Mark 11:24 Commentary
In-depth Mark 11:24 commentary covering historical setting, original Greek/Hebrew, theology, and pastoral application.
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
— Mark 11:24 (KJV)
Exposition
Jesus teaches that faith is essential to prayer. Believing prayer—trusting that God hears and will answer—unlocks the power of prayer.
Historical Setting
Jesus spoke this after cursing the fig tree and cleansing the temple, during His final week in Jerusalem around AD 33. The fig tree's withering demonstrated faith's power. Jesus taught that believing prayer—not doubt-filled requests—connects us to God's unlimited power. The context is faith in God's power, not naming personal desires.
Original Language Notes
'Pisteuō' means to believe, trust, or have faith—from 'pistis' (faith). It describes not intellectual agreement but personal trust and confidence. Believing prayer isn't mental wish-making but confident trust in the character and power of the God to whom we pray.
Pastoral Application
Pray with faith, expecting God to answer. This isn't demanding what we want but trusting God's wisdom and goodness as we make our requests.
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