New International VersionAs they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
New Living TranslationAs they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.
English Standard Versionand as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger.
Berean Standard BibleAs they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
Berean Literal BibleAnd of them sailing, He fell asleep. And a storm of wind came down on the lake, and they were being swamped, and were in danger.
King James BibleBut 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.
New King James VersionBut as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy.
New American Standard BibleBut as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.
NASB 1995But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.
NASB 1977But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended upon the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.
Legacy Standard BibleBut as they were sailing along, He fell asleep, and a windstorm descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and in danger.
Amplified BibleBut as they were sailing, He fell asleep. And a fierce gale of wind swept down [as if through a wind tunnel] on the lake, and they began to be swamped, and were in great danger.
Christian Standard Bibleand as they were sailing he fell asleep. Then a fierce windstorm came down on the lake; they were being swamped and were in danger.
Holman Christian Standard Bibleand as they were sailing He fell asleep. Then a fierce windstorm came down on the lake; they were being swamped and were in danger.
American Standard VersionBut as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy.
Contemporary English Versionand while they were sailing across, he went to sleep. Suddenly a storm struck the lake, and the boat started sinking. They were in danger.
English Revised VersionBut as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAs they were sailing along, Jesus fell asleep. A violent storm came across the lake. The boat was taking on water, and they were in danger.
Good News TranslationAs they were sailing, Jesus fell asleep. Suddenly a strong wind blew down on the lake, and the boat began to fill with water, so that they were all in great danger.
International Standard VersionNow as they were sailing, Jesus fell asleep. A violent storm swept over the lake, and they were taking on water and were in great danger.
NET Bibleand as they sailed he fell asleep. Now a violent windstorm came down on the lake, and the boat started filling up with water, and they were in danger.
New Heart English BibleBut as they sailed, he fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut 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.
Weymouth New TestamentDuring the passage He fell asleep, and there came down a squall of wind on the Lake, so that the boat began to fill and they were in deadly peril. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
World English BibleBut as they sailed, he fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand as they are sailing He fell deeply asleep, and there came down a storm of wind to the lake, and they were filling, and were in peril.
Berean Literal BibleAnd of them sailing, He fell asleep. And a storm of wind came down on the lake, and they were being swamped, and were in danger.
Young's Literal Translation and as they are sailing he fell deeply asleep, and there came down a storm of wind to the lake, and they were filling, and were in peril.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd they sailing, he fell asleep: and a hurricane of wind came down upon the lake; and they were filled, and were in peril. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when they were sailing, he slept; and there came down a storm of wind upon the lake, and they were filled, and were in danger.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd as they were sailing, he slept. And a windstorm descended over the lake. And they were taking on water and were in danger.
New American Bibleand while they were sailing he fell asleep. A squall blew over the lake, and they were taking in water and were in danger.
New Revised Standard Versionand while they were sailing he fell asleep. A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd while they were rowing Jesus fell asleep; and there rose a storm of wind on the lake; and the boat was near sinking.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd as he journeyed, Yeshua himself was asleep and there was a tempest of wind on the lake and the ship was coming close to sinking. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd while they were sailing, he fell asleep. And a storm of wind came down upon the lake, and they began to be filled, and were in danger.
Godbey New TestamentAnd they sailing, He was asleep: and a storm of wind came down into the lake; and they were being filled, and imperiled.
Haweis New TestamentAnd while they were on the passage, he went to sleep: and a hurricane of wind rushed down on the lake; and they were filled with water, and imminent danger.
Mace New Testamentwhile they were rowing, Jesus fell asleep: when there blew such a storm of wind upon the lake, as fill'd the boat with water, and endanger'd their lives.
Weymouth New TestamentDuring the passage He fell asleep, and there came down a squall of wind on the Lake, so that the boat began to fill and they were in deadly peril.
Worrell New TestamentBut, as they were sailing, He fell asleep. And there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were being filled full of water, and were in peril.
