Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” New Living Translation Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” English Standard Version Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, 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?” Berean Literal Bible And immediately Jesus having stretched out the hand, took hold of him and says to him, "O Little faith, why did you waver?" King James Bible And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? New King James Version And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” New American Standard Bible Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” NASB 1995 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” NASB 1977 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Legacy Standard Bible And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Amplified Bible Immediately Jesus extended His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Christian Standard Bible Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, 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? Contemporary English Version At once, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, "You surely don't have much faith. Why do you doubt?" English Revised 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? GOD'S WORD® Translation Immediately, Jesus reached out, caught hold of him, and said, "You have so little faith! Why did you doubt?" Good News Translation At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said, "What little faith you have! Why did you doubt?" International Standard Version At once Jesus reached out his hand, caught him, and asked him, "You who have so little faith, why did you doubt?" NET Bible Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" New Heart English Bible Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Webster's Bible Translation And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said to him, O thou of little faith, Why didst thou doubt? Weymouth New Testament Instantly Jesus stretched out His hand and caught hold of him, saying to him, "O little faith, why did you doubt?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleImmediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” World English Bible Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd immediately Jesus, having stretched forth the hand, laid hold of him and says to him, “Little faith! For why did you waver?” Berean Literal Bible And immediately Jesus having stretched out the hand, took hold of him and says to him, "O Little faith, why did you waver?" Young's Literal Translation And immediately Jesus, having stretched forth the hand, laid hold of him, and saith to him, 'Little faith! for what didst thou waver?' Smith's Literal Translation And quickly Jesus, having stretched out the hand, laid hold of him, and says to him, O thou of little faith, for what didst thou doubt? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd immediately Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him, and said to him: O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt? Catholic Public Domain Version And immediately Jesus extended his hand and took hold of him. And he said to him, “O little in faith, why did you doubt?” New American Bible Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” New Revised Standard Version Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd our Lord immediately stretched out his hand and grasped him; and he said to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? Aramaic Bible in Plain English And immediately our Lord stretched out his hand and he held him and said to him, “Oh small of faith! Why did you doubt?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd Jesus immediately stretched out his hand, and took hold of him, and said to him: you of little faith, why did you doubt? Godbey New Testament And Jesus immediately reaching out His hand, received him, and says to him, Haweis New Testament Then immediately Jesus stretching out his hand, laid hold on him, and said to him, O thou of little faith, wherefore dost thou doubt? Mace New Testament immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, and caught him, diffident man, said he, why were you in suspence? Weymouth New Testament Instantly Jesus stretched out His hand and caught hold of him, saying to him, "O little faith, why did you doubt?" Worrell New Testament And immediately Jesus, stretching forth His hand, took hold of him, and saith to him, Worsley New Testament And Jesus, immediately stretching forth his hand, laid hold of him, and saith to him, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jesus Walks on Water…30But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” 32And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind died down.… Cross References James 1:6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Matthew 8:26 “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. Mark 4:40 “Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?” Luke 8:25 “Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!” John 20:27 Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” Romans 4:20 Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. Hebrews 3:12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. Psalm 94:18-19 If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me. / When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul. Psalm 37:24 Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand. Psalm 73:23 Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. Treasury of Scripture And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? stretched. Psalm 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. Isaiah 63:12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name? Mark 1:31,41 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them… and caught. 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. Deuteronomy 32:36 For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left. Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. O thou. 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? Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Jump to Previous Caught Doubt Faith Forth Grip Hand Hold Immediately Instantly Jesus Little Reached Straight Stretched Waver WhereforeJump to Next Caught Doubt Faith Forth Grip Hand Hold Immediately Instantly Jesus Little Reached Straight Stretched Waver WhereforeMatthew 14 1. Herod's opinion of Jesus.3. Wherefore John Baptist was beheaded. 13. Jesus departs into a solitary place, 15. where he feeds five thousand men with five loves and two fishes. 22. He walks on the sea to his disciples; 34. and landing at Gennesaret, 35. heals the sick who touch of the hem of his garment. Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. This phrase highlights the immediacy of Jesus' response to Peter's need. In the context of Matthew 14, Peter had stepped out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus, demonstrating a moment of faith. However, when he saw the wind, he became afraid and began to sink. Jesus' immediate action underscores His readiness to save and His authority over nature. This act of reaching out is symbolic of divine intervention and support, reflecting the Old Testament imagery of God's saving hand (Isaiah 41:10). The Sea of Galilee, where this event took place, is known for sudden storms, making Jesus' control over the elements even more significant. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is the Son of God who performs miracles and teaches His disciples. In this event, He is walking on water and reaches out to Peter. 2. Peter One of Jesus' disciples, known for his impulsive nature and strong faith. In this passage, Peter steps out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus but begins to sink when he doubts. 