And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

MATTHEW 8:25KJV
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Matthew 8:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:25 mean?

Matthew 8:25 describes how Jesus’ disciples, fearing for their lives during a violent storm at sea, woke him up and pleaded, “Lord, save us: we perish.” The disciples are desperate and believe they are about to die, so they urgently ask Jesus for help.

In this scene, Jesus and his disciples are in a boat when a sudden storm threatens to sink them. The disciples, some of whom are experienced fishermen, are so alarmed that they wake Jesus, who had been sleeping. Their cry shows both their fear and their belief that Jesus has the power to rescue them, even though they do not yet fully understand who he is.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:25

  • κύριε (kurie): This word means “Lord” and is a title of respect, but in the Gospels it often carries a deeper sense, hinting at Jesus’ authority and unique role. Here, the disciples address Jesus not just as “teacher,” but as someone with power to save.
  • σῶσον (sōson): This verb means “save” or “rescue.” The form used here is an urgent plea, showing the disciples’ sense of immediate danger and their belief that Jesus can deliver them.
  • ἀπολλύμεθα (apollymetha): This word means “we are perishing” or “we are being destroyed.” It emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and the disciples’ fear that death is imminent.

Why Matthew 8:25 matters

  • Matthew 8:25 highlights the disciples’ fear and their instinct to turn to Jesus when they are in danger, showing both their vulnerability and their growing trust in him.
  • The verse sets up the dramatic moment when Jesus calms the storm, which reveals his authority over nature and deepens the disciples’ understanding of who he is.
  • The disciples’ cry for help is a real, human reaction that many readers can relate to, making the story vivid and emotionally powerful.

Where else these words appear

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

“perish” Greek G622 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
  • John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

“save” Greek G4982 · used in 103 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
  • Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

“awoke” Greek G1453 · used in 135 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • 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.
  • Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;