New International VersionA furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
New Living TranslationBut soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
English Standard VersionAnd a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
Berean Standard BibleSoon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped.
Berean Literal BibleAnd a violent storm of wind comes, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat already is being filled up.
King James BibleAnd there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
New King James VersionAnd a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.
New American Standard BibleAnd a fierce gale of wind developed, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling with water.
NASB 1995And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.
NASB 1977And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was already filling up.
Amplified BibleAnd a fierce windstorm began to blow, and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already being swamped.
Christian Standard BibleA great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped.
Holman Christian Standard BibleA fierce windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped.
American Standard VersionAnd there ariseth a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling.
Contemporary English VersionSuddenly a storm struck the lake. Waves started splashing into the boat, and it was about to sink.
English Revised VersionAnd there ariseth a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationA violent windstorm came up. The waves were breaking into the boat so that it was quickly filling up.
Good News TranslationSuddenly a strong wind blew up, and the waves began to spill over into the boat, so that it was about to fill with water.
International Standard VersionA violent windstorm came up, and the waves began breaking into the boat, so that the boat was rapidly becoming swamped.
NET BibleNow a great windstorm developed and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was nearly swamped.
New Heart English BibleAnd a big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was now full.
Weymouth New TestamentBut a heavy squall came on, and the waves were now dashing into the boat, so that it was fast filling. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSoon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped.
World English BibleA big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd there comes a great storm of wind, and the waves were beating on the boat, so that it is now being filled,
Berean Literal BibleAnd a violent storm of wind comes, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat already is being filled up.
Young's Literal Translation And there cometh a great storm of wind, and the waves were beating on the boat, so that it is now being filled,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd there is a great hurricane of wind, and the waves struck against the ship, so that it was already filled. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that the ship was filled.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd a great wind storm occurred, and the waves broke over the boat, so that the boat was being filled.
New American BibleA violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.
New Revised Standard VersionA great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd there arose a heavy storm and wind, and the waves kept falling into the boat, so that the boat was nearly filled up.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd there was a great storm and the wind and the waves were beating into the ship and it was close to being filled. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves dashed into the ship, so that it was now full.
Godbey New TestamentAnd there was a great storm of wind: and the waves were dashing into the ship, so that it was already filled.
Haweis New TestamentAnd a great hurricane arose, and the waves broke into the vessel, so that it was now full of water:
Mace New Testamentat length a violent storm ensued, and the waves beat into the ship, that it began to fill,
Weymouth New TestamentBut a heavy squall came on, and the waves were now dashing into the boat, so that it was fast filling.
Worrell New TestamentAnd there arises a great storm of wind, and the waves were beating into the boat, so that the boat was now being filled.
Worsley New TestamentAnd there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now almost full.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Calms the Storm… 36After they had dismissed the crowd, they took Jesus with them, since He was already in the boat. And there were other boats with Him. 37Soona violentwindstormcame up,andthewaveswere breakingovertheboat,so thatitwas being swamped.38But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?”…
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.
Luke 8:23As 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.
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 107:25-29For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. / They mounted up to the heavens, then sunk to the depths; their courage melted in their anguish. / They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and all their skill was useless. ...
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, ...
Psalm 89:9You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them.
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.
Proverbs 30:4Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son—surely you know!
Jeremiah 5:22Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it.
Exodus 14:21-22Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.
2 Samuel 22:16The channels of the sea appeared, and the foundations of the world were exposed at the rebuke of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of His nostrils.
