8:24a

The storm probably occurred while Jesus and the disciples were far from shore. In some languages, the danger will be made clearer by including some implied information. For example:

⌊When they were far from shore, then⌋
-or-

⌊In the middle of crossing the lake,⌋
-or-

⌊While crossing the lake⌋

Suddenly: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Suddenly indicates that something extraordinary is going to happen. Here, it is a storm that is unexpected.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

And behold (English Standard Version)
-or-
Unexpectedly
-or-
Without warning (New International Version)

a violent storm: In this context, the Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as a violent storm refers to a storm with very strong winds. This storm quickly blew the water into big waves.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

a severe storm (God’s Word)
-or-
a big/strong wind

came up: The expression came up is a figurative way of saying that the storm began.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

came/arrived
-or-
blew
-or-
occurred/happened

on the sea: The phrase on the sea refers to lake Galilee.

8:24b

so that: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that introduces a result of 8:24a. The storm was so great that, as a result, waves were entering the boat.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

with the result that
-or-
and so

In some languages, it is more natural to leave this conjunction untranslated. See the examples below.

the boat was engulfed by the waves: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as was engulfed means “covered.” Here, this phrase indicates that the waves were higher than the boat. The waves were coming over the top of the boat and filling it with water.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

The waves were covering the boat (God’s Word)
-or-
and waves started splashing into their boat (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
and the boat was in danger of sinking (Good News Translation)

8:24c

but: It is surprising and unexpected that Jesus was sleeping in the boat during the furious storm. The Berean Standard Bible indicates this unexpected event with the conjunction but.

Here are some other ways to indicate that the following event is unexpected:

Yet (God’s Word)

-or-

However

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