Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:24

What does Matthew 8:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:24 means

During their journey across the sea, a sudden and violent storm erupts, causing waves to crash over the boat so severely that it began to be covered with water, endangering their lives. Despite the perilous situation, Jesus remains profoundly asleep, unperturbed by the chaos. This highlights His perfect peace and trust, a stark contrast to the disciples' upcoming fear and panic.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there came up a great storm in the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves: but he was sleeping.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and lo, a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves, but he was sleeping,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and behold, [the water] became very agitated on the sea, so that the ship was covered by the waves; but he slept.

Context

This verse vividly describes the onset of the violent storm, immediately following Jesus and His disciples entering the boat. It sets the scene for a critical test of the disciples' faith and provides the context for Jesus' powerful demonstration of authority over nature, leading directly into their terrified plea and His subsequent rebuke.

v.23And when he was entered into a boat, his disciples followed him.

v.24This passage

v.25And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Save, Lord; we perish.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 11:5

    Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

  • Acts 27:14

    But after no long time there beat down from it a tempestuous wind, which is called Euraquilo:

  • Jonah 1:4

    But Jehovah sent out a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

  • John 11:15

    And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

  • Luke 8:23

    But 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.

  • Isaiah 54:11

    O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will set thy stones in fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 8

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 8.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 8:24.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary