Matthew 8:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he {G846} was entered {G1684} into {G1519} a ship {G4143}, his {G846} disciples {G3101} followed {G190} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He boarded the boat, and his talmidim followed.

Berean Standard Bible

When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:23 serves as a concise yet pivotal transitional verse, marking Jesus' deliberate move from a period of intensive teaching and miraculous healings in Capernaum to a new phase of ministry that would test the faith of His disciples. By entering a ship, Jesus initiates a journey across the Sea of Galilee, and the immediate response of His disciples to follow Him underscores their commitment and sets the stage for the dramatic display of His authority over creation in the ensuing storm. This brief passage highlights the active nature of discipleship and Jesus' leadership in guiding His followers into new, often challenging, experiences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of powerful demonstrations of Jesus' authority and compassion, including the healing of a leper ([Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper")), the miraculous healing of the centurion's servant from a distance ([Matthew 8:5-13](/matthew/8-5-13 "Matthew 8:5-13 - The Centurion's Faith")), and the healing of Peter's mother-in-law ([Matthew 8:14-15](/matthew/8-14-15 "Matthew 8:14-15 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law")). Critically, it also follows a significant discourse on the cost of discipleship, where Jesus challenges potential followers to count the cost of abandoning worldly comforts for His sake ([Matthew 8:18-22](/matthew/8-18-22 "Matthew 8:18-22 - The Cost of Following Jesus")). Thus, Matthew 8:23 acts as a physical departure, moving the narrative from teaching and healing to a direct experience of Jesus' power over nature, immediately preceding the calming of the storm ([Matthew 8:24-27](/matthew/8-24-27 "Matthew 8:24-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is likely Capernaum, a bustling fishing town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, which served as Jesus' primary base of operations during His Galilean ministry. Travel by boat across the Sea of Galilee was a common and efficient mode of transport between the various towns dotting its shores. The "ship" mentioned would have been a typical fishing boat, relatively small and open, susceptible to the sudden, violent storms for which the Sea of Galilee was notorious due to its location below sea level and the surrounding hills creating wind tunnels. For disciples to "follow" their rabbi was a standard practice, implying not just physical proximity but also a commitment to learning from and emulating their teacher. This act of following Jesus into the boat signifies their complete reliance on Him for their journey.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme in this verse is **Discipleship and Following Christ**. The disciples' act of "following him" into the ship directly illustrates the practical outworking of the call to discipleship that Jesus had just expounded upon in the preceding verses ([Matthew 8:18-22](/matthew/8-18-22 "Matthew 8:18-22 - The Call to Discipleship")). It signifies a commitment to Jesus' leadership, even into unknown or potentially challenging circumstances. Another key theme is **Jesus' Initiative and Authority**. Jesus "entered into a ship," demonstrating His sovereign control over the itinerary and direction of His ministry. This initiative foreshadows His ultimate authority over the forces of nature, which will be revealed immediately after this verse. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Preparation for Trials**, as this seemingly mundane act of travel leads directly into a profound test of faith for the disciples, preparing them for the greater challenges that would come with truly following the Son of Man, who had "no place to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has No Place to Lay His Head")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **entered (Greek, _embaínō'_):** This word, derived from "to walk on," signifies the act of stepping into or embarking upon a vessel. It emphasizes Jesus' deliberate and intentional action of getting into the boat, initiating the journey. It's not a passive boarding but an active step, setting the course for what is to come.
* **ship (Greek, _ploîon'_):** Referring to a "sailer" or "vessel," this term denotes a common boat used for fishing and transport on the Sea of Galilee. Its simplicity highlights the ordinary nature of the setting, making the subsequent extraordinary event of the storm and its calming even more striking.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From the root meaning "to learn," a disciple is a learner or pupil. This term emphasizes their relationship with Jesus as students under a master. Their act of "following" is not merely physical movement but an embodiment of their commitment to Him as their teacher and Lord, signifying their readiness to learn and obey.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** This verb means "to be in the same way with" or "to accompany," specifically in the context of a disciple accompanying their master. It implies not just physical movement but also adherence to the leader's path, purpose, and teachings. It underscores the active and intentional nature of their commitment to Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And when he was entered into a ship":** This clause establishes Jesus' leadership and initiative. He is the one who chooses the mode of transport and the direction, setting the stage for the journey. The use of "entered" (embaínō) suggests a purposeful action, not a casual boarding. It signifies a transition point, moving from one location and phase of ministry to another.
* **"his disciples followed him":** This phrase highlights the immediate and unquestioning obedience of the disciples. Their act of "following" (akolouthéō) demonstrates their commitment to Jesus, embodying the very essence of discipleship. It shows their trust in His leadership, even if they were unaware of the challenges that lay ahead on this particular voyage. This simple act of following is central to their identity and role.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 8:23, though brief, employs several literary devices. It functions primarily as a **Transition**, shifting the narrative's setting from the land-based ministry of healing and teaching to a sea-based journey that will soon involve a dramatic display of power over nature. This change in locale also serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the impending storm and Jesus' miraculous calming of it. The act of entering the "ship" and the disciples "following him" can be seen as **Symbolism** for the Christian journey itself: Jesus leads, and His followers embark with Him into the unknown, trusting His guidance through life's inevitable "storms." The simplicity of the language itself creates a sense of **Understatement**, as a seemingly mundane act of travel precedes one of Jesus' most profound demonstrations of divine authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:23, while a seemingly simple narrative transition, carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning the nature of discipleship and the character of Christ's leadership. It emphasizes that following Jesus is not merely an intellectual assent but a dynamic, active commitment that involves physically going where He leads, even into the unknown or potentially dangerous circumstances. The disciples' immediate obedience to enter the boat with Jesus, despite not knowing what lay ahead, serves as a timeless model for believers. It illustrates that true faith often requires stepping out in trust, abandoning the familiar for the path Christ sets before us. This act of following is foundational to the Christian life, signifying our submission to His authority and our reliance on His presence.

