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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} immediately {G2112} Jesus {G2424} stretched forth {G1614} his hand {G5495}, and caught {G1949} him {G846}, and {G2532} said {G3004} unto him {G846}, O thou of little faith {G3640}, wherefore {G1519}{G5101} didst thou doubt {G1365}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua immediately stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "Such little trust! Why did you doubt?"

Berean Standard Bible

Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:31 vividly portrays the immediate and compassionate intervention of Jesus as Peter, overwhelmed by fear and doubt, began to sink while walking on water. This pivotal moment reveals the fragility of human faith when confronted with daunting circumstances, yet simultaneously magnifies the unwavering power and readiness of Christ to rescue His disciples, accompanied by a profound, gentle challenge concerning the nature and consequence of doubt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of a significant narrative sequence in [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/14 "Matthew 14 - Jesus Walks on Water"). It immediately follows Jesus' miraculous feeding of over five thousand people ([Matthew 14:15-21](/matthew/14-15-21 "Matthew 14:15-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), which demonstrated His divine authority over creation and provision. After this, Jesus sent His disciples ahead by boat across the Sea of Galilee while He went up a mountain to pray ([Matthew 14:22-23](/matthew/14-22-23 "Matthew 14:22-23 - Jesus Prays on the Mountain")). In the early hours of the morning, He came to them walking on the water, an act that initially terrified the disciples until Jesus identified Himself ([Matthew 14:24-27](/matthew/14-24-27 "Matthew 14:24-27 - Jesus Walks on Water")). Peter's bold request to join Jesus on the water ([Matthew 14:28](/matthew/14-28 "Matthew 14:28 - Peter's Request to Walk on Water")) and his subsequent initial success and then failure ([Matthew 14:29-30](/matthew/14-29-30 "Matthew 14:29-30 - Peter Walks and Sinks")) set the stage for Jesus' swift and saving action in [Matthew 14:31](/matthew/14-31 "Matthew 14:31 - Jesus Rescues Peter"). This event serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' sovereignty over nature and His intimate relationship with His struggling followers.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, a large freshwater lake, was notorious for sudden, violent storms due to its location below sea level and the surrounding hills creating wind tunnels. Fishermen, like many of Jesus' disciples, were intimately familiar with its unpredictable nature. In the ancient world, the sea often symbolized chaos and untamed power, a realm typically only God could control or walk upon ([Job 9:8](/job/9-8 "Job 9:8 - God Walks on the Waves") or [Psalm 77:19](/psalms/77-19 "Psalm 77:19 - God's Path Through the Sea")). Jesus walking on water, therefore, was not merely a miracle of power but a profound theological statement of His divine identity and authority, a clear demonstration of His mastery over the forces of nature that typically overwhelmed humanity. The disciples' initial fear, mistaking Him for a ghost, reflects common superstitions of the time, quickly dispelled by Jesus' comforting words, "It is I; be not afraid" ([Matthew 14:27](/matthew/14-27 "Matthew 14:27 - Jesus Calms Disciples' Fears")).