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 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. there arose. Matthew 8:23,24 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him… Luke 8:22,23 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… great storm. Job 1:12,19 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hathis in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD… Psalm 107:23-31 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; … 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. Jump to Previous AlreadyBeatBigBoatDashingFastFierceFilledFillingFullFuriousGaleGreatHeavyInsomuchNearlyShipSquallStormSwampedViolentWavesWindJump to Next AlreadyBeatBigBoatDashingFastFierceFilledFillingFullFuriousGaleGreatHeavyInsomuchNearlyShipSquallStormSwampedViolentWavesWindMark 4 1.The parable of the sower,14.and the meaning thereof.21.We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others.26.The parable of the seed growing secretly;30.and of the mustard seed.35.Jesus stills the storm on the sea.Soon a violent windstorm came upThe Sea of Galilee is known for sudden and violent storms due to its geographical location. It is situated in a basin surrounded by mountains, which can cause rapid changes in weather. This setting provides a backdrop for understanding the suddenness and intensity of the storm. In biblical symbolism, storms often represent chaos and trials, reflecting the unpredictable nature of life and the challenges faced by believers. The disciples' experience here can be seen as a test of faith, a common theme throughout Scripture. and the waves were breaking over the boat
The imagery of waves breaking over the boat highlights the severity of the storm. In ancient times, boats were relatively small and vulnerable to the elements, making this situation particularly perilous. This phrase can be connected to other biblical instances where water represents danger or judgment, such as the flood in Genesis or Jonah's experience at sea. The overwhelming nature of the waves can symbolize the trials and tribulations that believers face, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and protection. so that it was being swamped
The boat being swamped indicates a critical situation where the disciples' lives were at risk. This scenario underscores human helplessness in the face of natural forces, pointing to the need for reliance on God. In the broader biblical narrative, water often symbolizes chaos and destruction, as seen in the Red Sea crossing and Noah's flood. The disciples' predicament serves as a metaphor for spiritual struggles, where faith is tested, and reliance on Jesus is paramount. This moment foreshadows Jesus' authority over nature, demonstrating His divine power and reinforcing His role as the Savior who brings peace amidst chaos. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusCentral figure in the Gospel of Mark, demonstrating His divine authority and power over nature. 2. DisciplesFollowers of Jesus who are with Him in the boat, experiencing fear and doubt during the storm. 3. Sea of GalileeThe body of water where this event takes place, known for sudden and violent storms due to its geographical setting. 4. WindstormA natural event that tests the faith of the disciples and sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His power. 5. BoatThe vessel carrying Jesus and His disciples, symbolizing the church or individual believers facing life's storms. Teaching Points Faith in the Storms of LifeJust as the disciples faced a literal storm, believers today encounter metaphorical storms. Trusting in Jesus' power and presence is crucial. Jesus' Authority Over CreationThis event underscores Jesus' divine authority, reminding us that He is sovereign over all aspects of creation, including the challenges we face. Responding to Fear with FaithThe disciples' fear contrasts with Jesus' calm. Believers are encouraged to replace fear with faith, trusting in God's control and care. The Presence of Jesus in Our TrialsJesus was with the disciples in the boat, just as He is with us in our trials. His presence provides comfort and assurance. The Importance of Crying Out to GodIn times of trouble, turning to God in prayer and seeking His intervention is a vital response, as demonstrated by the disciples' eventual plea for help. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Mark 4:37?
2.How can we trust Jesus during life's "fierce gale of wind" moments?
3.What does Mark 4:37 teach about Jesus' power over natural circumstances?
4.How does Mark 4:37 connect to Psalm 107:29 about calming storms?
5.In what ways can we apply Jesus' peace in our daily challenges?
6.How can Mark 4:37 strengthen our faith during personal or global crises?
7.How does Mark 4:37 illustrate Jesus' authority over nature?
8.What does the storm in Mark 4:37 symbolize in a believer's life?
9.Why were the disciples afraid despite Jesus' presence in Mark 4:37?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 4?
11.How does Jesus calm the storm in the Bible?
12.In Mark 4:35–41, is it scientifically plausible for someone’s spoken command to instantly calm a violent storm?
13.In Acts 27:22–26, do Paul’s assurances of safety contradict typical maritime fatalities in storms of that era?