* [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Call to Take Up Your Cross"): "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
* [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice"): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"
* [1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ's Example for Us"): "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 8:23 offers a powerful invitation for contemporary believers to examine the depth of their own discipleship. Just as Jesus' original disciples were called to physically follow Him into a boat, often without knowing the destination or the challenges that lay ahead, we too are called to follow Christ in every aspect of our lives. This means trusting His leadership when the path is unclear, when circumstances seem daunting, or when His call requires us to step out of our comfort zones. The Christian life is not a static belief system but a dynamic journey with Christ as our guide. This verse reminds us that true discipleship involves active obedience and a willingness to embark on journeys that might test our faith, knowing that Jesus Himself is in the boat with us. It challenges us to consider if our "following" is merely intellectual or if it translates into tangible steps of obedience and trust, preparing us for the "storms" that inevitably arise in life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to "enter the ship" and follow Jesus into the unknown?**
* **What fears or uncertainties prevent me from fully trusting Jesus' leadership in my current circumstances?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a genuine "following" of Christ, rather than just a passive belief?**
* **Am I prepared for the "storms" that may arise when I faithfully follow Jesus, and how does His presence in the "boat" comfort me?**

### FAQ
**Why is this seemingly simple verse about entering a boat considered significant?**

Answer: Matthew 8:23 is significant precisely because of its simplicity and its role as a narrative pivot. It marks a transition in Jesus' ministry from a period of extensive teaching and healing on land to a new phase involving a journey by sea. This seemingly mundane act of entering a boat sets the stage for one of Jesus' most dramatic miracles: the calming of the storm ([Matthew 8:24-27](/matthew/8-24-27 "Matthew 8:24-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). More importantly, it highlights the active nature of discipleship, as the disciples' immediate decision to "follow him" into the ship underscores their commitment to Jesus' leadership, even when the destination or the ensuing challenges were unknown. It's a foundational image for what it means to truly follow Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:23, with Jesus entering the ship and His disciples following, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered journey of faith for all believers. Jesus, the Lord of creation, takes the initiative, stepping into the "ship" of humanity's experience, ultimately to embark on the ultimate journey to the cross. Just as His disciples followed Him into the literal boat, believers are called to follow the resurrected Christ into a life of faith, often navigating the turbulent "seas" of this fallen world. Christ, our Captain, has already conquered the greatest storm—sin and death—through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He leads us, not into unknown peril, but into His divine purpose, promising His abiding presence even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Promise")). His entry into the boat symbolizes His incarnation, His willingness to share in our human condition, and His sovereign authority over all circumstances, assuring us that even in life's most terrifying storms, the one who calms the wind and waves is with us ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Rebukes the Wind")). Following Him means trusting that He is always in control, guiding us safely to our eternal destination.

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 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.

Luke 8:25

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Mark 4:36

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

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?

Matthew 9:1

¶ And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

Luke 7:22

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.