Keraia
Matthew 8

Matthew 8:26

Jesus Calms the Storm · Matthew 8:23–27
Read Matthew 8

Translations

Modern
“You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And He says to them, “Why are you cowardly, O little of faith?” Then, having arisen, He rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Latin
Et dicit eis Jesus: Quid timidi estis, modicæ fidei? Tunc surgens imperavit ventis, et mari, et facta est tranquillitas magna.

Original

Greek
English
“You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm.

Notes

Matthew 8:23–27

This story continues the theme of true discipleship. In the storm, the disciples had to trust Jesus with their very lives for safety and rescue. Jesus showed that he even has authority over dangerous weather and the sea (see Job 38:8–11; Psalms 29; 65:1–13; 89:9; 107:23–32).

Matthew 8:1–9:34

Here, the kingdom of God appears with supernatural power (see Matthew 4:23–25; 11:2–6). It reaches people who were previously excluded from God's blessings. This included:

  • non-Jewish people,

  • lepers,

  • blind people,

  • sick women,

  • people possessed by demons,

  • tax collectors,

  • those with long-term bleeding, and

  • the dead.

Jesus showed compassion to people in need. But the religious leaders reacted with anger and opposition. Jesus called his followers to respond with faith and to walk in discipleship (living as his learners and followers).

Theme notes and profiles

Little Faith

Events

Parallels

Psalm 107:1–43 Mark 4:35–41 Luke 8:22–25

Glossary

Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Jesus Christ John the Baptist Miracle Sea of Galilee

Topics

Apostles: Fail to Comprehend the Nature and Mission of Jesus Being Afraid Chiding: Jesus Chides his Disciples: On Account of Their Unbelief Cowardice: During the Storm at Sea Doubting: Exemplified Doubting: General Scriptures Concerning Faith: Trial of in the Tempest at Sea Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Miracles of Jesus On Jesus, the Christ: Crosses Lake Galilee and Quiets the Squall Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of Quiets the Squall on Lake Galilee Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: General Scriptures Concerning Miracles of Jesus, in Chronological Order: Stills the Storm Sea: Lake Galilee Calmed by Jesus Storms The Miracles of Christ: Tempest Stilled The Wind: God: Assuages The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Calmed by Christ Trouble: During the Squall, when Jesus Was Asleep in the Boat