Matthew 14 31

Matthew 14:31 kjv

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

Matthew 14:31 nkjv

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Matthew 14:31 niv

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

Matthew 14:31 esv

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Matthew 14:31 nlt

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"

Matthew 14 verses

Matthew 14 31 Meaning

This verse captures the immediate, compassionate, and corrective action of Jesus Christ. As Peter begins to sink due to his faltering faith and fear, Jesus instantly reaches out to save him from drowning. Concurrently with this physical rescue, Jesus poses a question that serves as a gentle yet pointed rebuke, highlighting Peter's lapse in faith which led to doubt amidst the extraordinary circumstance of walking on water. It demonstrates Jesus' active involvement in the lives of His followers, His swift grace in moments of failure, and His continuous call to unwavering trust in Him above all circumstances.

Matthew 14 31 Context

Matthew 14:31 occurs immediately after Peter attempts to walk on water towards Jesus during a severe storm on the Sea of Galilee. Following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, Jesus dismisses the crowds and sends His disciples across the sea while He goes up to pray alone. A storm arises, and the disciples struggle against strong winds and waves. In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus walks on the water to them. The disciples are terrified, thinking He is a ghost. Jesus identifies Himself, and Peter, in a burst of zealous faith, asks to walk to Jesus. Jesus bids him, "Come!" Peter steps out of the boat and walks on the water, but then he sees the strong wind and becomes frightened, beginning to sink. It is at this moment that Matthew 14:31 describes Jesus' immediate intervention, rescuing Peter while also addressing the spiritual root of his near-failure. The broader context highlights Jesus' divine authority over nature, His identity as the Son of God, and His patient instruction of His disciples in matters of faith, particularly amidst fear and challenging circumstances.

Matthew 14 31 Word analysis

• Immediately (Greek: eutheōs / euthys - εὐθέως / εὐθύς): This adverb emphasizes the swiftness and promptness of Jesus' action. There was no hesitation or delay on Jesus' part to extend help to Peter in distress. It speaks to Christ's immediate compassion and divine intervention.
• Jesus (Greek: Iēsous - Ἰησοῦς): The Name of the Son of God, signifying "Yahweh saves." It underscores His divine identity as the one capable and willing to rescue. He is the central figure, the source of Peter's initial ability and ultimate salvation from sinking.
• stretched out (Greek: ekteinō - ἐκτείνω) His hand: A common gesture in the Bible denoting a reaching out for help, healing, or an act of power (e.g., Jesus stretching out His hand to heal a leper, Mt 8:3). Here, it signifies a direct, active, and personal involvement in rescue. His hand, previously empowering Peter to walk on water, now physically supports him.
• caught (Greek: epilabomai - ἐπιλαβόμενος) him: Implies taking a firm, strong hold. Peter was sinking, losing his grip, but Jesus seized him securely. This term conveys effective rescue and secure grasp, preventing Peter from further descent and ultimately saving him.
• O you of little faith (Greek: oligopistos - ὀλιγόπιστε): A compound Greek word formed from oligos (small, little, few) and pistis (faith, trust). Jesus uses this term exclusively for His disciples, indicating not a total absence of faith, but rather a faith that is insufficient, underdeveloped, or easily overwhelmed. It is a pastoral and tender, rather than condemnatory, rebuke, recognizing that Peter did have enough faith to step out, but it faltered under pressure. It signals a need for growth and strengthening.
• why did you doubt? (Greek: eis ti edistasas? - εἰς τί ἐδίστασας?):
  • distazō (Greek: διστάζω): Means "to stand in two ways," "to be double-minded," "to waver" or "hesitate." It speaks of an internal conflict, a divided mind that shifts focus from the source of trust (Jesus) to the overwhelming circumstances (the wind and waves). It highlights that Peter's sinking was a consequence of his wavering focus, moving between trust in Christ's word and fear of the physical world. This question pinpoints the precise failure—a lack of resolute, singular focus on Jesus.

Words-group analysis:

• "Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him": This phrase encapsulates divine grace and mercy. Jesus' immediate physical intervention highlights His compassionate readiness to save even when His followers stumble. It portrays Christ as the swift, active deliverer, providing tangible rescue without delay. This swift action contrasts with Peter's sinking, emphasizing Jesus' unreserved availability and powerful help in times of desperate need.
• "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?": This is a concise, insightful spiritual diagnosis. Jesus doesn't primarily rebuke Peter for physically failing to walk on water, but for the underlying spiritual condition—the oligopistos that led to distazō. The connection is direct: inadequate or fluctuating faith is the precursor to crippling doubt. It signifies that doubt is often rooted not in the absence of faith, but in its insufficiency or misplaced focus. This correction encourages Peter (and all disciples) to examine the quality and object of their faith.

Matthew 14 31 Bonus section

The scene implies a crucial spiritual progression: initial faith leading to an extraordinary act (walking on water), then a shift of focus leading to fear, which then generates doubt, ultimately resulting in sinking (physical and metaphorical). Jesus addresses the root cause – the doubt stemming from the "little faith" – rather than simply the physical manifestation of sinking. This underscores that Christ primarily deals with the internal spiritual condition. Even a small amount of faith is enough to begin miraculous steps, but its sustainability depends on an undivided focus on Christ. Jesus' immediate outreach demonstrates His constant presence and readiness to restore even when disciples stumble; He is quick to save and to teach.

Matthew 14 31 Commentary

Matthew 14:31 profoundly illustrates the intertwined relationship between faith, doubt, and divine grace. Peter's walk on water begins as an extraordinary act of faith, affirming Jesus' authority and Peter's audacious trust. However, when Peter shifts his gaze from Christ to the raging storm, his faith, though real, proves "little" or wavering. The onset of fear gives birth to doubt, causing him to sink. This moment provides a universal lesson: faith's strength is tested not just by the object of faith but by the focus of the believer. Yet, even in Peter's failing, Jesus' immediate response is one of tender, rescuing grace. He does not let Peter drown but reaches out instantly. The question, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?", is a loving call to introspection, a gentle reminder that consistent reliance on Christ's power, rather than circumstances, is crucial for sustained faith. It is not a condemnation for failing, but an invitation to grow beyond "little faith" into unyielding trust, emphasizing that Christ's help is always present even when faith falters.