Matthew 8:18-27 · Bible study
Matthew 8:18-27 Commentary: Discipleship Cost & Christ's Authority
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why Jesus withdraws from crowds, what he demands of followers, and how his calm reveals divine power. A study of cost, faith, and authority.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Jesus withdraws from the crowd to teach the cost of discipleship and then reveals his authority over creation.
- Key words: Son of Man, little faith (ὀλιγόπιστος), rebuke (ἐπιτιμάω), obey (ὑπακούω).
- Main debate: Does “let the dead bury their dead” forbid all family burial or prioritize the kingdom? Also, what exactly constitutes “little faith”?
- Theological theme: Christology, Jesus as the one who shares God's authority over nature and demands supreme loyalty.
- Best use: Preaching on the cost of discipleship, faith in crisis, and the identity of Jesus.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
18When Jesus saw a large crowd around Him, He gave orders to cross to the other side of the sea.
19And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”
20Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”
21Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
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.
25The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
26“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.
27The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!”
WEB World English Bible 2000
18Now when Jesus saw great multitudes around him, he gave the order to depart to the other side.
19A scribe came and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
20Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
21Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.”
22But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”
23When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
24Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.
25The disciples came to him and woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We are dying!”
26He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.
27The men marveled, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
KJV King James Version 1769
18Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
19And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
20And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
21And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
22But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
23And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
24And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
25And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
26And 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.
27But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
ASV American Standard Version 1901
18Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
19And there came a scribe, and said unto him, Teacher, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
20And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
21And another of the disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
22But Jesus saith unto him, Follow me; and leave the dead to bury their own dead.
23And when he was entered into a boat, his disciples followed him.
24And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
25And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Save, Lord; we perish.
26And 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.
27And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
18And Jesus having seen great multitudes about him, did command to depart to the other side;
19and a certain scribe having come, said to him, `Teacher, I will follow thee wherever thou mayest go;'
20and Jesus saith to him, `The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven places of rest, but the Son of Man hath not where he may lay the head.'
21And another of his disciples said to him, `Sir, permit me first to depart and to bury my father;'
22and Jesus said to him, `Follow me, and suffer the dead to bury their own dead.'
23And when he entered into the boat his disciples did follow him,
24and lo, a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves, but he was sleeping,
25and his disciples having come to him, awoke him, saying, `Sir, save us; we are perishing.'
26And he saith to them, `Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?' Then having risen, he rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm;
27and the men wondered, saying, `What kind--is this, that even the wind and the sea do obey him?'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
18And Jesus, seeing great crowds around him, commanded to depart to the other side.
19And a scribe came up and said to him, Teacher, I will follow thee whithersoever thou mayest go.
20And Jesus says to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven roosting-places; but the Son of man has not where he may lay his head.
21But another of his disciples said to him, Lord, suffer me first to go away and bury my father.
22But Jesus said to him, Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.
23And he went on board ship and his disciples followed him;
24and behold, [the water] became very agitated on the sea, so that the ship was covered by the waves; but he slept.
25And the disciples came and awoke him, saying, Lord save: we perish.
26And he says to them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then, having arisen, he rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
27But the men were astonished, saying, What sort [of man] is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
18And Jesus seeing great multitudes about him, gave orders to pass over the water.
19And a certain scribe came and said to him: Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou shalt go.
20And Jesus saith to him: The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
21And another of his disciples said to him: Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
22But Jesus said to him: Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.
23And when he entered into the boat, his disciples followed him:
24And behold a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves, but he was asleep.
25And they came to him, and awaked him, saying: Lord, save us, we perish.
26And Jesus saith to them: Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith? Then rising up, he commanded the winds, and the sea, and there came a great calm.
27But the men wondered, saying: What manner of man is this, for the winds and the sea obey him?
