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.

LUKE 8:23KJV
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Luke 8:23 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:23 mean?

Luke 8:23 describes how, while Jesus and his disciples were sailing on a lake, Jesus fell asleep and a sudden windstorm struck, causing the boat to fill with water and putting everyone on board in real danger. The verse highlights the seriousness of the situation and the disciples’ fear for their safety.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling with his disciples across the Sea of Galilee. The verse sets up a moment of crisis: Jesus is asleep, showing his humanity, while the disciples face a life-threatening storm. This moment is key in the story, as it leads to the disciples turning to Jesus for help, revealing both their fear and their dependence on him.

The Greek behind Luke 8:23

  • κατέβη (katébé, "came down"): This word is often used for something descending from above. Here, it emphasizes how suddenly and forcefully the storm struck the lake, catching the disciples off guard.
  • ἐπληροῦντο (eplērounto, "were filled"): This verb describes the boat being filled with water, not just splashed or wet, but overwhelmed. It underscores how dire the situation was, making clear the real danger of sinking.
  • ἐκινδύνευον (ekindýneuon, "were in jeopardy"): This word means to be in danger or at risk. It stresses that the threat was not imagined; the disciples genuinely feared for their lives.

Why Luke 8:23 matters

  • This verse shows the vulnerability of the disciples, even with Jesus present, and sets the stage for the miracle that follows when Jesus calms the storm.
  • The detail that Jesus is asleep while the storm rages highlights both his trust in God and his humanity, inviting readers to notice the contrast between his calm and the disciples’ fear.
  • Understanding the severity of the storm and the danger helps readers appreciate the disciples’ reaction and the significance of Jesus’ power when he later calms the storm.

Where else these words appear

“storm” Greek G2978 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
  • 2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

“filled” Greek G4845 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
  • Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

“jeopardy” Greek G2793 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 19:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
  • Acts 19:40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

“sailed” Greek G4126 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 21:3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
  • 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.
  • Acts 27:6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.