Matthew 8:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:24 vividly portrays a sudden and violent tempest on the Sea of Galilee, threatening to engulf the boat carrying Jesus and His disciples. This dramatic scene highlights the stark contrast between the raging natural elements and the profound serenity of Jesus, who remained deeply asleep amidst the chaos, setting the stage for a powerful demonstration of His divine authority over creation and His disciples' burgeoning faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pericope (Matthew 8:23-27) immediately follows a series of compelling demonstrations of Jesus' authority over sickness and demonic forces (Matthew 8:1-22). Having just healed a leper, the centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law, and many others, Jesus now transitions from displaying power over physical ailments and spiritual oppression to demonstrating His sovereignty over the natural world. This narrative serves as a climactic capstone to the preceding miracles, illustrating the comprehensive scope of His divine power and preparing the disciples for further revelations of His identity. The preceding verses also include two individuals expressing a desire to follow Jesus, prompting His warnings about the cost of discipleship, which this storm narrative then powerfully illustrates in a practical, experiential way.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, is situated in a deep basin surrounded by hills. This unique geographical configuration makes it highly susceptible to sudden, violent squalls. Cold air descending from the surrounding hills can rapidly collide with the warmer air over the lake, creating intense downdrafts and turbulent conditions without much warning. Fishing was a primary industry on the lake, and many of Jesus' disciples were experienced fishermen, making their fear in this "great tempest" particularly significant. This historical reality underscores the severity of the storm, suggesting it was far beyond a typical squall, thus amplifying the miraculous nature of Jesus' subsequent calming of the sea.

* **Key Themes:** This incident contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Jesus' absolute authority** not only over disease and demons but also over the very forces of nature, aligning with the broader theme of Him being the promised Messiah with all authority in heaven and on earth (cf. [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Secondly, it highlights the **disciples' developing, yet still nascent, faith**. Their fear in the face of the storm, contrasted with Jesus' tranquility, sets up the subsequent rebuke concerning their "little faith" ([Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Rebukes the Disciples' Little Faith")). This episode serves as a crucible, testing their understanding of who Jesus truly is and their reliance on Him. Finally, the narrative foreshadows the **challenges and trials** that discipleship entails, reminding believers that following Jesus does not guarantee an absence of storms, but rather His sovereign presence within them, echoing the broader message of enduring persecution for righteousness' sake found in [the Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** From G2400, this is an interjection used to draw attention to something striking or unexpected. Here, it signals the sudden and dramatic appearance of the tempest, emphasizing the immediate shift in atmosphere from the calm of the journey to the terror of the storm. It invites the reader to witness the unfolding drama.
* **Tempest (Greek, _seismós'_):** From G4578, this term denotes a violent commotion or shaking. While often translated as "earthquake" (as in Matthew 27:54), its use here for a storm implies an extraordinary, almost seismic, disturbance of the sea. This is not merely a strong wind but a profound, earth-shaking-like event, indicating the extreme intensity and destructive potential of the weather phenomenon.
* **Asleep (Greek, _katheúdō'_):** From G2518, meaning "to lie down to rest" or "to fall asleep." This word emphasizes the depth and peace of Jesus' slumber amidst the chaotic and life-threatening storm. It highlights His profound human fatigue but also, by contrast with the disciples' panic, His divine tranquility and inherent authority that allowed Him to rest undisturbed by the raging elements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea":** This clause immediately establishes the dramatic setting. The "behold" (idoú) draws the reader's attention to the sudden, unexpected, and severe nature of the storm. The use of "great tempest" (seismós mégas) conveys an extraordinary, violent disturbance, far beyond a typical squall on the Sea of Galilee, suggesting a force that was truly terrifying and life-threatening.
* **"insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves":** This phrase details the immediate, dire consequence of the tempest. The ship being "covered with the waves" (kalýptō hypó kŷma) indicates that it was being swamped, taking on water, and on the verge of sinking. This imagery vividly portrays the extreme danger faced by those on board, underscoring the immediate threat to their lives and the severity of the situation.
* **"but he was asleep":** This final clause presents a stark and powerful contrast to the preceding chaos. While the disciples are undoubtedly in a state of terror, Jesus is depicted in a state of profound and peaceful slumber. The adversative "but" (dé) emphasizes this striking juxtaposition, highlighting Jesus' unique tranquility and inherent authority even in the face of overwhelming natural forces, setting the stage for the disciples' desperate plea and Jesus' subsequent display of power.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 8:24 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its dramatic impact and theological significance. **Contrast** is perhaps the most prominent, juxtaposing the violent, life-threatening storm with Jesus' profound, undisturbed sleep. This sharp difference underscores Jesus' unique nature and authority. The detail of Jesus being "asleep" also introduces **Irony**; the one who possesses all power over creation appears to be utterly passive and vulnerable, yet it is precisely this state that highlights His divine peace and sets up the dramatic revelation of His power. The "great tempest" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing the overwhelming trials, fears, and chaotic forces that disciples encounter in life. The narrative also employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the greater spiritual storms the disciples would face and the ultimate authority Jesus would wield over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, demonstrating that even in the most dire circumstances, His presence guarantees ultimate safety and peace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:24 introduces a profound theological truth: the immanent presence of God's sovereign power, even when it appears dormant or hidden. Jesus' ability to sleep through such a tempest speaks not only to His genuine humanity and fatigue but, more significantly, to His inherent divine peace and absolute authority over creation. This scene challenges the disciples' (and our) perception of divine intervention, reminding us that God is actively present in our "storms," even when He seems silent or inactive. It sets the stage for understanding that true security comes not from the absence of trials, but from the unwavering presence and power of Christ within them. This episode serves as a foundational lesson in trusting God's control over all circumstances, even when our senses tell us otherwise, and it prepares us to recognize His power in unexpected ways.

