And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

LUKE 8:25KJV
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Luke 8:25 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:25 mean?

Luke 8:25 describes Jesus asking his disciples where their faith is after calming a dangerous storm, which leaves them both afraid and amazed. The disciples wonder aloud about Jesus’ identity, since even the winds and water obey his command.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers after they have witnessed him calm a violent storm on the sea. The disciples’ fear turns into astonishment as they realize that Jesus has authority over the forces of nature. Their question, “What manner of man is this!” shows their growing awareness that Jesus is far more than an ordinary teacher or prophet.

The Greek behind Luke 8:25

  • πίστς (pistis, G4102): This word is translated as “faith” and often refers to trust or confidence. Jesus’ question about their faith points to their lack of trust in him during the crisis, highlighting the importance of relying on him even in fearful situations.
  • ἐπιτάσσει (epitassei, G2004): Translated as “commandeth,” this verb carries a sense of authoritative order. The disciples are struck by the fact that Jesus does not just ask or plead with the wind and water—he commands them, and they obey.
  • ὑπακούουσιν (hypakouousin, G5219): This word means “obey.” The use of this term emphasizes that even the natural elements respond to Jesus’ authority, which is extraordinary and unexpected.

Why Luke 8:25 matters

  • Luke 8:25 clarifies that the disciples, though close to Jesus, still struggle to grasp who he truly is and what it means to trust him.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ unique authority, not just over people or sickness, but over creation itself, which is a major theme in the Gospels.
  • This moment connects to the wider narrative by showing a turning point in the disciples’ understanding, as their fear shifts to awe and deeper questioning about Jesus’ identity.

Where else these words appear

“commandeth” Greek G2004 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
  • Mark 9:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
  • Luke 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

“obey” Greek G5219 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
  • Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
  • Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

“winds” Greek G417 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
  • John 6:18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.

“Where” Greek G4226 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
  • John 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?