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

MATTHEW 8:23KJV
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Matthew 8:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:23 mean?

Matthew 8:23 describes Jesus getting into a boat, with his disciples following him. The verse sets the scene for what happens next, showing Jesus and his closest followers together as they cross the water.

In this moment, Jesus is leading and his disciples are willingly going with him, even though they do not know what will happen next. The verse is a simple transition, but it highlights the close relationship between Jesus and his disciples and prepares the reader for the events that will soon take place on the sea.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:23

  • The word for "ship" is πλοῖον (ploion), which often means a small boat or vessel, not a large ship. This helps picture the scene as a close, somewhat vulnerable group crossing the lake together.
  • The verb "followed" is from ἠκολούθησαν (ēkolouthēsan), which carries the sense of both physical following and, in the wider context of the Gospel, discipleship or commitment. Here, it is both literal and hints at their ongoing relationship with Jesus.

Why Matthew 8:23 matters

  • This verse marks the beginning of a well-known story where Jesus calms a storm, so it sets up the context for the miracle and the disciples’ experience of fear and faith.
  • The detail that the disciples follow Jesus into the boat emphasizes their trust and willingness to go wherever he leads, even into uncertain situations.
  • By showing Jesus initiating the journey, the verse subtly underlines his role as leader and guide, a theme that runs throughout the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“entered” Greek G1684 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
  • Mark 4:1 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
  • Luke 8:22 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.

“ship” Greek G4143 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Mark 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
  • Acts 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

“followed” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • 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?