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Luke 8

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.

And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

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.

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.

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him and how she was healed immediately.

And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.

And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

What does Luke 8:23 mean?

Explanation

Luke 8:23 describes a scene where Jesus is with His disciples on a boat, and a storm arises while He is asleep.

The verse emphasizes Jesus' humanity in His need for rest and sleep.

The "storm of wind on the lake" symbolizes sudden unexpected trials, and the boat being "filled with water" illustrates a situation where the disciples' safety and well-being are threatened.

Despite the chaos, Jesus remains asleep, which may suggest His trust in God's sovereignty or a test of the disciples' faith.

The disciples are depicted as being in "jeopardy," highlighting their fear and vulnerability in the face of natural forces.

This verse sets the stage for the demonstration of Jesus' power over nature and His role as their protector and guide, even when it seems like He is not actively present.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written in a Greco-Roman context, likely intended for a Gentile audience.

The account relates to the Sea of Galilee, a large freshwater lake in Israel.

During the first century, many of Jesus' followers were familiar with the sudden and violent storms that could emerge in this region, often caused by winds descending from the surrounding mountains.

The Apostle Luke, the presumed author, was known for his attention to detail and likely included this account to show a relatable human experience of Jesus and to present a lesson about faith in God amidst trials and tribulations.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse has been seen as a representation of Jesus' domain over all creation, including the natural elements.

The fact that Jesus slept during the storm could be interpreted in different ways.

In one theological view, it might symbolize His divine peace and assurance.

Another angle could be that it serves as a test or a faith-building opportunity for the disciples.

Calvinist interpretations might focus on God's sovereignty, Arminian views on human response and cooperation with divine provision, and existential readings might discuss the encounter with fear and the choice of faith.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Luke 8:23 can be applied to modern life in several ways.

This verse encourages believers to have faith in God during life's metaphorical storms.

It suggests that while Jesus may not immediately calm every difficult situation, He still has power and control over the circumstances. In moments of fear or doubt, individuals can find solace in knowing that Jesus is with them, even if He seems 'asleep' or unresponsive.

The verse also calls believers to come to Jesus in prayer during times of need, rather than giving in to panic.

Cross-References

Mark 4:37-39: "And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.

And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

Matthew 8:24-26: "And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

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

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to analyze include:

"εκοιμήθη" (ekoimēthē), translated "he fell asleep," which is a passive verb indicating that Jesus went to sleep or was sleeping.
"λαῖλαψ" (lailaps), translated as "storm," specifically refers to a whirlwind or a tempestuous wind.
"πληροῦσθαι" (plērousthai), meaning "were filled," conveys the idea that the boat was being filled to the point of being overwhelmed by the water.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of Jesus calming the storm bears similarities to other ancient myths where deities demonstrate power over natural elements.

For example, in Greek mythology, Poseidon could stir or calm the seas.

In the Hebrew Bible, God's power over creation is demonstrated in stories like the parting of the Red Sea in the Book of Exodus.

Such comparisons highlight the common human quest to find solace in the belief of a higher power controlling the seemingly uncontrollable forces of nature.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of meteorology explain the formation of sudden storms, especially those on the Sea of Galilee, as natural phenomena.

Temperature differences between the sea and surrounding regions can create instability in the atmosphere, leading to storms.

Such knowledge aligns with the biblical account, showing how natural occurrences were observed and described within the context and understanding of the times.

The verse does not conflict with scientific perspectives but rather complements them by introducing a theological dimension to natural events.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of Luke 8:23.

Some, like Matthew Henry, emphasize the humanity of Jesus in needing sleep and the miracle that follows when Jesus calms the storm upon waking.

Other commentators focus on the disciples' lack of faith or understanding of Jesus' divine capabilities.

John Calvin comments on God's power to sometimes allow His people to be in danger for the purpose of exercising their faith.

Modern commentaries may also look at the psychological aspects of fear and faith depicted in the disciples' reactions to the storm.

Luke 8

Luke 8

What does Luke 8:23 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 8:23 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?