Matthew 8:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101} came {G4334} to him, and awoke {G1453} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, save {G4982} us {G2248}: we perish {G622}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they came and roused him, saying, "Sir! Help! We're about to die!"

Berean Standard Bible

The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

American Standard Version

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Save, Lord; we perish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:25 captures the desperate plea of Jesus' disciples during a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. Having witnessed Jesus' power over disease and demons, they are now confronted with a force of nature that threatens their very lives. Their cry, "Lord, save us: we perish," reveals their profound fear and their recognition, in that moment of crisis, of Jesus' ultimate authority and their complete dependence on Him for deliverance from imminent destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Matthew's Gospel (chapters 8-9) that showcases Jesus' authority through a series of miracles. Immediately preceding this event, Jesus has demonstrated His power over sickness (healing a leper, a centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law, and many others in [Matthew 8:1-17](/matthew/8-1-17 "Matthew 8:1-17 - Jesus' Healing Miracles")) and His call to radical discipleship ([Matthew 8:18-22](/matthew/8-18-22 "Matthew 8:18-22 - The Cost of Following Jesus")). The calming of the storm (Matthew 8:23-27) serves as a dramatic climax, revealing Jesus' authority not just over human ailments and spiritual forces, but over creation itself. The disciples' fear and Jesus' subsequent rebuke of their "little faith" ([Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Rebukes the Disciples' Faith")) set the stage for further demonstrations of His power, such as casting out demons in the Gadarenes ([Matthew 8:28-34](/matthew/8-28-34 "Matthew 8:28-34 - Jesus Casts Out Demons in Gadara")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, is known for its sudden and violent storms. Surrounded by hills and mountains, the cold air descending from the heights can meet the warmer air over the lake, creating strong, unpredictable squalls that quickly churn the waters. Many of Jesus' disciples were experienced fishermen, accustomed to the dangers of the lake, yet even they were terrified by this particular storm, indicating its severity. Travel by boat was common for crossing the lake, especially for ministry purposes, making this a typical mode of transport for Jesus and His followers. The disciples' plea reflects the common human experience of facing overwhelming natural forces and the instinct to cry out for help to one perceived as having power.
* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes significantly to several key themes in Matthew. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Authority of Jesus**, demonstrating His power over all creation, a theme that runs throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "The Gospel of Matthew"). Secondly, it highlights the **Nature of Discipleship**, revealing the disciples' ongoing struggle with faith and fear, even in the presence of the Messiah. Their cry for help and Jesus' subsequent question about their "little faith" ([Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Rebukes Their Little Faith")) emphasize that true discipleship involves unwavering trust in Christ's power, even amidst life's most terrifying storms. Finally, the narrative subtly points to the **Humanity and Divinity of Christ**, showing Jesus asleep (humanity) yet possessing divine power to command the winds and waves (divinity).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **awoke (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means to waken, rouse, or raise up. Here, it describes the disciples' action of physically rousing Jesus from His deep sleep. It implies an urgent, almost desperate, attempt to get His attention, highlighting their immediate need for intervention. The contrast between Jesus' peaceful sleep and their frantic awakening underscores the gravity of their situation and their perception of His unique ability to help.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This title, used by the disciples, signifies supreme authority and control. While it can be a respectful address (like "Sir"), in this context of extreme peril and their plea for salvation, it carries a deeper theological weight, acknowledging Jesus as Master, possessing power over their lives and circumstances. Their use of "Lord" indicates a recognition, perhaps nascent but real, of His divine prerogative to save.
* **perish (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** This strong verb conveys a sense of utter destruction, ruin, or being completely lost. The disciples' declaration, "we perish," is not an exaggeration but a genuine expression of their belief that death is imminent and unavoidable without immediate intervention. It emphasizes the direness of their situation and their complete helplessness in the face of the raging storm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his disciples came to him":** This phrase sets the scene, indicating the disciples' initiative in approaching Jesus. Despite their fear, their first instinct is to turn to their Master. This action signifies their recognition of His presence as their only hope, even if they don't yet fully grasp the extent of His power.
* **"and awoke him":** This action is born out of desperation. Jesus was asleep, indicating His human fatigue and perhaps His perfect trust in the Father even amidst the storm. The disciples' act of waking Him underscores their belief that only He could provide the solution to their predicament.
* **"saying, Lord, save us:":** This is the core of their plea, a direct address to Jesus. Their use of "Lord" (Greek: _kýrios_) signifies a recognition of His authority, even if their faith is faltering. The imperative "save us" (Greek: _sṓzō_) is a cry for deliverance, rescue, and preservation from physical destruction. It is a raw, urgent prayer from those facing certain death.
* **"we perish.":** This stark declaration (Greek: _apóllymi_) expresses their absolute conviction that their lives are in imminent danger. It highlights their complete helplessness and the overwhelming nature of the storm, which has pushed them to the brink of despair. This statement provides the urgent context for their desperate cry for salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 8:25 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is evident in Jesus' peaceful sleep amidst the raging storm, contrasting sharply with the disciples' terror, highlighting their lack of faith despite His miraculous presence. The disciples' cry, "Lord, save us: we perish," is a powerful example of **Hyperbole**, as they express their perceived imminent death, though it also functions as a genuine expression of their extreme fear. The entire scene is a form of **Symbolism**, where the storm represents the chaotic and threatening forces of life, and Jesus' ability to calm it symbolizes His divine authority over all circumstances, including the spiritual and existential "storms" that threaten humanity. The **Dialogue** between the disciples and Jesus, though brief, is impactful, revealing their desperation and setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The disciples' cry in Matthew 8:25 resonates deeply with the human condition, where individuals often find themselves overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control. Theologically, it underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, manifest in Christ, over all creation and all forces, whether natural or spiritual. It also highlights the paradox of human helplessness and divine power, teaching that true salvation, whether physical or spiritual, comes only through humble reliance on Christ. The passage serves as a powerful reminder that even those closest to Jesus can experience moments of profound fear and doubt, yet the appropriate response in such moments is to turn to Him, acknowledging His Lordship and His unique ability to deliver.

