Matthew 8:23
New International Version
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.

New Living Translation
Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples.

English Standard Version
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.

Berean Standard Bible
When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

Berean Literal Bible
And He having entered into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

King James Bible
And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

New King James Version
Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.

New American Standard Bible
When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

NASB 1995
When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

NASB 1977
And when He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And when He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

Amplified Bible
When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

Christian Standard Bible
As he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

American Standard Version
And when he was entered into a boat, his disciples followed him.

Contemporary English Version
After Jesus left in a boat with his disciples,

English Revised Version
And when he was entered into a boat, his disciples followed him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus' disciples went with him as he left in a boat.

Good News Translation
Jesus got into a boat, and his disciples went with him.

International Standard Version
When Jesus got into the boat, his disciples went with him.

NET Bible
As he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.

New Heart English Bible
And when he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had entered into a boat, his disciples followed him.

Weymouth New Testament
Then He went on board a fishing-boat, and His disciples followed Him.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

World English Bible
When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And when He entered into the boat His disciples followed Him,

Berean Literal Bible
And He having entered into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

Young's Literal Translation
And when he entered into the boat his disciples did follow him,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he having gone into a ship, his disciples followed him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he entered into the boat, his disciples followed him:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And climbing into a boat, his disciples followed him.

New American Bible
He got into a boat and his disciples followed him.

New Revised Standard Version
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when Jesus went up into the boat, his disciples went with him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when Yeshua came up into the ship, his disciples came up with him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when he had entered the ship, his disciples followed him.

Godbey New Testament
And His disciples followed Him, having come into the ship.

Haweis New Testament
And going on board a vessel, his disciples followed him.

Mace New Testament
When he went aboard the vessel, his disciples followed him.

Weymouth New Testament
Then He went on board a fishing-boat, and His disciples followed Him.

Worrell New Testament
And His disciples followed Him, as He entered into a boat.

Worsley New Testament
And when He was entered into the ship, his disciples followed Him:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Calms the Storm
22But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” 23When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. 24Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping.…

Cross References
Mark 4:35-41
When that evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side.” / After they had dismissed the crowd, they took Jesus with them, since He was already in the boat. And there were other boats with Him. / Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. ...

Luke 8:22-25
One day Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So He got into a boat with them and set out. / As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. ...

Jonah 1:4-16
Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart. / The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. / The captain approached him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call upon your God. Perhaps this God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” ...

Psalm 107:23-30
Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. / They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. / For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. ...

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Psalm 65:5-7
With awesome deeds of righteousness You answer us, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. / You formed the mountains by Your power, having girded Yourself with might. / You stilled the roaring of the seas, the pounding of their waves, and the tumult of the nations.

Psalm 89:8-9
O LORD God of Hosts, who is like You? O mighty LORD, Your faithfulness surrounds You. / You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them.

Job 38:8-11
Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, / when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, / when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, ...

Nahum 1:4
He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts.

Exodus 14:21-22
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.

Acts 27:13-44
When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had their opportunity. So they weighed anchor and sailed along, hugging the coast of Crete. / But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. / Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along. ...

John 6:16-21
When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, / got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them. / A strong wind was blowing, and the sea grew agitated. ...

Psalm 46:1-3
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, / though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah

Isaiah 51:10
Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over?

Psalm 93:3-4
The floodwaters have risen, O LORD; the rivers have raised their voice; the seas lift up their pounding waves. / Above the roar of many waters—the mighty breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is majestic.


Treasury of Scripture

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

Matthew 9:1
And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

Mark 4:36
And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

Luke 7:22
Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Jump to Previous
Board Boat Disciples Entered Follow Followed Ship
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Board Boat Disciples Entered Follow Followed Ship
Matthew 8
1. Jesus cleanses the leper;
5. heals the centurion's servant,
14. Peter's mother in law,
16. and many others;
18. shows the cost of following him;
23. stills the storm on the sea;
28. drives the demons out of two men possessed;
31. and tells them to go into the pigs.














When He got into the boat
This phrase indicates a deliberate action by Jesus, showing His intention to cross the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret or the Sea of Tiberias, is a freshwater lake in Israel. It is significant in Jesus' ministry, as many of His miracles and teachings occurred around this area. The act of getting into the boat symbolizes Jesus' readiness to lead His disciples into new experiences and challenges, often used as a metaphor for embarking on a spiritual journey.

His disciples followed Him
The disciples' decision to follow Jesus into the boat demonstrates their commitment and trust in Him. This act of following is a recurring theme in the Gospels, emphasizing discipleship and obedience. In the cultural context of the time, a disciple was expected to follow their teacher closely, learning from their actions and teachings. This phrase also foreshadows the upcoming storm, highlighting the disciples' reliance on Jesus in times of uncertainty and danger. It reflects the call to Christians to follow Christ, trusting in His guidance and protection, as seen in other scriptures such as Matthew 16:24, where Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the one who initiates the journey by getting into the boat. His actions and presence are pivotal to the unfolding events.

2. Disciples
These are the followers of Jesus who accompany Him into the boat. Their decision to follow Jesus is an act of obedience and trust.

3. The Boat
The setting for the upcoming events, the boat represents a place of transition and testing for the disciples.

4. The Sea of Galilee
While not mentioned explicitly in this verse, the Sea of Galilee is the body of water where this event takes place. It is known for sudden storms, which sets the stage for the subsequent account.

5. The Event
This verse sets the stage for the miracle of Jesus calming the storm, highlighting the disciples' journey with Jesus and their faith being tested.
Teaching Points
Following Jesus Requires Trust
The disciples' decision to follow Jesus into the boat is an act of trust. In our lives, following Jesus may lead us into uncertain or challenging situations, but we are called to trust in His presence and guidance.

