New Testament
Matthew 14:31
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Instantly, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You have so little faith," he said. "Why did you doubt?"
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And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
What Matthew 14:31 means
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.
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.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Walking on the Water (Matthew 14:22–33)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
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.
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