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

MATTHEW 8:24KJV
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Matthew 8:24 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:24 mean?

Matthew 8:24 describes a sudden and violent storm that arose on the sea, so intense that waves were crashing over the boat, while Jesus was asleep. The verse highlights both the danger faced by those in the boat and the calmness of Jesus in the midst of chaos.

In this scene, Jesus and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a powerful storm hits. The disciples, some of whom were experienced fishermen, are caught off guard by the severity of the storm. The detail that Jesus is asleep shows his complete trust and peace, even as the situation becomes life-threatening for everyone else.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:24

  • The word for "tempest" is σεισμός (seismos, pronounced "says-moss"), which often means an earthquake or a violent shaking. Here, it emphasizes the extraordinary force of the storm, not just an ordinary squall.
  • The word for "covered" is καλύπτω (kaluptō, pronounced "kah-loop-toh"), meaning to be completely overwhelmed or hidden. The boat was not just splashed but actually being buried by the waves.
  • The word for "asleep" is καθεύδω (katheudō, pronounced "kah-thev-do"), which simply means sleeping, but in this context, it underscores Jesus’ calmness and lack of fear.

Why Matthew 8:24 matters

  • This verse sets up a dramatic contrast between the chaos of the storm and the peace of Jesus, which becomes central to the story that follows.
  • The use of the word "seismos" for the storm hints at something unusually powerful, helping readers understand why the disciples were so afraid.
  • The detail that Jesus was asleep emphasizes his humanity and his trust in God, while also preparing the reader for the miracle that is about to happen when he calms the storm.

Where else these words appear

“waves” Greek G2949 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
  • Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
  • Acts 27:41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

“covered” Greek G2572 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
  • Luke 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
  • James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

“tempest” Greek G4578 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
  • Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
  • Revelation 8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

“asleep” Greek G2518 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 9:24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
  • Mark 4:27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
  • Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.