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.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
Ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 27
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμερῶν
day
G2250
ἡμερῶν
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
6 of 27
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτούς
his
G846
αὐτούς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐνέβη
he went
G1684
ἐνέβη
he went
Strong's:
G1684
Word #:
9 of 27
to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτούς
his
G846
αὐτούς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
18 of 27
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτούς
his
G846
αὐτούς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πέραν
the other side
G4008
πέραν
the other side
Strong's:
G4008
Word #:
23 of 27
through (as adverb or preposition), i.e., across
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 8:13And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.Mark 6:45And 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.Luke 5:1And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,Luke 8:23But 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.Mark 5:21And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.Matthew 14:22And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.John 6:1After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
Historical Context
The Sea of Galilee (called 'lake' here—limnē) sits 700 feet below sea level, surrounded by hills. Cool air from Mediterranean descends suddenly through gaps, creating violent storms on warmer lake water. Experienced fishermen among disciples (Peter, Andrew, James, John) knew these dangers. Jesus's command to cross necessitated trust. Ancient boats were wooden fishing vessels, approximately 25-30 feet long, powered by oars and small sails. For early church facing persecution, this account taught that following Jesus doesn't guarantee smooth sailing but does guarantee His presence and ultimate safety.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's intentional leading into the storm challenge expectations of smooth Christian living?
- What does it mean that Jesus initiates journeys He knows will include trials?
- How should awareness that God permits trials for faith-strengthening affect our response to difficulties?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus initiates a test: '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' (Greek 'Dielthōmen eis to peran tēs limnēs'). The directive 'let us go over' (dielthōmen—let us pass through) indicates Jesus's intentional plan. He initiates the journey knowing storm approaches. This isn't reckless leadership but purposeful training. The Sea of Galilee was prone to sudden violent storms. Reformed theology observes that God sometimes leads into trials to strengthen faith. James 1:2-4 urges 'count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.' The disciples' coming fear and Jesus's peaceful sleep would provide crucial lessons.