Mark 11:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} whosoever {G3739}{G302} shall say {G2036} unto this {G5129} mountain {G3735}, Be thou removed {G142}, and {G2532} be thou cast {G906} into {G1519} the sea {G2281}; and {G2532} shall {G1252} not {G3361} doubt {G1252} in {G1722} his {G846} heart {G2588}, but {G235} shall believe {G4100} that {G3754} those things which {G3739} he saith {G3004} shall come to pass {G1096}; he {G846} shall have {G2071} whatsoever {G3739}{G1437} he saith {G2036}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes! I tell you that whoever does not doubt in his heart but trusts that what he says will happen can say to this mountain, `Go and throw yourself into the sea!' and it will be done for him.

Berean Standard Bible

“Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him.

American Standard Version

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 11:23 presents a profound declaration from Jesus Christ to His disciples, emphasizing the extraordinary power available through unwavering faith. Using the vivid imagery of commanding a mountain to be cast into the sea, Jesus teaches that genuine belief, unmarred by doubt, enables believers to witness the manifestation of what they declare in alignment with God's will, demonstrating the spiritual authority granted to those who fully trust in God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Jesus' dramatic cursing of the fig tree (found in [Mark 11:12-14](/mark/11-12-14 "Mark 11:12-14 - The Cursing of the Fig Tree") and its subsequent withered state observed the next day in [Mark 11:20-21](/mark/11-20-21 "Mark 11:20-21 - The Withered Fig Tree")). The disciples are astonished by the withered tree, prompting Peter to exclaim, "Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away" ([Mark 11:21](/mark/11-21 "Mark 11:21 - Peter's Observation")). Jesus' response in [Mark 11:22-25](/mark/11-22-25 "Mark 11:22-25 - Jesus' Teaching on Faith and Forgiveness") directly addresses their wonder, shifting the focus from the miraculous act itself to the underlying principle of faith in God. Thus, this verse serves as the pinnacle of Jesus' teaching on the efficacy of a faith that is absolute and devoid of internal conflict, directly linking the power of God to the believing heart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish thought, mountains often symbolized formidable obstacles, great powers, or even kingdoms. The idea of "removing mountains" was a common idiom for overcoming immense difficulties or achieving the seemingly impossible. Jesus' use of this hyperbole would have resonated deeply with His audience, conveying the magnitude of the faith He was describing. Furthermore, the setting of this discourse, likely near the [Mount of Olives](/mark/13-3 "Mark 13:3 - Jesus on the Mount of Olives") overlooking Jerusalem, adds a layer of geographical significance to the "mountain" imagery. Jesus frequently employed such vivid, exaggerated language (hyperbole) to capture attention and emphasize a spiritual truth, rather than to be interpreted literally as a command to move physical topography. This teaching also takes place during Passion Week, a time of heightened spiritual tension and revelation, underscoring the gravity of Jesus' words.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **power of unwavering faith** in God. Jesus' teaching in [Mark 11:22](/mark/11-22 "Mark 11:22 - Have Faith in God") ("Have faith in God") sets the stage, and [Mark 11:23](/mark/11-23 "Mark 11:23 - The Mountain-Moving Faith") elaborates on its practical manifestation. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, active trust that translates into confident declaration. Closely related is the **authority of the spoken word** when aligned with divine will and empowered by faith. Jesus emphasizes that what one "saith" with belief "shall come to pass," highlighting a spiritual principle where declarations rooted in faith activate God's power. Finally, the critical condition of **absence of doubt** ("shall not doubt in his heart") underscores the necessity of internal conviction. This internal steadfastness is paramount, as even a small measure of doubt can hinder the manifestation of God's power, a concept echoed in [James 1:6-7](/james/1-6-7 "James 1:6-7 - Faith Without Doubting").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **doubt (Greek, _diakrínō'_):** This word, derived from *dia* (through) and *krinō* (to judge), means "to separate thoroughly," "to discriminate," or "to hesitate." In the context of faith, it signifies an internal wavering, a lack of full conviction, or a mental struggle that creates a division in one's heart regarding God's ability or willingness to act. It's not merely intellectual uncertainty but a spiritual instability that undermines belief.
* **removed (Greek, _aírō'_):** This primary root means "to lift up," "to take up or away," or "to remove." In this verse, it vividly portrays the complete and forceful displacement of the "mountain," symbolizing the total eradication of an obstacle. It implies a definitive and powerful action, not a gradual or partial one, aligning with the absolute nature of the faith being described.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From *pistis* (faith), this verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)," or "to credit." It denotes a deep, active trust and conviction in the truth of something or someone. Here, it refers to a complete reliance on God's power and faithfulness, a confident expectation that what is spoken in faith will indeed come to pass, moving beyond mere intellectual agreement to a full commitment of the heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For verily I say unto you":** Jesus uses His characteristic authoritative introduction, "Amen, I say to you," signaling a profoundly important and trustworthy statement that follows. "Verily" (Greek: *amēn*) functions as a solemn affirmation, underscoring the truth and certainty of His upcoming teaching.
* **"That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea;":** This is the core hyperbole. "This mountain" represents any seemingly insurmountable obstacle, challenge, or spiritual barrier. The command to "be removed, and be cast into the sea" illustrates a complete and definitive removal, signifying that no difficulty is too great for God's power to overcome when activated by faith.
* **"and shall not doubt in his heart,":** This is the crucial condition for the promise's fulfillment. "Doubt in his heart" refers to an internal wavering, a lack of full conviction, or a divided mind. The heart, in biblical anthropology, is the seat of intellect, emotion, and will, meaning the absence of doubt must be total and internal, not just superficial.
* **"but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass;":** In contrast to doubting, active belief is required. This belief is not a naive wish but a firm conviction and trust in God's power and faithfulness. It implies an alignment of the believer's will and words with God's divine purposes, expecting that God will bring about what is declared.
* **"he shall have whatsoever he saith.":** This is the promise of fulfillment. It signifies that the outcome declared in faith, without doubt, will indeed materialize. This is not a blank check for selfish desires but a promise within the context of a heart fully trusting God and aligned with His will, enabling the believer to participate in God's work of overcoming obstacles.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 11:23 is rich in **Hyperbole**, a rhetorical device employing exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, to create emphasis or effect. The image of commanding a literal mountain to move and be cast into the sea is a prime example, vividly illustrating the immense power of faith to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. The "mountain" itself functions as a **Metaphor**, representing any formidable challenge, difficulty, or spiritual stronghold that stands in the way of God's purposes or the believer's progress. Furthermore, the structure of the verse, with its emphasis on "saying," "believing," and "having what he says," demonstrates a form of **Parallelism** or **Cause and Effect**, highlighting the direct relationship between a faith-filled declaration and its subsequent manifestation. Jesus' opening "Verily I say unto you" (Greek: *Amēn legō hymin*) is an **Aramaism**, a direct translation of a common Aramaic phrase, used by Jesus to introduce solemn, authoritative statements, underscoring the weight and truth of His teaching.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 11:23 profoundly articulates the dynamic relationship between human faith and divine power. It teaches that genuine faith is not passive intellectual assent but an active, unwavering trust that empowers believers to participate in God's work of overcoming obstacles. The "mountain" represents any seemingly insurmountable barrier—spiritual, emotional, relational, or circumstantial—that hinders God's will or the believer's progress. The verse underscores that God's power is not limited by the magnitude of the problem, but rather by the presence of doubt in the human heart. True faith, therefore, involves a complete surrender to God's capabilities and a confident expectation that He will act according to His character and promises, transforming the impossible into the possible. This power is not for personal gain or manipulation of God, but for the advancement of His kingdom and the demonstration of His glory.