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · Matthew 8:18
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Matthew 8:18-27 presents two connected lessons: the cost of following Jesus and the revelation of his divine authority. Jesus' command to cross to “the other side” (v.18) is not flight but a purposeful withdrawal from the crowds. Barnes observes that the scribe was likely attracted by worldly advantage; Jesus' reply about foxes and nests (v.20) corrects any expectation of comfort. Calvin notes that the disciple asking to bury his father was hindered by an “opposite fault”, excessive attachment to family. Jesus' response (“let the dead bury their dead,” v.22) uses “dead” in two senses: those spiritually dead can handle burial; the living must follow. The storm (v.24) is called a σεισμός (seismos), meaning “shaking,” as Vincent observes, pointing to sudden violence. Jesus rebukes the disciples for “little faith” (ὀλιγόπιστος) before rebuking wind and sea. The disciples' question, “What kind of man is this?” (v.27), directs readers toward the Christian confession that Jesus shares the Creator's authority.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Discipleship warning view: The primary point is to test the cost of following Jesus (vv.18-22) and to teach faith in crisis (vv.23-27).
- Christological revelation view: The primary point is to display Jesus' divine identity through his authority over creation (v.27), with the discipleship sayings as necessary preparation.
- Faith crisis view: The storm story focuses on the struggle between fear and faith (v.26), using the disciples as a model of imperfect trust.
What is clear: Jesus holds authority over creation and demands that following him take priority over all other commitments.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| "Let the dead bury their dead" | Commentators agree the saying uses "dead" in two senses: physically dead and spiritually dead. It highlights the urgency of following Jesus. | Some read it as a literal command not to attend burial at all; others understand it as a hyperbolic way of saying the kingdom takes priority over even the most sacred family duty. |
| The origin of the storm | All agree the storm was a real, violent event that endangered the boat. | Clarke suggests it may have been stirred by Satan to prevent the mission. Others see it as a natural phenomenon that Jesus uses for revelation. |
| Meaning of "little faith" (ὀλιγόπιστος) | The term is a gentle but real rebuke. The disciples believed enough to cry out but not enough to remain calm. | Some stress the failure to remember Jesus' prior power; others emphasize the human weakness that even believers experience in crisis. |
| Did Jesus rebuke the disciples before the storm? | Matthew reports the rebuke before the calming; Mark and Luke reverse the order. All three affirm both events happened. | Some harmonizers argue Matthew writes thematically; others see chronological differences as minor. The theological point, Jesus addresses fear and then the storm, stands in all accounts. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The Sea of Galilee sits 680 feet below sea level, ringed by mountains that funnel cold winds into the basin. Dr. Thomson, quoted by Vincent, describes sudden squalls that can turn a placid lake into a deadly storm. This geography explains the “great tempest” (σεισμός) that terrifies even seasoned fishermen. Jesus and his disciples cross from Capernaum, at the northwest corner, to the eastern shore, the region of the Gergesenes (Clarke). That territory was largely Gentile, a hint that Jesus' mission extends beyond ethnic Israel.
The scribe who approaches (v.19) belongs to a class of legal experts. Few scribes attached themselves to Jesus, as Clarke notes, so this encounter is striking. The second man's request to bury his father refers to a primary religious duty in Judaism. Burial was a sacred obligation, usually performed the same day. Jesus' radical demand puts the kingdom above the most binding family duty, a stunning reversal for his hearers.
The boat is a typical fishing vessel, small and open. Matthew underscores that “his disciples followed him” (v.23), using the same verb (ἀκολουθέω) that defines discipleship. The surrounding context (chapters 8, 9) shows Jesus healing, casting out demons, and calling followers. This passage forms a hinge: from public ministry to private revelation, from teaching crowds to testing and comforting his own.
Textual Notes
The supplied commentaries note one significant variant. Clarke observes that in verse 25, the word “his” (αὐτοῦ) before “disciples” is omitted by the best manuscripts and by Bengel, Wetstein, and Griesbach. This variant does not affect the meaning. No other textual variants of consequence are indicated in the consulted sources.
Reception History
From the early church to the Reformation, Matthew 8:18-27 served as a key text for both Christology and discipleship. The storm miracle was cited by church fathers such as Athanasius as evidence of Christ's divine lordship over creation, a central argument against Arianism. The sayings on counting cost and leaving the dead were applied in monastic contexts as calls to radical abandonment and later by Reformers like Calvin as a reminder that the kingdom takes precedence over all earthly ties. The phrase “of little faith” became a standard pastoral warning against fear. Across traditions, this passage has been sung in hymns (e.g. “Peace, be still” by Mary Ann Baker) and read in lectionaries for Epiphany, when Jesus' divine power is manifested. The combination of cost and calm has made it a favourite for both teaching and comfort.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The cost: Jesus corrects superficial enthusiasm (vv.18, 22). The scribe's pledge is sincere but naive; Jesus directs him to count the cost. The disciple's request is understandable but misplaced; Jesus demands priority over family.
