Matthew 14:31 Meaning and Explanation
“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus instantly catches the sinking Peter and gently questions his doubt.
What Does Matthew 14:31 Mean?
Without delay Jesus reaches out His hand and takes hold of the sinking man. Then, holding him fast, He asks why one of so little faith allowed doubt to creep in. The rescue comes first; the question comes only once Peter is safe in His grip.
The Lord caught Peter before He corrected him. His reach was immediate, His grasp sure, His rebuke gentle and instructive rather than crushing. So Christ deals with our faltering faith: He does not let us drown for our doubt, but lifts us and teaches us in the same motion. The hand that saves is the same hand that lovingly calls us higher.
Matthew 14:31 in the Original Language
oligopistos (ὀλιγόπιστος), 'of little faith' -- having small or wavering trust, not no faith at all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 14:31
What does Matthew 14:31 mean?
Jesus instantly catches the sinking Peter and gently questions his doubt.