* [Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith Like a Mustard Seed")
* [James 1:6-8](/james/1-6-8 "James 1:6-8 - Ask in Faith Without Doubting")
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 11:23 challenges believers to cultivate a robust and unwavering faith that trusts implicitly in God's omnipotence. It calls us to examine the "mountains" in our own lives—those seemingly insurmountable challenges, persistent doubts, or deeply entrenched spiritual strongholds—and to confront them not with human strength, but with divine authority activated by faith. This verse is not a license for wishful thinking or a formula for selfish desires, but an invitation to align our hearts and words with God's will, believing that He is able to do far beyond what we can ask or imagine. It encourages a life of bold prayer and confident declaration, knowing that when our faith is pure and our hearts are free from doubt, God is glorified through the impossible becoming possible. We are called to move beyond intellectual belief to a deep, heart-level conviction that empowers us to speak to our "mountains" with the authority of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains" (significant obstacles or challenges) are you currently facing in your life, and how might this verse speak to them?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself struggling with doubt, and how might you cultivate a more unwavering faith?**
* **How does understanding the context of this verse (not a literal moving of mountains, but overcoming spiritual and practical obstacles) change your perspective on its application?**
* **How can you ensure that your declarations of faith are aligned with God's will and not merely your own desires?**

### FAQ

**Does Mark 11:23 mean I can literally move physical mountains or get anything I want?**

Answer: No, the teaching in [Mark 11:23](/mark/11-23 "Mark 11:23 - The Power of Faith") is not to be interpreted as a literal command to physically relocate mountains, nor is it a blanket promise for any and every desire, regardless of its alignment with God's will. The "mountain" is a powerful hyperbole, a common rhetorical device used by Jesus to symbolize immense, seemingly insurmountable obstacles or difficulties in life. The focus is on the *spiritual* power of faith to overcome challenges that appear impossible from a human perspective. The promise "he shall have whatsoever he saith" must be understood within the broader context of a heart fully surrendered to God and a will aligned with His divine purposes, as exemplified by Jesus' own life and teachings, such as His prayer in [Gethsemane](/mark/14-36 "Mark 14:36 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"), "Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."

**What does it mean to "not doubt in his heart"?**

Answer: To "not doubt in his heart" refers to a complete absence of internal wavering or spiritual indecision. The "heart" in biblical terms represents the core of one's being—intellect, emotion, and will. Therefore, not doubting means having a full, unwavering conviction and trust in God's ability and willingness to act. It's more than just intellectual agreement; it's a deep, settled confidence that God will bring to pass what is declared in faith. This is in contrast to a "double-minded" person who is "unstable in all his ways," as described in [James 1:6-8](/james/1-6-8 "James 1:6-8 - Faith Without Doubting"), which hinders effective prayer and receiving from God. It implies a singleness of purpose and a steadfast reliance on God's faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 11:23, while a powerful statement on the potential of human faith, finds its ultimate fulfillment and true meaning in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the supreme example of unwavering faith and obedience, the one whose words always "come to pass" because His will is perfectly aligned with the Father's. Jesus, as the Son of God, demonstrated absolute authority over all creation, including the natural world and spiritual forces, as seen in His calming of the storm ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and His casting out of demons ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")). The "mountain-moving" power promised to believers is not an inherent human capability but a spiritual authority granted through union with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is through Christ that believers are empowered to do "greater works" ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works")) because His Spirit works within them. Thus, the ability to speak to "mountains" and see them removed is a testament not to human strength, but to the power of God working through those who are in Christ, the "author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). Our faith is effective precisely because it is faith *in Him* and *through Him*, enabling us to overcome all things "through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through 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

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.

John 15:7

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done 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.

Psalms 37:4

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

John 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

James 1:6

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.