* **Key Themes:** This narrative powerfully underscores several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' absolute authority and divine power** over creation, demonstrated by His ability to walk on the tumultuous sea and instantly calm the storm ([Matthew 14:32](/matthew/14-32 "Matthew 14:32 - The Wind Ceased")). Secondly, it explores the **nature of faith and doubt**. Peter's initial faith was strong enough to step out onto the water, but his subsequent doubt, triggered by focusing on the overwhelming circumstances, caused him to sink. This illustrates that faith is not merely intellectual assent but active trust, requiring sustained focus on Christ. Jesus' gentle rebuke, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?", serves as a recurring motif in Matthew's Gospel, challenging the disciples' lack of full reliance on Him in various situations, such as worrying about provisions ([Matthew 6:30](/matthew/6-30 "Matthew 6:30 - Do Not Worry")) or fearing a storm ([Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Finally, the story emphasizes **Jesus' compassion and readiness to rescue**. Despite Peter's wavering, Jesus immediately stretched out His hand, demonstrating His unfailing grace and commitment to His disciples, even in their moments of weakness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **immediately (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb signifies a swift, direct, and instantaneous action. Its inclusion here underscores Jesus' prompt response to Peter's cry for help, highlighting His ever-present readiness to intervene for those who call upon Him in distress. There was no hesitation or delay on Jesus' part.
* **caught (Greek, _epilambánomai'_):** This verb, in the middle voice, means to seize or lay hold of, often with the implication of taking for help or rescue. It conveys a firm, decisive grasp, indicating Jesus' secure and effective rescue of Peter from the sinking water. It's an active, powerful act of salvation.
* **O thou of little faith (Greek, _oligópistos'_):** A compound word derived from _oligos_ (little, small) and _pistis_ (faith). This term does not imply a complete absence of faith, but rather a deficiency or inadequacy of faith, a faith that is insufficient to overcome the present circumstances. Jesus uses this term to pinpoint Peter's wavering trust, not to condemn him, but to instruct and encourage growth in steadfast reliance.
* **didst thou doubt (Greek, _distázō'_):** From _dis_ (twice) and _stazo_ (to stand), literally meaning "to stand in two ways" or "to waver." This word perfectly captures Peter's internal struggle and hesitation, his inability to maintain a singular, unwavering focus on Jesus. It describes a mind divided between belief and unbelief, trust and fear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand":** This clause emphasizes the swiftness and directness of Jesus' response. As soon as Peter cried out, Jesus acted without hesitation. The act of stretching forth His hand is a powerful gesture of help, rescue, and divine intervention, signaling His immediate presence and willingness to save.
* **"and caught him":** This phrase highlights the effectiveness and security of Jesus' rescue. Jesus didn't just offer help; He firmly grasped Peter, preventing him from sinking further. This physical act of catching symbolizes Jesus' spiritual readiness to "catch" us when we falter in faith, preventing us from being overwhelmed by our circumstances.
* **"and said unto him, ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?’":** This final part of the verse combines rescue with instruction. Jesus' words are a gentle, yet penetrating, rebuke. By calling Peter "O thou of little faith," Jesus identifies the root cause of his sinking: a wavering or insufficient trust. The question, "wherefore didst thou doubt?", challenges Peter to reflect on why his focus shifted from the all-powerful Savior to the intimidating circumstances, implying that doubt is a choice or a yielding to fear rather than a necessary outcome.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the turbulent sea representing the chaotic and overwhelming circumstances of life, and Peter's sinking symbolizing the spiritual peril of succumbing to fear and doubt. Jesus walking on water and extending His hand symbolizes His divine power over chaos and His role as the ultimate rescuer. There is a clear **Contrast** between Jesus' unwavering power and Peter's human frailty and fluctuating faith. The narrative also uses **Irony**, as Peter, who boldly stepped out in faith, is the one who ultimately falters, highlighting the unpredictable nature of human resolve. Finally, the entire episode functions as **Didacticism**, serving as a teaching moment not only for Peter but for all disciples, illustrating the critical importance of maintaining a steadfast gaze upon Christ amidst life's storms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:31 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that God is always present and ready to rescue His people, even when their distress is a direct result of their own wavering faith. It underscores the active, compassionate nature of Jesus, who does not wait for perfect faith but responds to the cry of a struggling heart. This event serves as a powerful reminder that while human faith can be fragile and susceptible to the pressures of the world, divine faithfulness is unwavering. Jesus' question, "wherefore didst thou doubt?", invites introspection into the sources of our own spiritual instability, challenging us to recognize that doubt often stems from a shift in focus from God's power to our circumstances. The narrative affirms that even in our moments of deepest fear and failure, Christ's hand is extended to lift us up, teach us, and restore our trust.

