Mark 11:21
And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Peter's role as spokesman for the disciples appears repeatedly in the Gospels (Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29; John 6:68). His impetuous, outspoken nature sometimes led to rebukes (Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33) but also to commendation (Matthew 16:17-19). Here his observation launches Jesus' teaching on faith, prayer, and forgiveness—lessons urgently needed as the disciples faced Jesus' imminent death and their future ministry challenges. The early church would need mountain-moving faith to proclaim the gospel despite persecution, hostile authorities, and overwhelming obstacles. Peter himself would need this faith when arrested (Acts 4:1-22; 12:1-17), when confronting false teaching (Galatians 2:11-14), and when facing martyrdom (according to tradition, crucified upside-down in Rome around AD 64-68). The withered fig tree's lesson sustained early Christians: God's word is powerful, His judgments are certain, and faith in Him can accomplish the humanly impossible.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Peter's observation of the withered fig tree demonstrate that Jesus' words carry absolute authority and accomplish exactly what He declares?
- What does Jesus' use of the miracle as a teaching opportunity reveal about the purpose of signs—not merely to amaze but to instruct in deeper spiritual truths?
- In what ways should the certainty of Jesus' judgment on the fig tree assure believers that His promises are equally certain and trustworthy?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away (Ῥαββί, ἴδε ἡ συκῆ ἣν κατηράσω ἐξήρανται)—Peter vocalizes the disciples' astonishment. The verb anamnestheistheis (implied, "calling to remembrance") indicates Peter remembered Jesus' curse from Monday (v. 14) and now observes its fulfillment. He addresses Jesus as Rabbi (Ῥαββί), Hebrew for "my teacher" or "my master," a title of respect and recognition of Jesus' teaching authority. The aorist verb katērasō (κατηράσω, "cursedst") recalls Jesus' pronouncement of judgment.
The perfect tense exērantai (ἐξήρανται, "is withered") emphasizes completed action with ongoing state—the tree remains dead. Peter's exclamation sets up Jesus' teaching on faith and prayer (vv. 22-25). The disciples' focus on the miracle's mechanics ("How did the fig tree wither?") redirects to spiritual lessons about faith's power and the necessity of forgiveness. This pattern repeats throughout Mark: Jesus performs signs to teach deeper theological truths, not merely to amaze. The withered tree becomes an object lesson demonstrating that faith in God can accomplish the impossible—even moving mountains (v. 23).