Mark 11:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G1223}{G5124} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, What {G3745} things {G3956} soever {G302} ye desire {G154}, when ye pray {G4336}, believe {G4100} that {G3754} ye receive {G2983} them, and {G2532} ye {G5213} shall have {G2071} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, trust that you are receiving it, and it will be yours.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

American Standard Version

Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 11:24 presents a profound teaching from Jesus on the power of believing prayer, delivered in the aftermath of the withered fig tree incident. It instructs disciples that whatever they desire when they pray, they should believe they have already received it, and it will be granted to them. This verse underscores the foundational principle that effective prayer is not merely asking, but an act of faith that actively appropriates God's promises and provisions, emphasizing the direct correlation between unwavering belief and the manifestation of divine answers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 11:24 is situated within a pivotal section of Jesus' ministry, immediately following the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the cleansing of the Temple. The verse is directly preceded by the remarkable incident of the withered fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21). After cursing the barren fig tree, Jesus and His disciples return the next day to find it completely withered from the roots. This astonishing sight prompts Peter to exclaim, "Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away" ([Mark 11:21](/mark/11-21 "Mark 11:21 - The Withered Fig Tree")). In response, Jesus does not simply explain the fig tree's fate but uses it as a springboard to teach on the extraordinary power of faith and prayer, culminating in the declaration of [Mark 11:23-24](/mark/11-23-24 "Mark 11:23-24 - Faith and Prayer"). The teaching on prayer is then immediately followed by a crucial instruction on forgiveness (Mark 11:25-26), indicating that a right relationship with God and others is prerequisite for effective prayer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' teaching on faith and prayer would have resonated deeply within the Jewish cultural framework, which placed high value on prayer as a means of communicating with God. However, Jesus' emphasis on *believing* that one *receives* (present tense, implying a settled conviction) was revolutionary. While the Old Testament contains many examples of fervent prayer and God's miraculous intervention, Jesus elevates the role of the individual's faith to an unprecedented degree. The idea of "moving mountains" ([Mark 11:23](/mark/11-23 "Mark 11:23 - Moving Mountains by Faith")) was a common hyperbolic expression in Jewish literature, signifying the accomplishment of seemingly impossible tasks. Jesus' use of this idiom, followed by the broader principle in [Mark 11:24](/mark/11-24 "Mark 11:24 - The Power of Believing Prayer"), challenges His disciples to embrace a radical trust in God's power, far beyond conventional understanding.
* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. Foremost among them is the **sovereignty and power of God**, demonstrated not only in Jesus' miracles but also in His willingness to empower His followers. The theme of **faith** is central, presented as the indispensable conduit through which God's power is accessed. Jesus consistently highlights faith as the key to healing and spiritual breakthroughs throughout Mark's Gospel (e.g., [Mark 5:34](/mark/5-34 "Mark 5:34 - Your Faith Has Made You Whole"), [Mark 9:23](/mark/9-23 "Mark 9:23 - All Things Are Possible to Him Who Believes")). Furthermore, the passage illuminates the **nature of prayer**, shifting it from a mere petition to an active, believing engagement with God that anticipates a response. Finally, the connection to the withered fig tree also subtly introduces the theme of **judgment and fruitfulness**, implying that faith is not just for personal gain but for bearing spiritual fruit in alignment with God's purposes, a theme echoed in [John 15:7](/john/15-7 "John 15:7 - Abiding in Christ and Asking").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **desire (Greek, _aitéō_):** This word, meaning "to ask (in general case), beg, call for, crave, desire, require," indicates the act of making a request or expressing a longing. It is a direct and active seeking, not merely a passive wish. The emphasis is on the specific "things" that are desired, implying a focused and intentional prayer.
* **pray (Greek, _proseúchomai_):** Derived from `pros` (towards) and `eúchomai` (to pray), this word specifically means "to pray to God, i.e., supplicate, worship." It signifies a reverent and intentional communication with the divine, distinguishing it from general asking. It emphasizes the relational aspect of prayer, directed towards God.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō_):** From `pístis` (faith), this verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." It denotes a deep conviction and trust, not just intellectual assent. In this context, it's about having faith that the request is already granted.
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō_):** This word means "to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively... to get hold of)." It implies an active appropriation or taking possession. The use of the aorist tense in the original Greek (specifically the participle `labontes` in some manuscripts, though the KJV translates `lambanete` as "receive") suggests a completed action in the mind of the believer – a settled conviction of having already taken hold of what was requested, even before physical manifestation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray":** Jesus introduces a direct and authoritative teaching ("Therefore I say unto you"), linking it to the preceding lesson on the withered fig tree and the power of faith. The phrase "What things soever ye desire" indicates a broad scope for prayer, encompassing any legitimate request. The condition "when ye pray" emphasizes that this promise is specifically tied to the act of prayer, which is a conscious, intentional communication with God.
* **"believe that ye receive [them]":** This is the crucial condition for effective prayer. The verb "believe" is in the present tense, implying a continuous state of conviction. The verb "receive" (often translated from an aorist participle in the Greek, `labontes`, or a present imperative, `lambanete`, depending on the manuscript tradition) carries the sense of *having already taken possession* or *receiving now*. It's not a future hope, but a present conviction of appropriation. This is the heart of the teaching: faith is not hoping *to get* but believing *you have gotten*.
* **"and ye shall have [them]":** This clause states the certain outcome of prayer offered with believing faith. The future tense "shall have" (`ésomai`) guarantees the manifestation of what was believed and received by faith. It is the divine promise of fulfillment, contingent upon the preceding condition of believing appropriation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Hyperbole** is implied through the preceding verse ([Mark 11:23](/mark/11-23 "Mark 11:23 - The Mountain-Moving Faith")), where Jesus speaks of commanding a mountain to be cast into the sea, setting a context of extraordinary possibilities for faith. This extreme example serves to underscore the boundless nature of God's power when accessed through genuine belief. **Conditional Language** is central to the verse, structured around "What things soever... when ye pray, believe... and ye shall have." This "if-then" structure clearly delineates the prerequisite (believing prayer) for the promised outcome (receiving). The **Imperative Mood** in "believe" functions as a direct command, highlighting the active and volitional nature of faith required from the believer. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Paradox** at play: one must believe they *have received* something that has not yet physically manifested, bridging the gap between the spiritual reality of faith and the physical reality of experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 11:24 is a cornerstone of New Testament teaching on prayer, emphasizing that faith is not merely a component of prayer, but its very essence. It reveals a God who is not only willing but eager to respond to the believing prayers of His children, demonstrating His immeasurable power and faithfulness. This verse challenges believers to move beyond superficial petitions to a deep, transformative trust that apprehends divine realities before they are seen. It underscores the active role of the believer's faith in partnering with God's will, aligning human desire with divine purpose to see God's kingdom manifest on earth. The promise is not a blank check for selfish desires, but an invitation to participate in God's redemptive work through a faith that trusts His character and His good intentions.