* [Psalm 107:28-30](/psalms/107-28-30 "God Calms the Storm")
* [Mark 4:38](/mark/4-38 "Disciples Awaken Jesus")
* [Luke 8:24](/luke/8-24 "Disciples' Plea in the Storm")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 8:25 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers navigating the "storms" of life. Just as the disciples faced a literal tempest, we encounter figurative storms of anxiety, illness, financial hardship, relational conflict, or spiritual doubt that can make us feel utterly helpless and on the verge of "perishing." This verse powerfully reminds us that our first and most vital response in such moments should be to turn to Jesus. He may seem silent or "asleep" to our immediate distress, but He is always present and fully capable of intervening. Our desperate cry, "Lord, save us," is not a sign of weak faith but an acknowledgment of His ultimate power and our complete dependence. This passage encourages us to cultivate a faith that, even when tested by fear, instinctively reaches out to the one who commands the winds and the waves, trusting that His authority extends over every chaotic element in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" are you currently facing that make you feel like you are "perishing"?**
* **How does the disciples' desperate cry in this verse encourage or challenge your own approach to prayer in times of crisis?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on your own strength or experience rather than turning immediately to Jesus when overwhelmed?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus seem to be sleeping during such a violent storm?**

Answer: Jesus' sleep during the storm highlights both His genuine humanity and His perfect peace. As a human, He experienced fatigue and needed rest. The depth of His sleep, even amidst the chaos, also underscores His complete trust in the Father's sovereign care and His lack of anxiety. It contrasts sharply with the disciples' panic, setting the stage for His teaching on faith in [Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Jesus Rebukes Little Faith"). His sleep was not indifference, but a demonstration of His inner tranquility and reliance on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:25, with the disciples' desperate cry for salvation from physical perishing, powerfully foreshadows Jesus' ultimate mission as the Savior who delivers humanity from eternal perishing. Their plea, "Lord, save us," echoes the universal human need for deliverance from the storm of sin and death. Just as Jesus demonstrated His authority over the natural world by calming the tempest, He demonstrated His supreme authority over sin and its consequences through His death and resurrection. He is the true "Lord" (Greek: _kýrios_) who has the power not only to save from a physical storm but to save souls from spiritual destruction, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's Love and Eternal Life")). His command to the wind and waves in the next verse ([Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Jesus Calms the Storm")) is a tangible sign of His divine power, which would ultimately be exercised to conquer the ultimate enemies: sin and death ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "The Last Enemy, Death")). Thus, the disciples' cry in the boat serves as a microcosm of humanity's desperate need for the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Jonah 1:6

So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

Psalms 44:22

Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

Psalms 44:23

Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast [us] not off for ever.

2 Chronicles 14:11

And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, [it is] nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou [art] our God; let not man prevail against thee.

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?

Mark 4:39

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Isaiah 51:9

¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?