* [Matthew 6:30](/matthew/6-30 "Matthew 6:30 - Jesus on Worry and Little Faith"): Jesus uses "O ye of little faith" when addressing disciples' anxieties about material needs, linking insufficient faith to worry.
* [Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Calms the Storm and Rebukes Little Faith"): Jesus rebukes the disciples for their "little faith" when they fear drowning in a storm, similar to Peter's experience.
* [Psalm 18:16](/psalms/18-16 "Psalm 18:16 - God's Deliverance"): "He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters," a poetic description of God's saving hand, echoing Jesus' action.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Peter walking on water and then sinking offers timeless and deeply personal lessons for every believer. It challenges us to examine where our gaze is fixed amidst the "winds and waves" of life's challenges. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, confident in His power and presence, we can step out in faith and experience His miraculous enablement, even in seemingly impossible situations. However, when our focus shifts to the overwhelming circumstances, the fear, the uncertainty, or the sheer magnitude of the problem, doubt can creep in, causing us to falter and "sink." This story is a powerful reminder that our spiritual stability is directly tied to the object of our faith. When we find ourselves sinking, whether due to fear, anxiety, or spiritual exhaustion, the immediate and most crucial response is to cry out to Jesus, just as Peter did. His hand is always ready to stretch forth, not to condemn, but to rescue, restore, and gently guide us back to a place of trust. Our moments of doubt are not necessarily moments of failure but opportunities for deeper reliance on Christ and profound growth in our faith journey, learning to depend more fully on His unfailing strength rather than our own fluctuating resolve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "winds and waves" in your life currently threaten to shift your focus from Jesus and cause you to doubt?**
* **In what areas of your life do you recognize "little faith" (oligopistos), and how might you intentionally fix your eyes more firmly on Christ?**
* **When you find yourself "sinking" in doubt or fear, what is your immediate response? Do you cry out to Jesus, or do you try to save yourself?**
* **How does Jesus' immediate and compassionate response to Peter's cry encourage you in your own moments of weakness?**

### FAQ
**What does 'little faith' truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In [Matthew 14:31](/matthew/14-31 "Matthew 14:31 - Jesus Rescues Peter"), "little faith" (Greek: _oligópistos_) does not mean a complete absence of faith, but rather a faith that is insufficient or deficient in a particular moment. Peter *had* faith to step out of the boat and walk on water at Jesus' command. His faith was real, but it was not steadfast enough to overcome the overwhelming circumstances (the boisterous wind) once his focus shifted from Jesus to the storm. Jesus' use of this term, also seen in [Matthew 6:30](/matthew/6-30 "Matthew 6:30 - Do Not Worry") and [Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), is a gentle rebuke and an invitation to deeper, more consistent trust in His power and presence, even amidst daunting situations.

**Was Peter's doubt a failure, and how does Jesus respond to it?**

Answer: Peter's doubt, leading to his sinking, was indeed a momentary failure of trust, as indicated by Jesus' question, "wherefore didst thou doubt?" However, Jesus' response is not one of condemnation but of immediate rescue and gentle instruction. He "immediately stretched forth his hand, and caught him." This demonstrates Jesus' immense compassion and readiness to intervene for His disciples even when they falter. His question is a teaching moment, inviting Peter (and us) to reflect on the source of doubt and the importance of unwavering focus on Him. It highlights that while doubt can lead to negative consequences, it does not disqualify one from Jesus' saving grace and ongoing discipleship.

**How does this story relate to our own struggles with doubt and fear today?**

Answer: This story is profoundly relevant to our modern struggles. Like Peter, we are often called to step out in faith into challenging or uncertain circumstances. As long as our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we can navigate these "waters." However, when we allow the "winds and waves" of life—such as financial worries, health crises, relationship struggles, or societal pressures—to consume our attention, fear and doubt can cause us to "sink." [Matthew 14:31](/matthew/14-31 "Matthew 14:31 - Jesus Rescues Peter") reminds us that in those moments, our most effective response is to cry out to Jesus. He is always ready to stretch out His hand, rescue us from being overwhelmed, and gently guide us back to a place of trust, helping us grow in a faith that is more resilient to the storms of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:31, though a specific historical event, powerfully foreshadows and illuminates the broader Christ-centered reality of salvation. Jesus' immediate action of stretching forth His hand and catching Peter is a microcosm of His ultimate redemptive work. Just as Peter was sinking into the chaotic waters, humanity is sinking in the overwhelming sea of sin and its consequences, unable to save itself. Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrates His divine authority over all chaos and death, not merely by walking on water, but by offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His compassionate readiness to rescue Peter points to His enduring intercession for us, as He ever lives to make intercession for those who draw near to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest")). The gentle rebuke, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?", while addressed to Peter, resonates with the human condition, reminding us that our salvation is not dependent on the strength of our faith, but on the object of our faith—Jesus Christ, who is faithful even when we are faithless ([2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")). His powerful hand, stretched forth to save, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the cross, where He conquered sin and death, and in His ongoing presence as our High Priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Jesus Our Sympathetic High Priest")), always ready to uphold and sustain those who call upon His name.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 1:6

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

James 1:8

A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.

Psalms 138:7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Luke 22:31

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Genesis 22:14

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

Matthew 8:26

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.