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    Faith

    Mark 11:23 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "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."
    — Mark 11:23 (KJV)
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    Introduction to Mark 11:23

    Jesus' words follow the cursing of the fig tree (vv. 12-14, 20-22), a prophetic sign of judgment on fruitless religion. Standing on the road to Jerusalem with the Temple Mount in view, Jesus teaches that the faith God honors is the faith that takes Him at His word — even when the obstacle is mountain-sized.

    Historical and Cultural Context

    'Moving mountains' was a rabbinic figure of speech for accomplishing the seemingly impossible. Jesus' first hearers would have caught the idiom immediately — He was not promising literal geological feats but pointing to obstacles that look immovable. With the Temple Mount in view, His listeners may have sensed an even sharper meaning: religious systems that resist God can be 'cast into the sea' through prayer rooted in real faith.

    Original Language Insights

    'Whosoever' (hos an) — open to anyone, not reserved for spiritual elites. 'Shall not doubt' (me diakrithe) — diakrino means to be divided in oneself, to waver. 'Shall believe' (pisteue) — present subjunctive: ongoing, settled trust. 'Those things which he saith shall come to pass' — the assumption is that what is being asked aligns with God's will, since faith by definition trusts God's revealed character and purpose.

    Theological Significance

    This verse is widely abused as a blank check for any desire spoken with sufficient conviction. Scripture interprets Scripture: 1 John 5:14 frames all answered prayer 'according to His will.' Jesus is not teaching that human confidence creates reality but that faith aligned with God's purpose accesses God's power. The 'mountain' is whatever obstacle stands between God's purpose and its fulfillment. Genuine faith does not waver because it rests on God's character, not on the size of the mountain.

    Practical Application for Today

    Identify your mountain — the impossible-looking obstacle to obedience, ministry, or growth. Pray about it specifically and concretely. Stop hedging with 'if it be Your will, I guess maybe...' when Scripture has already revealed God's will on the matter. Pray big in the direction of God's revealed purposes — and watch Him work. At the same time, beware of presumption: faith aligns with God; it does not command Him.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Matthew 17:20

    "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain...nothing shall be impossible unto you."

    Jesus' parallel teaching about faith and mountains.

    1 John 5:14

    "If we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us."

    The interpretive grid for all 'whatsoever you ask' promises.

    Hebrews 11:6

    "Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is."

    Faith rests on God's character, the precondition for mountain-moving prayer.

    Prayer Response

    Lord Jesus, You can move mountains — including the ones in front of me today. Teach me to pray bold prayers aligned with Your will and to trust Your answers when they differ from mine. I believe; help my unbelief. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I literally pray for a mountain to move?

    Jesus uses idiomatic language — physical mountains are not the point. The promise covers any God-aligned obstacle. Praying for literal geological miracles outside God's redemptive purpose misreads the verse.

    If I don't get what I asked for, was my faith lacking?

    Not necessarily. God may answer differently because what we requested was not according to His will, His timing, or His best for us. Faith trusts the answer even when it is not the answer we wanted.

    How do I grow this kind of faith?

    By saturating yourself in God's Word so you know His character and promises, by remembering His past faithfulness, and by stepping out in obedience repeatedly. Faith is a muscle exercised, not a feeling conjured.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Mark 11 verse by verse:

    Before · Mark 11:22Exact verse

    And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

    Theme: Faith in God

    After · Mark 11:24Exact verse

    Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

    Theme: Prayer & Faith

    After · Mark 11:25Exact verse

    And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

    Theme: Forgiveness

    Nearest commentary in Mark

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Mark 10:27Nearest chapter

    And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

    Theme: God's Power & Possibility

    Later · 1 ch forward · Mark 12:30Nearest chapter

    And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

    Theme: Greatest Commandment

    Later · 1 ch forward · Mark 12:31Nearest chapter

    And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

    Theme: Love Your Neighbor

    Read Mark 10Commentary: Mark 10:27
    Read Mark 11 (full)Nearest commentary: Mark 11:22
    Read Mark 12Commentary: Mark 12:30
    Previous commentary: Mark 11:22Next commentary: Mark 11:24

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    Does God Still Heal Today?

    The Bible records numerous healings by God, Jesus, and the apostles, and many Christians believe God continues to heal today through prayer and faith.

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    What Does the Bible Say About Doubt?

    The Bible acknowledges doubt as a real human experience but calls believers to bring their doubts to God rather than letting doubt destroy faith.

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    What Is the Meaning of Baptism?

    Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith — a public declaration of identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

    Read answer

    How Should We Pray According to the Bible?

    The Bible teaches that prayer is direct communication with God — honest, reverent, and grounded in faith.

    Read answer

    What does the Bible say about prayer?

    The Bible teaches that prayer is direct communication with God — a privilege for all believers — and should be persistent, humble, faith-filled, and aligned with God's will.

    Read answer

    Who Was Nehemiah?

    Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile, demonstrating faith, leadership, and prayer.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Hebrews 11:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

    Habakkuk 2:4 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith."

    Mark 11:24 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    Cursing of the Fig Tree

    Jesus curses a barren fig tree and it withers from the roots by the next morning.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof

    Four friends lowered a paralyzed man through a roof to Jesus, who forgave his sins and made him walk.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood

    A woman who had bled for twelve years touched the hem of Jesus' garment and was made whole.

    Read the miracle
    Resurrection
    New Testament

    Jairus's Daughter Raised

    Jesus took a dead twelve-year-old girl by the hand and said, 'Talitha cumi' — and she rose.

    Read the miracle

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