Matthew 14:31Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
The setting
Sea of Galilee, ~30 AD. Dawn breaking. Peter is sinking into choppy waters, Jesus immediately reaches out to pull him up before he drowns. Modern-day northern Israel.
The emotion here: gentle disappointment but immediate rescue
The original word
distazō (διστάζω) — to waver between two minds, literally 'to stand in two places'
Why it matters
The Sea of Galilee can go from calm to 8-foot waves in minutes due to wind funneling through surrounding mountains
Read with care
What most readers miss in Matthew 14:31
Jesus asks 'WHY did you doubt?' not 'why DO you doubt' — implying Peter's faith was real but wavered
Common misconceptionPeople think Jesus is scolding Peter harshly, but 'little faith' (oligopistos) was Jesus's gentle term for disciples still learning. He rescued Peter WHILE asking the question.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Matthew 14:31
Bible Genome reading
Matthew 14:31 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Matthew 14:31 comes from the book of Matthew, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Jesus. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 70% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include faith, doubt. Notable phrases: You of little faith; why did you doubt?.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Matthew 14:31 mean to you, today?
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