Mark 11:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} answering {G611} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Have {G2192} faith {G4102} in God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He responded, "Have the kind of trust that comes from God!

Berean Standard Bible

“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 11:22, Jesus delivers a profound and foundational command, "Have faith in God," immediately following Peter's observation of the withered fig tree. This concise declaration serves as a pivotal teaching moment, shifting the disciples' focus from the miraculous display of power to the essential nature of belief and its direct connection to the omnipotence and character of God, providing a cornerstone for understanding divine action and effective prayer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration from Jesus is embedded within the narrative of His final week in Jerusalem, often referred to as Passion Week. The preceding events are crucial: Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem ([Mark 11:1-11](/mark/11-1-11 "Mark 11:1-11 - Triumphal Entry")), His symbolic cursing of a barren fig tree ([Mark 11:12-14](/mark/11-12-14 "Mark 11:12-14 - Cursing the Fig Tree")), and His dramatic cleansing of the Temple courts, driving out merchants and money-changers ([Mark 11:15-19](/mark/11-15-19 "Mark 11:15-19 - Cleansing the Temple")). The following morning, as Jesus and His disciples passed by, Peter drew attention to the withered fig tree, noting its complete decay from the roots ([Mark 11:20-21](/mark/11-20-21 "Mark 11:20-21 - Withered Fig Tree Observed")). Jesus' response in Mark 11:22, followed by His teaching on prayer and mountain-moving faith in [Mark 11:23-24](/mark/11-23-24 "Mark 11:23-24 - Faith and Prayer"), directly addresses Peter's astonishment, transforming a moment of wonder into a profound lesson on the nature and power of faith in God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' actions and words occur during the Passover season, a time of immense spiritual and political tension in Jerusalem. The Temple, the heart of Jewish worship and national identity, had become corrupted by commercialism, symbolizing a spiritual barrenness that Jesus condemned. The fig tree, a common symbol for Israel in prophetic literature (e.g., [Jeremiah 8:13](/jeremiah/8-13 "Jeremiah 8:13 - Barren Fig Tree Symbol")), likely represented the nation's failure to bear spiritual fruit despite its religious outward appearance. Jesus' command to "Have faith in God" would have resonated with the Jewish understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and omnipotence, yet it also challenged their often-legalistic approach to faith, calling for a deeper, active trust in the living God rather than mere adherence to ritual.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 11:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine authority and power**, demonstrating Jesus' unique ability to command nature and pronounce judgment, validating His messianic claims. Secondly, it highlights the **nature of genuine faith**, emphasizing that true belief is not passive but an active reliance and trust in God's character and ability, serving as a prerequisite for spiritual effectiveness. Thirdly, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **effective prayer**, linking unwavering faith directly to the power of prayer to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks, as elaborated in the subsequent teaching on moving mountains ([Mark 11:23](/mark/11-23 "Mark 11:23 - Moving Mountains by Faith")). Finally, it subtly touches on the theme of **judgment on spiritual barrenness**, as seen in both the fig tree and the Temple cleansing, contrasting outward religiosity with an authentic, fruit-bearing faith in God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Have (Greek, _échō_):** This verb signifies to hold, possess, or to be in a certain state. In this imperative command, it implies an active, continuous state of possessing or maintaining faith. It's not a fleeting emotion but a settled disposition of trust that one *holds* onto.
* **Faith (Greek, _pístis_):** Derived from a root meaning "to persuade," _pístis_ denotes persuasion, credence, moral conviction, or reliance upon the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher. Here, it specifically refers to a deep, unwavering reliance upon God for salvation and for the power to act. It encompasses both intellectual assent and active trust.
* **God (Greek, _theós_):** This term refers to the supreme Divinity, the one true God. As the object of faith, it emphasizes that the disciples' trust is to be placed not in their own abilities or in a vague spiritual force, but in the Person of the Almighty, sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus answering saith unto them":** This phrase establishes the immediate context of Jesus' words. It signifies that His statement is a direct response to Peter's observation of the withered fig tree ([Mark 11:21](/mark/11-21 "Mark 11:21 - Peter's Observation of the Fig Tree")). The use of "answering" (G611, _apokrínomai_) can sometimes imply not just a direct reply but also a solemn pronouncement or the beginning of an important discourse, indicating the weight of what Jesus is about to say.
* **"Have faith in God":** This is the core imperative, a direct command from Jesus. The Greek phrase "ἔχετε πίστιν Θεοῦ" (echēte pistin Theou) uses the genitive case "Theou" (of God). While the genitive can imply possession ("the faith *of* God," meaning God's own faithfulness or a faith given by God), the overwhelming contextual and theological interpretation here is the objective genitive: "faith *directed toward* God" or "faith *in* God." Jesus is commanding His disciples to place their active, unwavering trust and reliance *upon* God Himself, His character, His power, and His promises, rather than being astonished by mere external signs. This command is foundational for understanding the power demonstrated through the fig tree's demise and the subsequent teaching on prayer.

