What is the difference between little faith and small faith (Matthew 17:14–21)?

In Matthew 17:14–21, Jesus casts out a demon from a boy suffering from self-destructive seizures. Afterward, the disciples privately asked Jesus, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” In response, Jesus introduces the concepts of “little faith” and “small faith” to draw attention to their faltering and limited faith: “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (verse 20). The distinction between little faith and small faith is subtle yet profound.

Earlier, while Jesus was on the mountain revealing His power and glory to Peter, James, and John through the transfiguration (see Matthew 17:1–8), the father of the demon-possessed boy had brought his son to the remaining nine disciples for healing (see Matthew 17:16; cf. 17:19). Yet, despite having already received authority from Jesus to drive out demons and heal sicknesses (see Matthew 10:1, 8; Mark 3:15; Luke 9:1), the disciples failed to tap into that power He had delegated. Jesus was saddened and frustrated (see Matthew 17:17). After all the time He had spent with them, they still did not wholly trust and believe in Him. Jesus gave them a stern rebuke and then used the moment to clarify a believer’s faith.

Little Faith

“Little faith” refers to weak faith or a lack of trust and confidence in God’s power and promises. The original Greek term for the phrase translated as “so little faith” refers to trust or faith that is incredulous, lacking confidence. The disciples’ faith was of inferior quality. This theme of little faith runs throughout Matthew’s Gospel (see Matthew 14:16–21; 15:16, 23). Jesus calls attention to His disciples’ “little faith” when they doubted God’s ability to care for them (see Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8).

Little faith is characterized by doubt and wavering. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it” (Matthew 21:21–22, NLT; see also Luke 17:6).

When Jesus spoke of the disciples’ “little faith,” He was not talking about its small quantity or size but rather its poor quality and instability. Solid, robust, healthy faith is anchored in Jesus Christ, His promises, and His power. James wrote, “Be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do” (James 1:6–8, NLT).

Little faith highlights the disciples’ hesitation and lack of complete belief in God’s ability to perform miracles through them. It is a faith that exists but is weakened by doubt and instability and thus unable to overcome significant spiritual challenges.

Small Faith

“Small faith” emphasizes the potential and power of even the tiniest measure of genuine belief. Jesus compares faith to a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, yet able to move mountains if it is steadfast and unwavering. Again, the size of one’s faith in God is not important, but rather its authenticity and resoluteness.

Even the believer’s smallest faith supplies overwhelming power (Mark 9:23). This kind of faith maintains a constant outlook of trust toward God (Hebrews 11:6; 1 Peter 1:21), who is the object of our faith. It abandons all self-reliance and puts total confidence in God, His Word, and His promises. It stops looking at one’s own ability and efforts and relies solely on the Lord’s power. No matter how small, genuine faith recognizes one’s utter powerlessness and complete dependence on God. All that matters in matters of faith is the God in whom our faith is placed. He is the God of the impossible, able to move mountains and drive out demons (Genesis 18:14; Luke 1:37; Matthew 19:26).

Little faith is a lack of faith, but small faith is all the faith we need. Little faith is weak because it is misplaced in one’s own ability. Small faith is powerful because it is rightly placed in God’s infinite ability. It only takes a minuscule amount of faith and trust in God to conquer overwhelming obstacles.

Ultimately, Matthew 17:14–21 teaches that little faith is hindered by doubt, but small faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes if it is sincere and unshakable. The key is not the quantity of faith but the quality. God has limitless power; do we honestly trust in Him to do what He has promised?