Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσευχῇ
prayer
G4335
προσευχῇ
prayer
Strong's:
G4335
Word #:
8 of 10
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
Cross References
Matthew 7:7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:Mark 11:24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.1 John 3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.Matthew 18:19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.John 14:13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.John 16:24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.Matthew 7:11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?John 15:7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Historical Context
This follows cursing the fig tree (verses 18-22), demonstrating faith's power. Jewish thought emphasized prayer's importance but also God's sovereignty. Jesus teaches bold, confident prayer while other passages clarify limitations - asking according to God's will (1 John 5:14-15), in Jesus' name (John 14:13-14), with pure motives (James 4:3). Early Christians experienced both dramatic answers (Acts 12:5-17) and mysterious non-answers (Paul's thorn, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9), trusting God's wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we balance this promise with prayers that seem unanswered?
- What does 'believing' prayer look like in practice?
- How does aligning prayer with God's will affect what we ask?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus promises answered prayer: 'And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive' (Greek: πάντα ὅσα ἂν αἰτήσητε ἐν τῇ προσευχῇ πιστεύοντες λήμψεσθε, 'all things whatever you ask in prayer believing you shall receive'). The promise seems unconditional but context clarifies - 'believing' (πιστεύοντες) faith includes trust in God's wisdom and will. 'In prayer' (ἐν τῇ προσευχῇ) assumes alignment with God's purposes, not selfish demands. The promise is genuine but bounded by faith that seeks God's kingdom first (6:33). God answers prayer consistent with His character and purposes.