Worsley New TestamentAnd they launched forth: but as they were failing, He fell asleep: and a storm of wind came down upon the lake, and they were filled with water, and were in great danger.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Calms the Storm22One day Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So He got into a boat with them and set out. 23As theysailed,He fell asleep,anda windstormcame downonthelake,so thatthe boat was being swamped,andthey were in great danger.24The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm.…
Cross References Matthew 8:24Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping.
Mark 4:37Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped.
Jonah 1:4Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart.
Psalm 107:23-30Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. / They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. / For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. ...
Matthew 14:24but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Mark 6:48He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them,
Acts 27:14-15But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. / Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along.
Job 38:8-11Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, / when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, / when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, ...
Isaiah 51:10Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over?
Nahum 1:4He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts.
Psalm 65:7You stilled the roaring of the seas, the pounding of their waves, and the tumult of the nations.
Psalm 89:9You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them.
Psalm 93:3-4The floodwaters have risen, O LORD; the rivers have raised their voice; the seas lift up their pounding waves. / Above the roar of many waters—the mighty breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is majestic.
Psalm 46:1-3For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
Isaiah 43:2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Treasury of Scripture 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. he fell. Psalm 44:23 Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, castus not off for ever. Isaiah 51:9,10 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? … 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 aswe are, yet without sin. came. Psalm 93:3,4 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves… Psalm 107:23-30 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; … Psalm 124:2-4 Ifit had notbeen the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: … Jump to Previous AmountsAsleepBoardBoatCrossDangerDangerousDescendedDisciplesFellFilledGreatJeopardyLakeSailSailedSideSleepStormSwampedWaterWindJump to Next AmountsAsleepBoardBoatCrossDangerDangerousDescendedDisciplesFellFilledGreatJeopardyLakeSailSailedSideSleepStormSwampedWaterWindLuke 8 1.Women minister unto Jesus of their own means.4.Jesus, after he had preached from place to place,9.explains the parable of the sower,16.and the candle;19.declares who are his mother, and brothers;22.rebukes the winds;26.casts the legion of demons out of the man into the herd of pigs;37.is rejected by the Gadarenes;43.heals the woman of her bleeding;49.and raises Jairus's daughter from death.As they sailedThis phrase indicates the beginning of a journey across the Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake in Israel. The Sea of Galilee is known for its sudden and violent storms due to its geographical location, surrounded by hills. This setting is significant as it provides a backdrop for Jesus' demonstration of His divine authority over nature. The act of sailing also reflects the common mode of transportation and livelihood for many in the region, including several of Jesus' disciples who were fishermen. He fell asleep
Jesus' sleep highlights His humanity, showing that He experienced physical exhaustion like any other person. This moment of rest is significant as it precedes a demonstration of His divine power, emphasizing the dual nature of Christ as both fully human and fully divine. His ability to sleep amidst an impending storm also reflects His perfect peace and trust in God's sovereignty. and a windstorm came down on the lake
The suddenness of the windstorm is typical for the Sea of Galilee, where cool air from the surrounding mountains can rush down and create violent storms. This natural phenomenon sets the stage for a miraculous event, illustrating the unpredictability of life and the need for faith. The storm can also be seen as a metaphor for the trials and challenges faced by believers, testing their faith and reliance on God. so that the boat was being swamped
The boat being swamped indicates the severity of the storm, threatening the safety of Jesus and His disciples. This imagery of a small vessel overwhelmed by the elements can symbolize the church or individual believers facing overwhelming circumstances. It serves as a reminder of human vulnerability and the need for divine intervention. and they were in great danger
The disciples' peril underscores the seriousness of the situation, highlighting their helplessness and fear. This moment of crisis sets the stage for Jesus' miraculous calming of the storm, demonstrating His authority over creation. It also serves as a lesson in faith, as the disciples' fear contrasts with Jesus' calmness, challenging believers to trust in God's power and presence even in dire situations. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. His ability to sleep during the storm demonstrates His humanity and trust in God's sovereignty. 2. DisciplesThe followers of Jesus who are with Him in the boat. Their reaction to the storm reveals their fear and lack of faith at that moment. 3. The Lake (Sea of Galilee)A large freshwater lake in Israel, known for sudden and violent storms due to its geographical setting. 4. The SquallA sudden, violent storm that threatens the safety of the boat and its passengers, symbolizing life's unexpected challenges. 5. The BoatRepresents the vessel of life, carrying Jesus and His disciples through the storm, a metaphor for the church or individual believers facing trials. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyJust as Jesus slept peacefully during the storm, believers are called to trust in God's control over life's circumstances. Faith Over FearThe disciples' fear contrasts with Jesus' calm. This passage encourages believers to choose faith over fear when facing life's storms. Jesus' AuthorityRecognize Jesus' divine authority over nature and all creation, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God. Presence of JesusThe presence of Jesus in the boat assures us that we are never alone in our trials, and His presence brings peace. Call to PrayerIn times of distress, like the disciples, we should turn to Jesus in prayer, trusting in His power to calm our storms. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 8:23?