3. Sea of Galilee The body of water where this event takes place. It is a significant location in Jesus' ministry, often serving as a backdrop for His teachings and miracles. 4. The Disciples The group of Jesus' followers who are in the boat witnessing this miraculous event. They represent the early church and the community of believers. 5. The Storm The natural event that sets the scene for this miracle. It symbolizes the trials and challenges faced by believers. Teaching Points Faith and DoubtPeter's experience teaches us about the importance of maintaining faith even in challenging circumstances. Doubt can cause us to "sink" spiritually, but Jesus is always there to lift us up. Jesus' Immediate Response The phrase "immediately Jesus reached out His hand" (Matthew 14:31) highlights Jesus' readiness to save and support us. We can trust in His prompt help when we call out to Him. Focus on Christ Just as Peter needed to keep his eyes on Jesus to walk on water, we must focus on Christ to navigate life's storms. Distractions and fears can lead us away from His path. The Power of Calling Out Peter's cry for help, "Lord, save me!" is a powerful reminder of the simplicity and effectiveness of prayer. In moments of crisis, calling on Jesus is our best recourse. Growth Through Trials This event illustrates how trials can strengthen our faith. Peter's experience, though initially a failure, ultimately contributed to his growth as a leader in the early church. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 14:31?2. How does Matthew 14:31 challenge us to strengthen our faith in Jesus? 3. What does "You of little faith" reveal about trust in difficult times? 4. How can Peter's experience in Matthew 14:31 guide our daily spiritual walk? 5. What Old Testament stories parallel the lesson in Matthew 14:31? 6. How can we apply Jesus' response to Peter in our personal struggles? 7. Why did Jesus question Peter's faith in Matthew 14:31? 8. How does Matthew 14:31 challenge our understanding of doubt? 9. What does Matthew 14:31 reveal about Jesus' expectations of faith? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 14? 11. What does the Bible say about doubting God? 12. Why did Peter walk on water? 13. What does the Bible say about the end times? 14. Why did Peter walk on water? What Does Matthew 14:31 Mean Immediately Jesus reached out His hand- The Lord’s response is instant; there is no delay between Peter’s cry (v. 30) and Jesus’ action. • Compare Psalm 46:1—“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” • In the same chapter, Matthew 14:27 shows Jesus reassuring the disciples before the storm even ends, underscoring His constant readiness. - His immediacy reveals both His power and His compassion. He is not a distant observer; He is the ever-present Savior who intervenes at the moment of need. - For believers today, this reminds us that when we call on Him, His help is not eventual but present. See Hebrews 4:16, which invites us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence” for timely help. and took hold of Peter - Jesus’ hand doesn’t just touch; it grips. The language paints a literal rescue—Peter is physically supported by Christ. • Isaiah 41:13 echoes this: “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand…” • John 10:28 assures that no one can snatch believers out of His hand, reinforcing the security of His hold. - Notice that Peter’s footing might still be shaky, but Jesus’ grip is sure. Our stability rests not on our circumstances but on His grasp. - This act also restores fellowship; Peter is brought back from isolation on the waves into close communion with Jesus, anticipating how confession and faith restore us when we falter (1 John 1:9). You of little faith - Jesus diagnoses, He does not condemn. “Little” describes size, not absence. Peter had faith—enough to step out of the boat (v. 29)—but it wavered. • Matthew 6:30 and 8:26 use the same expression to show that worry and fear shrink trust. - The phrase invites reflection: faith is intended to grow. Peter’s momentary lapse serves as a gentle lesson rather than a final verdict. - Even “little faith” receives a saving hand. The effectiveness of rescue lies in Jesus, not in the perfection of the believer. why did you doubt? - The question exposes the root issue: divided focus. Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the wind (v. 30). • Compare James 1:6—“the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Doubt destabilizes. • Hebrews 12:2 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, highlighting the antidote to doubt. - Jesus invites Peter (and us) to examine the causes of doubt: fear, distraction, reliance on sight over trust. - The question is restorative: it points Peter back to unwavering faith while reaffirming that relationship is intact. summary Matthew 14:31 showcases the Savior’s swift compassion, secure hold, gentle correction, and restorative questioning. Jesus acts immediately, grips firmly, identifies small faith without rejecting it, and exposes doubt so faith can deepen. When storms rise and courage sinks, believers can rely on the same Lord whose hand reaches out, holds fast, and strengthens faith. Verse 31. - And immediately. Without any waste of time, just as in ver. 27. Jesus stretched forth his hand. So that St. Peter had come up to him (ver. 29). And caught him; and took hold of him (Revised Version, ἐπελάβετο αὐτοῦ: cf. Hebrews 2:16; Hebrews 8:9). And said; saith (Revised Version). The writer passes to more vivid narration. Unto him, O thou of little faith (o)ligo/piste); Matthew 6:30, note. But in Matthew 17:20 (Westcott and Hort) the substantive is used of faith in a more active sense. Wherefore (εἰς τί); "למה, literally rendered" (Dr. Guillemard). Didst thou doubt? (ἐδίστασας). In the New Testament, Matthew 28:17 only. Christ saves first, and rebukes afterwards. Perhaps the need for help was more immediate than in ch. 8:26, or possibly the fervency of St. Peter's love deserved gentler treatment.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek ImmediatelyΕὐθέως (Eutheōs) Adverb Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon. Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. reached out ἐκτείνας (ekteinas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1614: To stretch out (forth), cast forth (as of an anchor), lay hands on. From ek and teino; to extend. [His] τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. hand χεῖρα (cheira) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5495: A hand. [and] took hold ἐπελάβετο (epelabeto) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1949: To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent). of [Peter]. αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “[You] of little faith,” Ὀλιγόπιστε (Oligopiste) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular Strong's 3640: Of little faith. From oligos and pistis; incredulous, i.e. Lacking confidence. He said, λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “why εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. did you doubt?” ἐδίστασας (edistasas) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 1365: To waver, doubt, hesitate. From dis; properly, to duplicate, i.e. to waver. Links Matthew 14:31 NIVMatthew 14:31 NLT Matthew 14:31 ESV Matthew 14:31 NASB Matthew 14:31 KJV Matthew 14:31 BibleApps.com Matthew 14:31 Biblia Paralela Matthew 14:31 Chinese Bible Matthew 14:31 French Bible Matthew 14:31 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Matthew 14:31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand took (Matt. Mat Mt) |
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