New Testament
Matthew 8:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He said to them, "Why are you so afraid, you of little faith?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
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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.
What Matthew 8:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus addresses his disciples during a storm on the sea. They are terrified, fearing for their lives, and he questions their fear, pointing out their lack of faith. This moment highlights the contrast between human anxiety and divine power. After rebuking the winds and the sea, Jesus brings about a miraculous calm, demonstrating his authority over nature. The disciples are left in awe, realizing that even the elements obey him. This story serves as a reminder that faith in Jesus can provide peace in the midst of life's storms, both literal and metaphorical. It encourages believers to trust in God's presence and power, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Jesus' response to their fear emphasizes the importance of faith, suggesting that trust in him can alleviate anxiety and lead to peace.
How to apply Matthew 8:26 to your life
When facing difficult situations, remember that fear can cloud our judgment and faith. Instead of succumbing to anxiety, we should turn to Jesus, who has the power to calm our storms. Trusting in him can bring peace and reassurance in challenging times.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Calming the Storm (Matthew 8:23–27)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
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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 8:26 mean?
Matthew 8:26 shows Jesus questioning his disciples' fear during a storm, highlighting their lack of faith. He then calms the storm, demonstrating his authority over nature and encouraging believers to trust in him for peace in difficult times.
What is the meaning of 'little faith' in Matthew 8:26?
In Matthew 8:26, 'little faith' refers to the disciples' inability to trust Jesus fully despite witnessing his miracles. It emphasizes the importance of having faith in Jesus, especially during challenging situations.
How does Matthew 8:26 relate to fear and faith?
Matthew 8:26 illustrates the struggle between fear and faith, as the disciples are terrified in a storm. Jesus' response encourages believers to overcome fear through faith in his power and presence.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 8:26?
The lesson from Matthew 8:26 is to trust in Jesus during life's storms. It teaches that faith can provide peace and reassurance, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
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