2.How can we trust Jesus during life's storms, as seen in Luke 8:23?
3.What does Luke 8:23 teach about Jesus' authority over nature?
4.How does Luke 8:23 connect with Psalm 107:29 about calming storms?
5.How can we apply the disciples' fear in Luke 8:23 to our lives?
6.What steps can strengthen our faith when facing challenges, like in Luke 8:23?
7.How does Luke 8:23 demonstrate Jesus' authority over nature?
8.What is the significance of the storm in Luke 8:23?
9.How does Luke 8:23 challenge our understanding of faith during life's storms?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 8?
11.How does Jesus calm the storm in the Bible?
12.(Luke 8:22-25) How can anyone instantaneously control the weather, overriding all known natural laws?
13.(Luke 8:26) Why do some manuscripts say 'Gerasenes' while others say 'Gadarenes,' raising questions about the account's historical accuracy?
14.How many demoniacs were in the Gerasene region?What Does Luke 8:23 Mean As they sailed• Jesus had just said, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake” (Luke 8:22), and the disciples obeyed without hesitation. • Their journey was not random; it was the next step in His purposeful ministry, echoingMark 4:35 where He gives the same directive. • Following Christ does not insulate believers from difficulty—Acts 14:22 reminds us, “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” • The simple fact that they were “sailing” under His command encourages us to keep moving forward in obedience even when outcomes are unclear.
He fell asleep• Exhaustion highlights His true humanity: after a full day of teaching (Luke 8:1–4), He needed rest just as we do—John 4:6 shows the same when “Jesus, weary from the journey, sat down by the well.” • His peaceful sleep also showcases unwavering trust in the Father;Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” • Fully God yet fully man, He embodiesHebrews 4:15—“We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.” • When we grow tired in service, His example invites us to embrace godly rest rather than frantic self-reliance.
A windstorm came down on the lake• The Sea of Galilee’s surrounding cliffs funnel sudden squalls; this was no myth but a common, fierce reality. • Scripture often depicts God’s sovereign use of weather—Psalm 107:23-25 describes sailors who “saw the works of the LORD…He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves.” • Storms arise even in the center of God’s will, underscoring1 Peter 4:12: “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come upon you.” • The timing of the storm—while Jesus sleeps—teaches that His apparent silence never equals absence.
The boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger• Veteran fishermen panicked; the danger was real, not imagined. Their skills could not save them, illustrating2 Corinthians 1:9, “that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” • Luke emphasizes “great danger,” spotlighting the moment every believer faces when human resources fail. •Isaiah 43:2 promises, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,” foreshadowing the deliverance Jesus will bring in verses 24-25. • The swamping boat mirrors life’s crises that threaten to sink faith; yetRomans 8:35-39 assures us nothing can separate us from Christ’s love.