14.How do natural and moral evils differ?What Does Mark 4:37 Mean SoonMark’s narrative pace is brisk; “Soon” signals action without delay, a reminder that life can shift instantly (cf.Mark 1:12;James 4:14). The disciples have only just launched, yet the next test is already rolling in. God’s sovereignty includes the timing of every challenge, and He often allows trials to arise when we feel least prepared, just as He did for Israel at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10–12).
a violent windstorm came upThe Sea of Galilee sits nearly 700 feet below sea level, ringed by hills that funnel sudden squalls. Scripture records such storms as literal events, appointed by God to reveal His power—think ofJonah 1:4 orPsalm 107:25. Here the wind is “violent,” underscoring genuine danger, not a mere inconvenience. Jesus permits real peril to expose real faith (1 Peter 1:6–7).
and the waves were breaking over the boatPicture relentless walls of water crashing in. Luke adds, “they were in great danger” (Luke 8:23), whilePsalm 42:7 echoes, “Deep calls to deep… all Your breakers and waves have swept over me.” Physical waves illustrate spiritual ones: adversity can batter a believer repeatedly. Yet every wave remains under Christ’s command (Job 38:11;Nahum 1:4).
so that it was being swampedThe vessel is filling, sinking seems inevitable. The disciples’ skill as fishermen cannot save them; dependence on self is stripped away (2 Corinthians 1:9). Like Paul’s ship inActs 27:20, hope appears lost—precisely where divine deliverance shines brightest. The swamping sets the stage for Jesus’ authoritative rebuke of wind and sea (Mark 4:39), revealing Him as Creator (Colossians 1:16) who “still the storm to a whisper” (Psalm 107:29).
summaryMark 4:37 paints a literal, high-stakes crisis: a rapidly forming gale, pounding waves, and a boat filling fast. Every detail showcases human helplessness and divine sovereignty. The verse primes us to watch Jesus master the chaos, proving that no storm—physical or spiritual—escapes His command. (37) Beat into the ship, so that it was now full.--Better, were beating upon the ship, so that it was filling. Both verbs describe continuous action. Verse 37. - Andthere arose a great storm of wind; literally, there ariseth ( γίνεται λαίλαψ). St. Mark often uses the historical present, which gives vigor and point to his narrative. And the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling ( ἤδη γεμίζεσθαι). St. Matthew says ( Matthew 8:24), "the boat was covered with the waves." St. Luke ( Luke 8:23), "they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy." Bede and ethers have thought that the boat in which Christ was the only boat that was tossed by this storm; in order that Christ might show his power in limiting the area of the tempest. But it is far more probable that the ether boats were subject to it; for they were very near to the boat in which Christ was. There must have been some reason for the allusion to these boats; and the wider the reach of the tempest, the greater would appear the Divine power of Christ in stilling it, and the greater the amount of testimony to the reality of the miracle. The miracle was wrought to show his power over all creation, the sea as well as the dry land; and that they, his disciples, and all who were with him might believe in him as the Omnipotent God. But further, this tempest on the sea of Galilee was a type and symbol of the trials and temptations which should come on the Church. For the Church of God is as a ship in a storm, ever tossed upon "the waves of this troublesome world." And then, moreover, as the rude storm urges the ship onwards, so that it more quickly reaches the desired haven, so afflictions and temptations quicken Christ's disciples to the greater desire of holiness, by which they are borne onwards more speedily to "the haven where they would be."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek SoonΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.a violentμεγάλη(megalē)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3173:Large, great, in the widest sense.windstormλαῖλαψ(lailaps)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2978:A sudden storm, squall, whirlwind, hurricane. Of uncertain derivation; a whirlwind.came up,γίνεται(ginetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theτὰ(ta)Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.wavesκύματα(kymata)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2949:A wave, surge, billow. From kuo (with young), i.e. Bend, curve); a billow.were breakingἐπέβαλλεν(epeballen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1911:From epi and ballo; to throw upon; specially to reflect; impersonally, to belong to.overεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.boat,πλοῖον(ploion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4143:A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.so thatὥστε(hōste)Conjunction
Strong's 5620:So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.[it]πλοῖον(ploion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4143:A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.was being swamped.γεμίζεσθαι(gemizesthai)Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 1072:To fill, load. Transitive from gemo; to fill entirely.
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NT Gospels: Mark 4:37 A big wind storm arose and (Mar Mk Mr) |
