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

MATTHEW 14:31KJV
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Matthew 14:31 (KJV)

What does Matthew 14:31 mean?

Matthew 14:31 shows Jesus immediately reaching out to save Peter when he began to sink after walking on the water, then gently questioning Peter’s lack of faith and asking why he doubted. The verse highlights both Jesus’ readiness to help and his concern about Peter’s wavering trust.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to Peter, who had stepped out of the boat to walk toward Jesus on the water but became afraid and started to sink. Jesus’ words, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” point to Peter’s momentary uncertainty, even after witnessing Jesus’ power. The verse sits within a dramatic moment that reveals both human fear and Jesus’ compassionate response.

The Greek behind Matthew 14:31

  • The word for “immediately” is εὐθύς (euthys, G2112), which emphasizes how quickly Jesus acted to help Peter, showing urgency and care.
  • The phrase “of little faith” comes from ὀλιγόπιστος (oligopistos, G3640), often understood as describing someone whose trust is real but not yet strong or steady.
  • The word for “doubt” is διστάζω (distazō, G1365), which carries the sense of wavering or being divided in mind, not just simple disbelief but a kind of hesitation or uncertainty.

Why Matthew 14:31 matters

  • Matthew 14:31 clarifies that even someone close to Jesus, like Peter, can struggle with doubt in the midst of extraordinary experiences.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ immediate help, showing that his response to human weakness is both practical (saving Peter) and personal (addressing his faith).
  • This moment connects to the larger story by showing that faith is not just about belief in miracles, but about steady trust in Jesus, especially when fear arises.

Where else these words appear

“doubt” Greek G1365 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

“faith” Greek G3640 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  • 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.
  • Matthew 16:8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

“forth” Greek G1614 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
  • Mark 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
  • Luke 22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

“caught” Greek G1949 · used in 18 verses

  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
  • Acts 21:33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.