Luke 17:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 17:6
6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Chapter Context
Luke 17 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, prayer, truth. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 17:6
6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Analysis
Jesus teaches about faith: 'And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.' The disciples requested increased faith (v. 5). Jesus responds that even 'faith as a grain of mustard seed' (πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως, pistin hōs kokkon sinapeōs)—proverbially the smallest seed—suffices for impossible tasks. The example: commanding 'this sycamine tree' (τῇ συκαμίνῳ ταύτῃ, tē sykaminō tautē)—a hardy tree with deep roots—'be plucked up... and planted in the sea' (Ἐκριζώθητι καὶ φυτεύθητι ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ, Ekrizōthēti kai phyteuthēti en tē thalassē), 'and it should obey you' (ὑπήκουσεν ἂν ὑμῖν, hypēkousen an hymin). The issue isn't quantity but quality—genuine faith, however small, accesses God's unlimited power.
Historical Context
The mustard seed metaphor appears throughout Jesus' teaching (Matthew 13:31-32, 17:20). The point isn't faith's size but its reality—even tiny genuine faith accomplishes what seems impossible because it connects to God's omnipotence. The sycamine tree (often identified with the black mulberry) had deep, strong roots, making transplanting extremely difficult. That Jesus specifies not just uprooting but replanting in the sea emphasizes the impossibility. Yet faith makes impossible things happen—not because faith itself has power but because faith accesses God's power. This teaching challenges both presumption (demanding God perform according to our wishes) and despair (thinking nothing can change). Even weak faith in an almighty God moves mountains.
Reflection
- What's the difference between faith's quantity and quality, and why does quality matter more?
- How does genuine faith, even when weak, access God's unlimited power?
- What 'impossible' situations in your life need even mustard-seed faith applied to them?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- Faith: Matthew 17:20, 21:21, Mark 9:23, 1 Corinthians 13:2
- Parallel theme: Luke 13:19