summaryLuke 8:23 paints a vivid, literal picture: obedient disciples sail, the incarnate Son sleeps, a violent storm erupts, and mortal danger looms. The scene affirms both Christ’s humanity and His divine sovereignty. It reminds believers that storms can strike even in faithful obedience, that rest is found in trusting God’s care, and that apparent silence is never abandonment. When circumstances overwhelm, we look to the Lord who calms seas and strengthens faith, confident He is present, powerful, and always purposeful. (23) He fell asleep.--The verb so rendered differs from the "was asleep" of the other Gospels, and this is the only place of the New Testament in which it occurs. It is a somewhat more technical word, and is so far -characteristic of the physician-historian. They were filled.--Better,they were filling, the tense describing the process, not the completion. Verse 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. In the three Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, this and the three following incidents are closely united - the lake-storm; the devils sent into the herd of swine; the raising of the little daughter of Jairus; the healing of the woman afflicted with the issue of blood. Although this cycle of acts is always united by the three, yet they do not occupy the same position chronologically in the three Gospels. The explanation of this probably is that in the primitive apostolic teaching it was usual to relate these four incidents of the Master's work together. In St. Matthew, between the recital of the healing of the demoniac and the raising of the daughter of Jairus, are intercalated the healing of the paralytic, and the call of Matthew, and the feast which followed. These incidents, in a more extended primitive discourse, were no doubt joined to the other four recitals. Had they used a common document, the three would surely have placed them in the same connection with other events. They most likely were worked, with many other signs, somewhere in this period of public work, and were chosen by the first preachers of "the Name" as specially illustrative acts, showing the Lord's power over the elements, over the unseen spirits of evil, over death, over wearying chronic sickness. On the sudden storm, travellers remark how, without warning, winds from the snowy summits of the neighbouring Hermon rush down the mountain gorges into the warm tropical air of the lake-basin, and in a short space of time the calm Galilee sea is lashed into storm and foam. The graphic description of Mark is, as usual, the most vivid, and gives us, in a few master-touches, the aspect of the scene. The weary Master sleeping in the stern of the fishing-boat; the pillow beneath his head; the disciples, terrified by the sudden uproar of the waves surging round their frail bark, as the wild winds rushed down on the lake, hastily awaking their tired Master. The danger must have been very real to have alarmed these Gennesaret fishermen; the storm must have been something more than the usual lake-tempests. The very words the Lord used when he lifted up his head and saw the danger, St. Mark preserves for us. With his "Hush!" he silenced the wild roar of the winds and waters; with his "Be still!" he quieted the heaving waves. Some commentators, reasoning from the Master's personal address to the elements - the winds and the waters - suppose that, in the midst of the storm, was some evil presence, who, taking advantage of our Lord's helpless condition - asleep in that frail fisher's boat - raised up the wild storm, hoping, perhaps, to cut short his life. The idea of spirits thus blending with the elements is one by no means unknown to Scripture. "Who maketh his angels winds [rather than the usual, better-known translation, 'spirits'], his ministers a flaming fire" ( Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 1:7;. Job 1:12).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek As theyαὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.sailed,πλεόντων(pleontōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4126:Another form for pleuo; which is used as an alternate in certain tenses; probably a form of pluno; to pass in a vessel.He fell asleep,ἀφύπνωσεν(aphypnōsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 879:To fall asleep. From a compound of apo and hupnos; properly, to become awake, i.e. to drop in slumber.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.a squallλαῖλαψ(lailaps)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2978:A sudden storm, squall, whirlwind, hurricane. Of uncertain derivation; a whirlwind.came downκατέβη(katebē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2597:To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend.onεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.lake,λίμνην(limnēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3041:A lake. Probably from limen; a pond.so thatκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[the boat] was being swamped,συνεπληροῦντο(syneplērounto)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4845:To fill completely; pass: To be completed. From sun and pleroo; to implenish completely, i.e. to swamp, or to accomplish.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.they were in great danger.ἐκινδύνευον(ekindyneuon)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2793:To be in danger or peril. From kindunos; to undergo peril.
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NT Gospels: Luke 8:23 But as they sailed he fell asleep (Luke Lu Lk) |
