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 8:22KJV
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Luke 8:22 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:22 mean?

Luke 8:22 describes a moment when Jesus gets into a boat with his disciples and tells them to cross to the other side of the lake, and so they set out together. This verse sets the scene for what will happen next, showing Jesus leading his followers into a new situation.

Jesus is the one speaking here, addressing his disciples as they are about to travel by boat. The verse is a simple narrative detail, but it marks the beginning of a significant event—what follows is the calming of the storm. The focus is on Jesus’ initiative (“Let us go over”) and the disciples’ willingness to follow, highlighting their relationship and trust.

The Greek behind Luke 8:22

  • ἡμέρα (hēmera, “day”): The use of the word for “day” emphasizes that this was a specific, real event in time, not just a general story.
  • πλοῖον (ploion, “ship” or “boat”): This word can mean any kind of boat, not necessarily a large ship, which helps picture the small, vulnerable setting on the lake.
  • διέλθωμεν (dielthōmen, “let us go over”): This is a form that includes both Jesus and the disciples, showing that Jesus is inviting them to join him in what comes next, not just sending them off.

Why Luke 8:22 matters

  • Luke 8:22 sets up the context for the miracle that follows, making it clear that the journey across the lake was Jesus’ idea, not just a random event.
  • The verse highlights the disciples’ trust in Jesus by showing their immediate response to his direction, which becomes important when challenges arise.
  • By mentioning the “other side of the lake,” the verse hints at crossing boundaries—both physically and in terms of faith—which is a recurring theme in the Gospels.

Where else these words appear

“lake” Greek G3041 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
  • Luke 8:33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
  • Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

“went” Greek G1684 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
  • Matthew 15:39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.
  • Luke 5:3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

“side” Greek G4008 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 3:8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
  • John 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

“forth” Greek G321 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
  • Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.