New Testament
Luke 8:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, Jesus and his disciples are on a boat when a sudden and violent storm arises.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
As they sailed, Jesus fell asleep. Then a fierce windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water. They were in serious danger.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus and his disciples are on a boat when a sudden and violent storm arises. Despite the chaos around them, Jesus is asleep, showing his complete trust in God’s plan and his ability to bring peace. The disciples, however, are terrified as the boat begins to fill with water, highlighting their fear and lack of faith in the midst of danger. This scene illustrates the contrast between human anxiety and divine peace. The storm represents the challenges and trials we face in life, while Jesus’ calmness serves as a reminder that we can find rest in him, even when circumstances seem dire. The disciples’ reaction also reflects a common human response to fear, emphasizing the need for faith and trust in God during turbulent times. This moment sets the stage for a powerful lesson about faith and the authority of Jesus over nature, which will unfold as the story continues.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 8:23 to your life
When facing life's storms, remember that Jesus is with you. Instead of succumbing to fear, turn to Him in prayer and trust that He has the power to calm your situation. Strengthen your faith by recalling past experiences of His faithfulness.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 8:23 mean?
Luke 8:23 describes a moment when Jesus and his disciples are caught in a violent storm while on a boat. Jesus is asleep, demonstrating his trust in God, while the disciples are terrified, highlighting their fear and lack of faith in the face of danger.
What is the significance of the storm in Luke 8:23?
The storm in Luke 8:23 symbolizes the challenges and trials we encounter in life. It contrasts human anxiety with Jesus' calmness, reminding us that we can find peace in Him even during turbulent times.
How does Luke 8:23 relate to faith?
Luke 8:23 illustrates the struggle between fear and faith. The disciples' panic in the storm reflects a common human response, while Jesus' peaceful demeanor encourages us to trust in His authority and presence during our own difficulties.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 8:23?
From Luke 8:23, we learn the importance of maintaining faith in Jesus during life's storms. It teaches us to turn to Him in prayer and trust in His ability to bring peace to our situations.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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