Luke 17:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the Lord {G2962} said {G2036}, If {G1487} ye had {G2192} faith {G4102} as {G5613} a grain {G2848} of mustard seed {G4615}, ye might {G302} say {G3004} unto this {G5026} sycamine {G4807} tree, Be thou plucked up by the root {G1610}, and {G2532} be thou planted {G5452} in {G1722} the sea {G2281}; and {G2532} it should {G302} obey {G5219} you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Lord replied, “If you had trust as tiny as a mustard seed, you could say to this fig tree, ‘Be uprooted and replanted in the sea!’ and it would obey you.

Berean Standard Bible

And the Lord answered, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

American Standard Version

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye would say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou rooted up, and be thou planted in the sea; and it would obey you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 17:6 encapsulates Jesus' profound teaching on the extraordinary power inherent in even the smallest measure of genuine faith. Responding to the disciples' plea for increased faith, Jesus illustrates that the efficacy of faith does not depend on its quantity, but on the omnipotence of God in whom it is placed. Through the vivid imagery of a tiny mustard seed empowering the uprooting of a deeply entrenched sycamine tree and its transplantation into the sea, Jesus assures His followers that no obstacle is insurmountable when God's boundless power is activated through sincere trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of challenging teachings Jesus delivers to His disciples. Immediately preceding it, Jesus issues severe warnings against causing others to stumble, stating that it would be better for one to be cast into the sea with a millstone around their neck than to lead a "little one" astray ([Luke 17:1-2](/luke/17-1-2 "Luke 17:1-2 - Warnings Against Stumbling Blocks")). He then presents the radical command for boundless forgiveness, instructing them to forgive a brother "seven times in a day" if he repents ([Luke 17:3-4](/luke/17-3-4 "Luke 17:3-4 - The Command to Forgive")). Overwhelmed by the seemingly impossible nature of these demands, the apostles respond by asking Jesus to "increase our faith" ([Luke 17:5](/luke/17-5 "Luke 17:5 - Disciples' Plea for More Faith")). Jesus' reply in Luke 17:6 directly addresses their request, not by promising a larger quantity of faith, but by highlighting the immense potential of even a small, authentic faith directed towards God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery Jesus employs—the mustard seed and the sycamine tree—would have been immediately recognizable to His first-century Jewish audience. The **mustard seed** was proverbially known as the smallest of all seeds, yet it grew into a substantial plant or even a small tree, illustrating remarkable growth from humble beginnings. This metaphor is also used by Jesus in parables like [Luke 13:19](/luke/13-19 "Luke 13:19 - Parable of the Mustard Seed") to describe the kingdom of God. The **sycamine tree** (often identified as the black mulberry, *Morus nigra*, or sometimes the sycomore fig, *Ficus sycomorus*) was a common tree in the region, particularly known for its deep, extensive, and tenacious root system, making it exceptionally difficult to uproot. The act of "planting it in the sea" is a deliberate hyperbole, an utterly impossible feat for human effort alone, serving to underscore the supernatural power that Jesus is describing. This vivid illustration would have powerfully conveyed the scale of the "impossible" task that faith could accomplish.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 17:6 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Primarily, it emphasizes the **power of faith**, asserting that its effectiveness is not determined by its size but by the omnipotent God in whom it is placed. This teaching complements other instances where Jesus speaks of faith's ability to overcome obstacles, such as moving mountains ([Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith as a Mustard Seed")). Secondly, the passage highlights **divine enablement**, showcasing that God's power is unleashed through the trust of His followers, allowing them to accomplish what is humanly impossible. It shifts the focus from human capability to divine intervention. Finally, it addresses the theme of **overcoming the impossible**, using the deeply rooted sycamine tree as a symbol for deeply entrenched problems, insurmountable challenges, or even spiritual strongholds that seem impervious to human effort. Jesus' teaching assures His disciples that with God, even the most formidable obstacles can be overcome through a sincere, albeit small, faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** (G4102) This term denotes persuasion, credence, conviction, and confidence in God. It implies a firm persuasion and reliance upon God's truthfulness and power, especially in the context of religious truth and salvation. In this verse, it's not about the *amount* of belief, but the *quality* of genuine trust placed in God.
* **Sycamine (Greek, _sykáminos'_):** (G4807) This refers to the black mulberry tree, known for its deep, strong, and extensive root system. Its inclusion in Jesus' illustration emphasizes the formidable nature of the obstacle being described, highlighting something incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to remove by human strength.
* **Plucked up by the root (Greek, _ekrizóō'_):** (G1610) Derived from "out" and "root," this verb means "to uproot" or "to pluck up by the root." It signifies a complete and thorough removal, emphasizing that the obstacle is not merely trimmed or damaged, but entirely dislodged from its foundation, underscoring the radical transformation or removal that faith can achieve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed,"**: Jesus responds directly to the disciples' request for increased faith. He uses the mustard seed, proverbially the smallest of seeds, to illustrate that the *size* or *quantity* of faith is not the critical factor. Rather, it is the *quality* and *authenticity* of faith – a living, genuine trust, however small its perceived measure – that matters. The implication is that even a tiny spark of true faith, when connected to God's infinite power, is sufficient.
* **"ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea;"**: This is a powerful, hyperbolic illustration. The sycamine tree, with its deep and stubborn roots, represents a formidable, seemingly immovable obstacle or an impossible situation. The command to "be plucked up by the root" signifies a complete and decisive removal, while "be planted in the sea" emphasizes an utterly unnatural and humanly impossible act. This imagery serves to demonstrate that no challenge, no matter how deeply entrenched or insurmountable it appears, is beyond the scope of God's power.
* **"and it should obey you."**: This clause reveals the outcome of such faith. The tree's "obedience" to the command given through faith highlights that the power at work is not human, but divine. It underscores the principle that when genuine faith is exercised, God's power is unleashed, causing the impossible to become possible. The focus is on God's responsiveness to faith, making His will manifest through the believer.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 17:6 is rich in **literary devices** that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where Jesus uses extreme exaggeration (uprooting a sycamine tree and planting it in the sea) to emphasize the extraordinary power available through faith, not to suggest a literal action. A **Simile** is employed with "faith as a grain of mustard seed," comparing the smallness and inherent vitality of genuine faith to a tiny yet potent seed. The "mustard seed" also functions as a **Metaphor** or **Symbolism** for something seemingly insignificant yet possessing immense potential for growth and impact. Similarly, the "sycamine tree" serves as a **Symbol** for deeply rooted, formidable, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life. Finally, the phrase "it should obey you" utilizes **Personification**, attributing human-like obedience to an inanimate tree, thereby highlighting the absolute authority and power that God grants to those who exercise genuine faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 17:6 profoundly illustrates that the efficacy of faith is not rooted in its quantity or the strength of the believer, but solely in the infinite power and faithfulness of God, who is the ultimate object of that faith. It teaches that faith acts as a conduit through which God's omnipotence can operate, enabling the accomplishment of tasks that are humanly impossible. This passage underscores God's sovereignty and His willingness to intervene in the natural order in response to genuine trust, demonstrating that no obstacle is too great for Him. It challenges believers to shift their focus from the magnitude of their challenges or the perceived smallness of their faith to the boundless capacity of the God they serve.

