King James Version

What Does Luke 8:22 Mean?

Luke 8:22 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 8:22 · KJV


Context

20

And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

21

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

22

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.

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.

24

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus initiates a test: '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' (Greek 'Dielthōmen eis to peran tēs limnēs'). The directive 'let us go over' (dielthōmen—let us pass through) indicates Jesus's intentional plan. He initiates the journey knowing storm approaches. This isn't reckless leadership but purposeful training. The Sea of Galilee was prone to sudden violent storms. Reformed theology observes that God sometimes leads into trials to strengthen faith. James 1:2-4 urges 'count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.' The disciples' coming fear and Jesus's peaceful sleep would provide crucial lessons.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sea of Galilee (called 'lake' here—limnē) sits 700 feet below sea level, surrounded by hills. Cool air from Mediterranean descends suddenly through gaps, creating violent storms on warmer lake water. Experienced fishermen among disciples (Peter, Andrew, James, John) knew these dangers. Jesus's command to cross necessitated trust. Ancient boats were wooden fishing vessels, approximately 25-30 feet long, powered by oars and small sails. For early church facing persecution, this account taught that following Jesus doesn't guarantee smooth sailing but does guarantee His presence and ultimate safety.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's intentional leading into the storm challenge expectations of smooth Christian living?
  2. What does it mean that Jesus initiates journeys He knows will include trials?
  3. How should awareness that God permits trials for faith-strengthening affect our response to difficulties?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἐγένετο2 of 27

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν3 of 27

on

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μιᾷ4 of 27
G1520

one

τῶν5 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμερῶν6 of 27

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

Καὶ7 of 27

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτούς8 of 27

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐνέβη9 of 27

he went

G1684

to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)

εἰς10 of 27

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

πλοῖον11 of 27

a ship

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

Καὶ12 of 27

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ13 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταὶ14 of 27

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτούς15 of 27

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Καὶ16 of 27

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν17 of 27

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς18 of 27

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτούς19 of 27

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Διέλθωμεν20 of 27

Let us go over

G1330

to traverse (literally)

εἰς21 of 27

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ22 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πέραν23 of 27

the other side

G4008

through (as adverb or preposition), i.e., across

τῆς24 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λίμνης25 of 27

of the lake

G3041

a pond (large or small)

Καὶ26 of 27

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνήχθησαν27 of 27

they launched forth

G321

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 8:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 8:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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