New Testament

Matthew 14:31

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, we see a moment of crisis for Peter, one of Jesus' disciples.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

Instantly, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You have so little faith," he said. "Why did you doubt?"

KJVKing James Version

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a moment of crisis for Peter, one of Jesus' disciples. He had stepped out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus but began to sink when he became afraid. Jesus immediately reached out to save him, showing His readiness to help in times of trouble. Jesus' words, "You have so little faith," highlight the importance of trust in Him. Doubt can lead us to falter, just as it did for Peter. This interaction emphasizes that even when we struggle with faith, Jesus is there to catch us and support us. It serves as a reminder that our faith may waver, but Jesus' love and assistance are constant. The question, "Why did you doubt?" encourages us to reflect on our own moments of uncertainty and to strengthen our trust in God, especially when facing challenges.

Key themes

How to apply Matthew 14:31 to your life

When facing challenges, remember that doubt can weaken your faith. Instead of focusing on fears, look to Jesus for strength and support. Trust that He is always ready to help you through difficult times, just as He did for Peter.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 14:31 mean?

Matthew 14:31 describes a moment when Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, begins to sink while walking on water because of his fear. Jesus reaches out to save him and questions Peter's doubt, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in Him.

What is the meaning of 'little faith' in Matthew 14:31?

In Matthew 14:31, 'little faith' refers to Peter's momentary lack of trust in Jesus while facing a challenging situation. It highlights how doubt can hinder our ability to rely on God's power and support.

How does Matthew 14:31 relate to trust in God?

Matthew 14:31 shows that trust in God is essential, especially during difficult times. Jesus' response to Peter's doubt serves as a reminder that even when our faith wavers, we can rely on Jesus for support and help.

What can we learn from Matthew 14:31?

From Matthew 14:31, we learn that doubt can weaken our faith, but Jesus is always there to catch us when we falter. It encourages us to focus on Jesus for strength and to trust Him during life's challenges.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

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