* [Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith as a Mustard Seed")
* [Mark 11:23](/mark/11-23 "Mark 11:23 - Speaking to the Mountain")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 17:6 offers profound encouragement and a vital reorientation for every believer. It teaches us not to despair or be discouraged if our faith feels small or inadequate, for its power is derived from the infinite God in whom it is placed, not from our own perceived strength. The passage calls us to cultivate a radical trust in God's ability to act, even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless or challenges appear insurmountable. This means focusing less on the "size" of our faith and more on the "size" of our God. When confronted with deeply entrenched personal struggles, relational brokenness, systemic injustices, or seemingly impossible ministry goals, this verse empowers us to approach them with the conviction that God's power, activated through even a "grain of mustard seed" faith, can bring about miraculous transformation. It invites us to pray boldly, to act courageously, and to persevere faithfully, knowing that the God who can move a sycamine tree into the sea is capable of anything.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sycamine trees" (deeply rooted problems, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or long-standing challenges) are you currently facing in your personal life, family, or community?**
* **How might shifting your focus from the perceived smallness of your faith to the infinite power and character of God change your perspective and approach to these challenges?**
* **In what specific areas of your life can you intentionally practice placing even a "grain of mustard seed" faith in God's ability to do the impossible?**

### FAQ
**Is Jesus literally telling us to move trees or perform other physical miracles?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not giving a literal instruction for believers to physically uproot trees and plant them in the sea. This statement is a powerful example of **hyperbole**, a literary device involving extreme exaggeration used to emphasize a point. The purpose of this vivid imagery is to illustrate the extraordinary, supernatural power that God can unleash through even a small amount of genuine faith. It signifies that no obstacle, no matter how deeply entrenched or impossible it seems, is too great for God when His power is activated through a trusting heart.

**What does "faith as a grain of mustard seed" truly mean? Does it imply that a tiny faith is all we need, or should we strive for more?**

Answer: "Faith as a grain of mustard seed" does not imply that the quantity of faith is paramount, nor does it suggest that a minimal faith is the ultimate goal. Instead, it emphasizes the *quality* and *authenticity* of faith. The mustard seed, though tiny, is a living seed with inherent vitality and immense growth potential. Similarly, even a small, genuine, and living faith – one that is truly rooted in trust in God – possesses extraordinary power because it connects to the limitless power of God. The disciples had asked for "more faith" ([Luke 17:5](/luke/17-5 "Luke 17:5 - Disciples' Plea for More Faith")), but Jesus redirected their understanding, teaching them that it's not about accumulating a large *amount* of faith, but about having a sincere, active faith, however small it may feel, that is directed towards the omnipotent God.

**Why did Jesus specifically choose a "sycamine tree" for His illustration?**

Answer: Jesus chose the sycamine tree (black mulberry) because it was well-known in that region for its deep, strong, and extensive root system. This characteristic made it an exceptionally difficult tree to uproot, representing a formidable, seemingly immovable obstacle. By choosing such a tree, Jesus vividly underscored the magnitude of the "impossible" task that faith could accomplish. It served as a powerful symbol for deeply entrenched problems, stubborn habits, or seemingly insurmountable challenges that human effort alone cannot overcome, highlighting that with God, even the most deeply rooted obstacles can be removed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 17:6, while spoken by Jesus, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Himself. He is not merely the one who teaches about faith, but the very object, author, and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). The power to move "sycamine trees" – to overcome sin, death, and the seemingly impossible obstacles of a fallen world – is fully realized through His redemptive work. It is by His life, death, and resurrection that the greatest "sycamine tree" of all, the power of sin and death, was "plucked up by the root" and overcome. Furthermore, Christ indwells believers through the Holy Spirit, making the power to live a life of faith and overcome challenges accessible. When Jesus promises that believers will do "greater works" than He did ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works")), it is not by their own strength, but by the power of the Spirit working through them, enabling them to do "all things through Christ who strengthens" them ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ")). Thus, the "grain of mustard seed" faith is faith in Christ, and the power that moves mountains and uproots trees is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 17:20

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Matthew 21:21

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Mark 9:23

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

Mark 11:22

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

Mark 11:23

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.

Matthew 13:31

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

Matthew 13:32

Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.