Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:31

What does Matthew 14:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:31 means

Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand, rescued Peter from sinking, and then gently rebuked him, asking, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" This shows Jesus' swift compassion and His immediate response to Peter's cry for help. His question highlights that Peter's doubt, rather than the challenging circumstances, was the cause of his faltering faith. It emphasizes the power of faith in overcoming seemingly impossible situations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And straight away Jesus put out his hand and took a grip of him, and said to him, O man of little faith, why were you in doubt?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And immediately Jesus, having stretched forth the hand, laid hold of him, and saith to him, `Little faith! for what didst thou waver?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And immediately Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him, and said to him: O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught hold of him, and says to him, O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?

Context

This verse describes Jesus' immediate rescue of Peter and His gentle, yet pointed, rebuke. It serves as the resolution to Peter's sinking incident, emphasizing Jesus' active intervention and teaching moment. This direct interaction highlights the vital connection between faith and stability, directly leading to the calming of the storm and the disciples' profound worship once they are all safely back in the boat.

v.30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.

v.31This passage

v.32And when they were gone up into the boat, the wind ceased.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 5:41

    And taking the child by the hand, he saith unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, Arise.

  • Matthew 16:8

    And Jesus perceiving it said, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have no bread?

  • Luke 22:31

    Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat:

  • James 1:6

    But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.

  • Mark 16:7

    But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

  • Deuteronomy 32:36

    For Jehovah will judge his people, And repent himself for his servants; When he seeth that their power is gone, And there is noneremaining, shut up or left at large.

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