What does “oh ye of little faith” mean? If you’re not a religious person, you might not understand the reference to this idiomatic phrase. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and use of this expression.
Meaning
This biblical phrase from Jesus Christ refers to his followers having no faith in his abilities as the Son of God. When you use “oh ye of little faith,” you’re telling the other person or persons that they should have confidence in you and that you were capable of completing the task or request.
Typically, people will use “Oh ye of little faith” as an informal, lighthearted, and humorous rebuke of someone expressing disbelief or doubt in their abilities.
Example Usage
“You all thought it was never going to happen, right? Well, ye of little faith, I told you to hold on, and we would get a profit from the trade.”
“Oh ye of little faith, why couldn’t you just trust my judgment?”
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Sally: “I saw the president on TV last night saying they would increase unemployment benefits. I can’t believe the government is giving us a break like this.”
Sandra: “Oh ye of little faith, I told you he would make the right decision.”
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Elaine: “I just don’t know if I can trust Kevin with the task; I feel like he’s not up for it.”
Jade: “Oh ye of little faith, I’ll guarantee he makes a difference.”
Origin
“Oh, ye of little faith” is an idiomatic phrase with religious roots. Specifically, the term comes from the Christian religion and the Holy Bible. There are several instances in biblical tales and stories where Jesus, the Son of God, would use the phrase when referring to his disciples of the people.
Here are the three most common appearances of “Oh ye of little faith” in the most popular renditions of the Holy Bible.
King James Bible
“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.”
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New King James Version
“But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”
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New American Standard Bible
“He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.”
Phrases Similar to Oh Ye of Little Faith
- Trust in the Lord, and he shall provide.
- Keep calm and hold on.
- I told you so.
Phrases Opposite to Oh Ye of Little Faith
- I got that wrong.
- I’ll admit that didn’t go as planned.
- Don’t believe me then.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Oh, ye of little faith.
Ways People May Say Oh Ye of Little Faith Incorrectly
Some people that do not come from a Christian culture might not understand the term. If they have no upbringing around religious text or non-secular instruction, they might never come across the saying. Some people might also find it insulting that you’re bringing religious expressions into the conversation.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Oh Ye of Little Faith
You can use “oh ye of little faith” in social and professional settings. Some people may use the phrase to motivate and rally friends, staff, or others to trust your judgment. It’s a great way to show people that they need to trust the decisions you make and that you achieved your expected outcome. The phrase also has secular and non-secular use.