#### Literary Devices
The profound impact of Mark 11:22 is amplified by its use of several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** of the verb "Have" (ἔχετε), which renders Jesus' statement not as a suggestion or an observation, but as a direct, authoritative command. This underscores the non-negotiable nature of faith as a prerequisite for divine action. The passage also employs **Didactic Tone**, as Jesus transitions from a miraculous event to a fundamental spiritual lesson, using the withered fig tree as a visual aid for His teaching on faith. Furthermore, there is an implied **Metaphor** or **Symbolism** in the context of the fig tree itself. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the fig tree's immediate withering serves as a powerful, concrete illustration of the potent consequences of a lack of spiritual fruit and, conversely, the immense power unleashed by genuine faith in God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 11:22 stands as a theological cornerstone, asserting that the object of our faith is paramount. It is not the quantity or strength of human faith that is primary, but the infinite power and trustworthiness of the God in whom that faith is placed. This verse grounds all spiritual efficacy—from prayer to overcoming obstacles—in the unchangeable character and omnipotence of God. It teaches that true faith is not a self-generated power but a confident reliance on God's ability to act, aligning human will with divine purpose. This command calls believers to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a dynamic, active trust that acknowledges God's sovereignty and His capacity to fulfill His promises, even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.

* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")
* [Romans 4:20-21](/romans/4-20-21 "Romans 4:20-21 - Abraham's Unwavering Faith")
* [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - With God Nothing Is Impossible")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' command to "Have faith in God" remains a timeless and vital challenge for every believer. It compels us to examine the true object of our trust: are we placing our confidence in our own abilities, circumstances, or even the strength of our own faith, or are we truly resting in the infinite power and unwavering faithfulness of God? This verse calls us to a radical dependence, reminding us that the "mountains" in our lives—be they financial crises, relational brokenness, health challenges, or spiritual strongholds—are not insurmountable when approached with a faith firmly fixed on God. It transforms our understanding of prayer from a mere wish list into a confident declaration rooted in God's character, empowering us to believe for the impossible according to His will and to align our desires with His divine purposes. Living out this command means cultivating a daily posture of trust, acknowledging God's sovereignty in every situation, and stepping out in obedience even when the path is unclear, knowing that He is faithful to accomplish what He has promised.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains" or seemingly impossible situations in your life are you being called to approach with a renewed "faith in God"?**
* **How does your daily walk and prayer life actively demonstrate that your faith is firmly placed in God, rather than in circumstances or self-reliance?**
* **In what specific areas might you be limiting God's power in your life by a lack of unwavering trust in His character and promises?**

### FAQ
**Is "faith in God" the same as "the faith of God"?**

Answer: While the Greek phrase "pístin Theou" (faith of God) can grammatically be interpreted as either an objective genitive ("faith *in* God") or a subjective genitive ("the faith *that God has*" or "faith *from* God"), the context of Mark 11:22 strongly favors the objective genitive: "faith *in* God." Jesus is commanding His disciples to actively place their trust and reliance *upon* God. This emphasizes the human act of believing *in* God's character and power. However, it's also biblically true that genuine faith is ultimately a gift from God ([Ephesians 2:8](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8 - Grace Through Faith")), and God Himself is perfectly faithful ([2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God's Faithfulness")). So, while the immediate command focuses on our active trust *in* God, it's understood within the broader theological framework that such faith is both enabled by and directed towards the faithful God.

**How does this verse relate to prayer?**

Answer: Mark 11:22 serves as the foundational premise for Jesus' subsequent teaching on prayer in [Mark 11:23-24](/mark/11-23-24 "Mark 11:23-24 - Faith and Prayer"). Jesus directly connects the command to "Have faith in God" with the ability to speak to a mountain and have it removed, and with receiving what one asks for in prayer. This indicates that faith is not merely a passive belief but an active, confident trust that empowers effective prayer. Prayer, when anchored in an unwavering faith in God's character and omnipotence, becomes a powerful means by which believers participate in God's will and experience His miraculous intervention. It underscores that the efficacy of prayer is not in the words themselves, but in the believing heart that trusts God to act.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 11:22, "Have faith in God," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the command is to trust in the triune God, it is through Jesus that God is fully revealed and through whom genuine faith becomes possible and effective. Jesus Himself is the perfect embodiment of faith in God, demonstrating complete reliance on the Father throughout His earthly ministry, even to the point of death on the cross ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). He is not only the object of our faith but also the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Perfecter of Faith")), enabling us to exercise the very trust He commands. The power demonstrated in the withering of the fig tree and the cleansing of the Temple foreshadows Jesus' ultimate authority over creation and His judgment on spiritual barrenness, yet His resurrection is the supreme demonstration of God's power, validating the faith He calls for ([Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confess and Believe")). Through Christ, we are given access to God ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")) and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life of unwavering faith ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Living by Faith in the Son of God")), trusting in the God who raised Jesus from the dead and who promises eternal life to all who believe in His Son ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, "Have faith in God" is ultimately an invitation to place our complete trust in the God who has fully revealed Himself and acted decisively for our salvation in Jesus Christ.

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

Psalms 62:8

¶ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.

John 14:1

¶ Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Mark 9:23

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

Isaiah 7:9

And the head of Ephraim [is] Samaria, and the head of Samaria [is] Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

2 Chronicles 20:20

¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

Titus 1:1

¶ Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

Colossians 2:12

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.