His enduring presence with His church, promising that He will never abandon us, even in the most terrifying of life's 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

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

Isaiah 54:6

¶ For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.

Isaiah 54:8

In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

Matthew 8:25

And his disciples came to [him], and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

Isaiah 40:27

¶ Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?

Isaiah 40:28

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding.