Matthew 8:24

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, there arose {G1096} a great {G3173} tempest {G4578} in {G1722} the sea {G2281}, insomuch that {G5620} the ship {G4143} was covered {G2572} with {G5259} the waves {G2949}: but {G1161} he {G846} was asleep {G2518}.

Then, without warning, a furious storm arose on the lake, so that waves were sweeping over the boat. But Yeshua was sleeping.

Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping.

And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

Commentary

Matthew 8:24 introduces a dramatic scene on the Sea of Galilee, vividly portraying a sudden and violent storm that threatens to capsize the boat carrying Jesus and His disciples. The verse highlights the stark contrast between the raging elements and Jesus' profound serenity, as He was "asleep" amidst the tempest.

Context

This event immediately follows a series of demonstrations of Jesus' authority in healing the sick and casting out demons, as chronicled in Matthew 8. Having just concluded His extensive teachings, including elements of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus now embarks on a journey across the Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake known for its susceptibility to sudden, fierce squalls due to its geographical basin. This episode serves as a powerful illustration of Jesus' authority not only over sickness and evil spirits but also over the very forces of nature.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority Over Nature: The "great tempest" (Greek: seismos, often meaning an earthquake or violent shaking) was no ordinary storm; it was so severe that the boat was "covered with the waves," implying it was nearly swamped. Yet, Jesus' ability to command the wind and waves in the subsequent verses (Matthew 8:26) underscores His divine power and dominion over creation.
  • Jesus' Humanity and Divinity: The detail that "he was asleep" emphasizes Jesus' genuine humanity โ€“ He experienced fatigue and needed rest. However, His ability to sleep through such a life-threatening storm, and then to calm it with a word, simultaneously points to His profound divinity and the peace that comes from His inherent authority.
  • Faith vs. Fear: This verse sets the stage for the disciples' fear and panic, which contrasts sharply with Jesus' calm. It highlights a common human tendency to succumb to fear in the face of overwhelming circumstances, especially when divine intervention seems absent.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "tempest" is seismos (ฯƒฮตฮนฯƒฮผฯŒฯ‚), which can mean a violent shaking, earthquake, or a severe storm. This term emphasizes the extreme intensity and destructive potential of the weather event. The fact that Jesus was "asleep" (Greek: katheudo, ฮบฮฑฮธฮตฯฮดฯ‰) implies a deep, peaceful slumber, further highlighting His tranquility in the face of chaos.

Practical Application

Matthew 8:24 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating life's own "storms"โ€”be they personal crises, financial struggles, or periods of doubt. Just as Jesus was present in the boat with His disciples, He is present with us, even when it seems He is "asleep" or unaware of our distress. This narrative reminds us to cultivate faith over fear, trusting in Christ's sovereign power and His ability to bring peace to our turbulent circumstances. His presence guarantees our ultimate safety, even when the waves threaten to overwhelm us.

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

Cross-References

  • Luke 8:23

    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.

  • Psalms 107:23

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

  • Psalms 107:27

    They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.

  • Jonah 1:4

    ยถ But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

  • Jonah 1:5

    Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that [were] in the ship into the sea, to lighten [it] of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

  • Mark 4:37

    And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

  • Mark 4:38

    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?
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