King James Version

What Does Matthew 8:24 Mean?

Matthew 8:24 in the King James Version says “And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was aslee...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 8:24 · KJV

Context

22

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

23

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

24

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

25

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

26

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. This dramatic scene reveals both Christ's true humanity and divine authority over creation. The Greek word seismos (σεισμός, "tempest") literally means earthquake or violent shaking—the same word used for earthquakes. This wasn't ordinary weather but a violent, potentially deadly storm that covered (kalyptesthai, καλύπτεσθαι) the boat with waves, suggesting it was being swamped and in danger of sinking.

The Sea of Galilee, situated 700 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills, is notorious for sudden, violent storms as cold air masses descend rapidly through the valleys, creating treacherous conditions. These experienced fishermen-disciples recognized mortal danger, yet Jesus remained asleep (ekatheuden, ἐκάθευδεν), demonstrating genuine human exhaustion from ministry demands and complete trust in the Father's sovereign care.

This scene prefigures Jesus' greater "sleep" in death and subsequent awakening in resurrection. The storm-tossed disciples represent the church threatened by persecution, heresy, and tribulation, while Christ appears to sleep. Yet He remains present in the boat, and His awakening will bring deliverance. The contrast between raging chaos and Christ's peaceful rest reveals that true peace comes not from circumstances but from relationship with the Prince of Peace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This event occurs early in Jesus' Galilean ministry, likely AD 28-29, as He crosses the Sea of Galilee (approximately 8 miles wide, 13 miles long) from the western to eastern shore. The disciples' boats were probably typical first-century fishing vessels—around 25-30 feet long, powered by oars and sail. Archaeological discoveries have recovered first-century boats from the Sea of Galilee's mud, confirming biblical descriptions.

The Sea of Galilee's storms were legendary and feared by fishermen. The lake's geographical position creates a funnel effect, channeling winds down from Mount Hermon and surrounding mountains. Sudden storms could transform calm waters into deadly tempests within minutes. Several disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—were professional fishermen who had survived such storms before, making their terror here especially significant.

This miracle echoes Old Testament accounts of God's sovereignty over seas and storms (Psalm 89:9, 107:23-30). By calming the storm with a word, Jesus demonstrates the creative authority described in Genesis 1 and claimed in Psalm 29. Early Christians facing persecution would have found comfort in this account, trusting that though Christ seems to sleep during their trials, He remains present and powerful to deliver at the proper time.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' sleeping during the storm reveal His genuine humanity while His calming it demonstrates His deity?
  2. What does this account teach us about faith during times when God seems absent or asleep to our desperate circumstances?
  3. In what ways does the storm-tossed boat represent the church's experience throughout history?
  4. How should Christ's peace amid chaos challenge our anxiety-driven, circumstance-dependent pursuit of security?
  5. What does Jesus' presence in the boat, even while sleeping, teach us about Emmanuel (God with us) during life's storms?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδού,2 of 18

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

σεισμὸς3 of 18

“tempest”

G4578

a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake

μέγας4 of 18

“a great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐγένετο5 of 18

“there arose”

G1096

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

ἐν6 of 18

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ7 of 18
G3588

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

θαλάσσῃ8 of 18

“the sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ὥστε9 of 18

“insomuch that”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

τὸ10 of 18
G3588

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

πλοῖον11 of 18

“the ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

καλύπτεσθαι12 of 18

“was covered”

G2572

to cover up (literally or figuratively)

ὑπὸ13 of 18

“with”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῶν14 of 18
G3588

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

κυμάτων15 of 18

“the waves”

G2949

a billow (as bursting or toppling)

αὐτὸς16 of 18

“he”

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

δὲ17 of 18

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐκάθευδεν18 of 18

“was asleep”

G2518

to lie down to rest, i.e., (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 8:24 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 Matthew 8:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 8:23Mark 4:37-38Psalms 107:23-27Jonah 1:4-5Acts 27:14-382 Corinthians 11:25-26

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