Jesus' Presence in Our Storms
Just as Jesus was with the disciples in the boat, He is with us in the storms of life. We can find peace and assurance in His presence, knowing that He has authority over all circumstances.

Faith Over Fear
The upcoming storm tests the disciples' faith. In our own lives, we are often faced with situations that challenge our faith. We must choose to focus on Jesus and His power rather than our fears.

Obedience Leads to Growth
By following Jesus into the boat, the disciples positioned themselves for a deeper understanding of His power and character. Our obedience to Christ can lead to spiritual growth and a greater revelation of who He is.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Matthew 8:23?

2. How does Matthew 8:23 demonstrate Jesus' authority over nature and creation?

3. What can we learn from the disciples' reaction to the storm in Matthew 8:23?

4. How does Matthew 8:23 connect to Psalm 107:29 about calming the storm?

5. How can we apply Jesus' calming presence in our personal storms today?

6. What steps can we take to strengthen our faith during life's turbulent times?

7. How does Matthew 8:23 demonstrate Jesus' authority over nature?

8. What does Matthew 8:23 reveal about the disciples' faith?

9. How does the calming of the storm in Matthew 8:23 relate to personal struggles?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 8?

11. In Matthew 8:23–27, how could a man rebuke a storm and instantly calm the wind and waves, defying known meteorological laws?

12. How does Jesus calm the storm in the Bible?

13. Can Satan control the weather?

14. Who will save His people from their sins?
What Does Matthew 8:23 Mean
When He got into the boat

• Matthew records, “When He got into the boat” (Matthew 8:23), a deliberate movement by Jesus. Earlier that day He had taught and healed crowds (Matthew 8:1–17), then instructed would-be followers about the cost of discipleship (Matthew 8:18–22). Now He steps into a vessel, signaling a shift from ministry on shore to ministry amid the sea.

Mark 4:35 notes Jesus’ specific directive: “Let us cross to the other side.” His initiative underscores His authority over the journey, the elements, and the lesson that waits in the storm (Mark 4:37–41).

Luke 8:22 echoes the same moment, adding that Jesus Himself said, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” This reinforces that the trip is not incidental; it is a divine appointment.

• The boat becomes a mobile classroom. Just as Noah’s ark carried a remnant through judgment (Genesis 7:1), and Moses’ basket bore him through danger (Exodus 2:3), this humble craft will carry Christ and His disciples through a tempest to reveal His majesty.

• In stepping aboard, Jesus demonstrates:

– Sovereign foresight: He knows the storm is coming yet enters willingly (John 13:19).

– Continual outreach: Crossing the lake will bring Him to the Gentile region of the Gadarenes (Matthew 8:28), showing His mission extends beyond Israel (Isaiah 42:6).

– Peace in preparation: Before chaos erupts, He models calm confidence, soon falling asleep (Mark 4:38), illustrating Psalm 4:8, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”


His disciples followed Him

• Matthew simply states, “His disciples followed Him” (Matthew 8:23). Their immediate obedience demonstrates genuine discipleship (John 10:27).

• Earlier, one prospective follower asked to bury his father first and was told, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:22). The twelve now illustrate the right response—no delay, no conditions.

• They follow into uncertainty. The Sea of Galilee is notorious for sudden storms, yet trust in Jesus overrides natural caution (Proverbs 3:5–6).

• Following Christ often leads straight into trials that reveal His glory:

– Israel followed the cloud into the desert and met the Red Sea, only to watch God part the waters (Exodus 14:19–22).

– Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego followed God into a furnace and saw Him walk with them (Daniel 3:25).

• Their presence in the boat ensures eyewitness testimony when Jesus stills the storm (Matthew 8:26). Faith grows by seeing His works (John 2:11), and later they will proclaim, “Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” (Matthew 8:27).

• The moment also teaches communal trust. They embark together, illustrating Hebrews 10:24–25—believers strengthen one another as they follow Christ through trials.


summary

Matthew 8:23 shows Jesus intentionally boarding the boat and His disciples immediately joining Him. His deliberate action sets the stage for a revelation of divine power; their prompt obedience models true discipleship. Together these twin movements invite believers today to trust Christ’s leadership—even when it carries us into storms—confident that every journey He initiates serves His redemptive purposes and displays His sovereign care.

(23) The two narratives that follow are brought together in all three Gospels; but St. Mark and St. Luke place them, as we have seen, after the parables which St. Matthew gives in chapter 13

Entered into a ship.--The better MSS. give, as often elsewhere, "the ship," or boat--i.e., one which, belonging possibly to Peter or the sons of Zebedee, was always ready at their Master's service. St. Mark adds that "they took Him, even as He was, in the boat," the words indicating apparently extreme exhaustion from the fatigue of teaching. This, we learn, was followed by immediate sleep as He lay in the stern on the boat's cushion as a pillow.

Verses 23-27. - The storm on the lake. Parallel passages: Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25. Matthew, as usual, is both shorter and less precise. Nosgen and others see in this an "undesigned coincidence" with his still being at "the receipt of custom" (Matthew 9:9). Verse 23. - And when he was entered into a ship (Revised Version, boat), his disciples followed him. Did St. Matthew see in the very order of embarking a symbol of the Christian life? It may be so, but a more probable reason for mentioning the order is that our Lord was, perhaps, on this occasion not using a beat that belonged to any of the disciples. Passage may have been given to him at his request, and of course the disciples went where he went.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[When]
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

He
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

got into
ἐμβάντι (embanti)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1684: To step in; I go onboard a ship, embark. From en and the base of basis; to walk on, i.e. Embark, reach.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

boat,
πλοῖον (ploion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4143: A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

disciples
μαθηταὶ (mathētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

followed
ἠκολούθησαν (ēkolouthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 190: To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.

Him.
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 8:23 When he got into a boat his (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 8:22
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