Matthew 21:21
Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 34
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 34
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 34
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
7 of 34
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 34
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐὰν
If
G1437
ἐὰν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
10 of 34
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἔχητε
ye have
G2192
ἔχητε
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 34
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πίστιν
faith
G4102
πίστιν
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
12 of 34
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 34
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
διακριθῆτε
doubt
G1252
διακριθῆτε
doubt
Strong's:
G1252
Word #:
15 of 34
to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιήσετε
do
G4160
ποιήσετε
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
21 of 34
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
22 of 34
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἄρθητι
Be thou removed
G142
Ἄρθητι
Be thou removed
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
28 of 34
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
29 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βλήθητι
be thou cast
G906
βλήθητι
be thou cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
30 of 34
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
31 of 34
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
James 1:6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.Matthew 17:20And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.1 Corinthians 13:2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
Historical Context
Jews used 'mountain-moving' proverbially for solving impossible problems or removing great difficulties. Rabbis called teachers who could solve intricate legal questions 'uprooters of mountains.' Jesus takes the metaphor literally to illustrate faith's potential when united with God's purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'mountains'—seemingly impossible obstacles—stand between you and obedience to God's clear calling?
- How does Jesus's condition ('if ye have faith and doubt not') challenge popular teachings on 'name it and claim it' faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If ye have faith, and doubt not—The Greek μὴ διακριθῆτε (mē diakrithēte) means 'don't be divided in mind,' united trust versus double-mindedness (Jas 1:6-8). Ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed—hyperbolic language common in rabbinic teaching, yet pointing to real power.
'This mountain' (τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ) likely meant the Mount of Olives where they stood, or metaphorically the temple mount opposing God's purposes. Faith moves insurmountable obstacles—not by positive thinking but by alignment with God's will. The promise assumes prayer in accordance with God's kingdom purposes (1 John 5:14), not selfish demands.