Walking on water is one of the miracles that the Gospels attribute to Jesus. An account of the miracle appears in Matthew 14:22-33:

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the



water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

An account of Jesus walking on water also appears in John 6:16-21, although that account does not mention the trial of Peter.

In colloquial English, "walking on water" means doing what seems impossible. "O ye of little faith!" is also a common admonishment to skeptics.

Occurances in reality

Animals capable of walking on water without technological assistance:

• The Basilisk lizard.
• The Water strider insect.

Appearances in fiction

Besides biblical recreations, the ability to walk on water is often recreated with the intent to draw similar awe.

• In comic book fiction, the Flash runs at high speeds sufficient to keep afloat on water. This is also parodied by Dash of the Incredibles.
• In the manga and anime fiction of Naruto, advanced ninja characters use chakra control in the feet to be able to stand, run on, and bear weight on water.