* [Psalm 107:29](/psalms/107-29 "Psalm 107:29 - God Stills the Storm")
* [Mark 4:37-38](/mark/4-37-38 "Mark 4:37-38 - The Storm on the Sea of Galilee")
* [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "Job 38:8-11 - God's Power Over the Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 8:24 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating the inevitable "storms" of life—be they personal crises, financial struggles, relational turmoil, or periods of spiritual doubt. Just as Jesus was physically present in the boat with His disciples, He promises His abiding presence with us, even when it seems He is "asleep" or unaware of our distress. This narrative reminds us that our perception of His activity does not diminish His sovereignty or His power. It calls us to cultivate a deep, unwavering faith that trusts in Christ's sovereign control over all circumstances, even when the waves threaten to overwhelm us. His presence in our boat, even when seemingly dormant, is the ultimate guarantee of our safety and the source of true peace that transcends all understanding. This passage challenges us to move beyond fear and to anchor our hope in the One who commands the wind and the waves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" are you currently facing in your life, and how do they make you feel about Jesus' presence?**
* **How does Jesus' ability to sleep through the tempest challenge your understanding of His power and peace?**
* **In what ways might your "fear" (or lack of faith) be hindering your ability to experience Christ's peace in your trials?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in Jesus' sovereignty, even when He seems "asleep" in your circumstances?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Jesus' sleep during the tempest highlights His genuine humanity and the physical fatigue He experienced. As fully human, He needed rest. However, His ability to sleep so profoundly and peacefully amidst a life-threatening storm also underscores His divine tranquility and inherent authority. It demonstrates that He was completely at peace, fully trusting in His Father's sovereignty, and perhaps even allowing the disciples to confront their own fears and faith before He intervened. It was not a sleep of unawareness, but one of profound peace and divine rest.

**What does the "great tempest" symbolize in our lives?**

Answer: The "great tempest" (Greek, *seismós*, implying a violent shaking or earthquake) serves as a powerful symbol for the overwhelming and often terrifying trials, crises, and challenges that believers face in life. These can include personal tragedies, financial ruin, relational breakdowns, health crises, or periods of intense spiritual doubt. Just as the storm threatened to capsize the disciples' boat, life's storms can feel overwhelming, threatening to destabilize our faith and sense of security. The narrative reminds us that such storms are a reality, but Jesus' presence within them changes everything.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:24, with its vivid depiction of Jesus asleep amidst a raging storm, profoundly points to Christ's unique identity as both fully human and fully divine, a truth central to the Gospel. His deep slumber reveals His genuine humanity, experiencing fatigue just as we do, yet His subsequent calming of the storm (Matthew 8:26) unequivocally declares His divine power over all creation. This episode foreshadows Jesus' ultimate triumph over the greatest storms of humanity: sin, death, and the power of the grave. Just as He brought peace to the turbulent waters, He is the one who brings true spiritual peace to our tumultuous souls, a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). His presence in the boat with His disciples, even when seemingly inactive, assures us that He is with us through every trial, fulfilling His promise to never leave or forsake us ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")). Ultimately, this narrative points to Jesus as the sovereign Lord, the very Son of God, who has conquered all hostile powers, providing ultimate salvation and eternal security for all who trust in Him, enabling us to rest in His finished work even amidst the fiercest storms of life ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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 8:23

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

¶ 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

¶ 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?