Matthew 8:25
And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσελθόντες
came
G4334
προσελθόντες
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
2 of 12
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 12
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
ἤγειραν
to him and awoke
G1453
ἤγειραν
to him and awoke
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
6 of 12
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 12
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
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
9 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Historical Context
The storm's severity frightened even experienced fishermen like Peter, James, and John, who had weathered many Galilean storms. That Jesus slept through it demonstrates both His true humanity (physical exhaustion) and divine peace, knowing all things are under His sovereign control.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the disciples' mixed response of faith and fear reflect your own experience of trusting Christ during life's storms?
- What does Jesus' peaceful sleep during the storm teach about resting in God's sovereign control of all circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The disciples' cry 'Lord, save us: we perish' reveals both faith (addressing Jesus as Lord and believing He could save) and fear (thinking they would perish despite His presence). This mixed response characterizes much Christian experience—genuine faith coexisting with inadequate trust. Their awakening Jesus implies they expected Him to do something, yet their panic showed they hadn't fully grasped His divine power over creation. Faith must grow from saving to sanctifying trust.