Mark 11:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 11:23
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Chapter Context
Mark 11 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, love, truth. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
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 21-33: 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 Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 11:23
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Analysis
Jesus taught about faith: 'whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith' (ὃς ἂν εἴπῃ τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ, Ἄρθητι καὶ βλήθητι εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν, καὶ μὴ διακριθῇ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ ἀλλὰ πιστεύσῃ ὅτι ἃ λέγει γίνεται, ἔσται αὐτῷ ὃ ἐὰν εἴπῃ). This is hyperbolic language about faith's power. The 'mountain' likely refers to Mount of Olives where they stood, or metaphorically to obstacles. Faith without doubt (mē diakrithē, μὴ διακριθῇ, not wavering) accomplishes the impossible. The condition 'shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass' requires confidence in God's power and alignment with God's will. This isn't blank-check promise—faith operates within God's purposes. Mountain-moving faith isn't coercing God but trusting His promises. James 1:6 warns against doubting; Matthew 17:20 similarly promises mustard-seed faith moves mountains. Faith believes God's word and acts accordingly.
Historical Context
Jesus had just cursed a fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21), which withered—disciples marveled. Jesus explained this demonstrated faith's power. 'Mountains' in Jewish idiom represented great difficulties or obstacles. Zechariah 4:7 prophesied: 'Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain.' Rabbis spoke of 'mountain-removers'—teachers who overcame great difficulties. Jesus literalized the metaphor to teach faith's potential. Early church experienced miracle power through faith—healings, exorcisms, resurrections (Acts). Yet not all prayers were answered as desired (Paul's thorn, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9), showing that faith operates within God's sovereign will. 'Prosperity gospel' misuses this verse, treating faith as technique to manipulate God. True faith trusts God's wisdom when mountains remain.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' teaching about mountain-moving faith balance confidence in God's power with submission to God's will?
- What's the difference between biblical faith that trusts God versus 'prosperity gospel' that treats faith as technique to get what we want?
Word Studies
- Believe: πιστεύω (Pisteuo) G4100 - To believe, trust, have faith
Cross-References
- Faith: Matthew 17:20, 21:21, Luke 17:6, 1 Corinthians 13:2
- Parallel theme: Psalms 37:4, John 14:13, 15:7