- The crisis: The storm exposes the disciples' fear (vv.23, 26). Having seen healings and exorcisms, the threat of death reveals their “little faith.” Jesus rebukes fear before calming nature.
- The revelation: The stilling of the storm answers the question, “What kind of man is this?” (v.27). Jesus exercises authority over creation, pointing to his divine identity.
Five-point outline
- Jesus withdraws from the crowd (v.18), not to avoid mission but to direct it.
- Jesus tests the would-be follower (vv.19, 20), discipleship means sharing his homeless life.
- Jesus reorders family loyalty (vv.21, 22), the kingdom takes precedence over even sacred duty.
- Jesus sleeps through the storm (vv.23, 24), his peace is not denial of danger but trust in the Father.
- Jesus rebukes fear and wind (vv.25, 27), the same verb (ἐπιτιμάω) is used for both; the same authority addresses both.
Illustration hooks
- A person who volunteers for a high-cost mission trip without thinking about the daily grind of service, enthusiasm meets reality.
- An urgent family obligation that conflicts with a commitment to faith, which call do we answer first?
- A sudden, life-threatening situation, a car accident, a medical diagnosis, that overwhelms even experienced believers.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does following Jesus mean I have to give up security and comfort?
- How do I balance family responsibilities with the demands of discipleship?
- Why does God sometimes seem asleep when I am in crisis?
Leading a Discussion
This passage brings together two stories that Matthew sets side by side: the cost of following Jesus and the power of Jesus in a storm. Both ask the same question: who is this man, and what does it mean to follow him? The first warns against misplaced priorities; the second shows what happens when those priorities are tested.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think Jesus commands to cross to “the other side” right after seeing the crowds? What might he be avoiding or seeking?
- Read verses 19, 20. The scribe calls Jesus “Teacher” and promises to follow anywhere. What does Jesus' reply reveal about the scribe's expectations? Have you ever made a commitment to follow without counting the cost?
- Verse 21: another disciple asks to bury his father first. Why does Jesus deny this request, when burying parents was considered a sacred duty? What does this say about the priority of the kingdom?
- What does it mean that Jesus sleeps through the storm (v.24)? Was he unaware, or did he choose to rest? How does his calm challenge you in your own “storms”?
- Jesus calls the disciples “of little faith” (v.26) even though they came to him for help. What is the difference between faith that cries out and faith that remains calm? Can both be present?
- Jesus rebukes the wind and sea, the same Greek verb (ἐπιτιμάω) he used to rebuke demons. What does this tell you about the scope of his authority? How does it affect your trust in him today?
- The disciples end by marveling, “What kind of man is this?” (v.27). How does this passage move you toward a deeper answer to that question?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Matthew 8:1 | When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. |
| Matthew 14:22 | Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. |
| Mark 1:35 | Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there. |
| Mark 1:38 | He said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.” |
| Mark 4:35 | On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.” |
| Mark 5:21 | When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the sea. |
| Mark 6:45 | Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away. |
| Mark 8:13 | He left them, and again entering into the boat, departed to the other side. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
4 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentator observes that Jesus tailors His challenge to each person's character, showing the eager volunteer the hardships ahead and demanding complete self-renunciation from the half-hearted. The saying about letting the dead bury their own dead marks the extreme height of self-abandonment Christ requires, even renouncing the most sacred filial duties.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB reads the scribe's eager offer as a surge of emotion rather than settled conviction. Jesus' reply about foxes and birds strips away romantic notions: following Him means homelessness and hardship, and only those who count the cost should commit.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent observes that the word translated "nests" actually means shelters or lodging-places, a broader term than nests, since a bird's nest is only a seasonal dwelling, not a permanent home like a fox's hole. He also notes that "tempest" translates a word meaning shaking, used here for a sudden, violent storm, which geography of the lake helps explain.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley draws a sequence: Jesus sought rest for himself and the disciples, then used the title "Son of man" to emphasize his humble condition, warning not to follow for worldly gain. When one said "first let me bury my father," Jesus replied that earthly duties must yield to God's call. In the storm, man’s extremity becomes God’s opportunity, and Jesus first calms their spirits, then the sea.