New Testament
Matthew 8:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus got into a boat, and his disciples went with him.
Compare translations
And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
What Matthew 8:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus getting into a boat, which signifies the beginning of a journey across the Sea of Galilee. His disciples, who were his close followers and learners, accompany him. This moment highlights the trust and commitment of the disciples to follow Jesus wherever he leads. The act of entering the boat can also symbolize the call to embark on a spiritual journey, where faith and obedience are essential. The boat represents a place of transition, moving from one shore to another, which can be seen as a metaphor for the changes and challenges that come with following Jesus. This simple action sets the stage for the events that follow, including a significant storm that tests the disciples' faith. It reminds us that following Jesus often involves stepping into the unknown and trusting him in all circumstances, even when the journey becomes difficult.
How to apply Matthew 8:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, even when the path is uncertain. It reminds us that being a disciple means being willing to embark on new journeys with faith, trusting that Jesus will guide us through challenges and storms in life.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Calming the Storm (Matthew 8:23–27)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 8:23
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 8:23
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 8:23 mean?
Matthew 8:23 describes Jesus getting into a boat with his disciples, marking the start of a journey across the Sea of Galilee. This moment emphasizes the disciples' commitment to follow Jesus and symbolizes the beginning of a spiritual journey filled with faith and trust.
What is the significance of the boat in Matthew 8:23?
The boat in Matthew 8:23 represents a transition and the unknown journey the disciples are about to undertake with Jesus. It highlights the idea of stepping into new experiences and challenges that come with following Him.
How does Matthew 8:23 relate to discipleship?
Matthew 8:23 relates to discipleship by showing the disciples' willingness to follow Jesus wherever He leads, even into uncertain situations. It emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the journey of being a disciple.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.