* [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, Seek, Knock")
* [James 1:6-7](/james/1-6-7 "James 1:6-7 - Praying Without Doubting")
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer According to God's Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 11:24 calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our prayer lives. It challenges us to move beyond simply asking God for things and hoping for the best, to a place of confident, unwavering conviction that what we have prayed for, according to His will, is already ours in the spiritual realm. This requires a shift from a "wait and see" mentality to a "believe and receive" posture. It means cultivating a deep trust in God's character and His promises, even when circumstances seem to contradict them. True faith, as taught here, is not blind optimism but a settled assurance rooted in who God is and what He has declared. It invites us to align our desires with His, knowing that when our hearts are in sync with His, our prayers become powerful instruments for His kingdom. This verse encourages persistent, expectant prayer, reminding us that the spiritual battle is often won in the realm of belief before it manifests in the physical.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life am I struggling to believe God for, and how might Mark 11:24 challenge my current prayer approach?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more active belief that I have already received what I am praying for, even before it manifests?**
* **In what ways might my doubts or lack of forgiveness hinder the effectiveness of my prayers, in light of the surrounding context in Mark 11?**
* **How does aligning my desires with God's will impact my ability to "believe that I receive"?**

### FAQ

**Does Mark 11:24 mean I can ask for anything I want, and God will give it to me?**

Answer: While the verse states "What things soever ye desire," it's crucial to interpret this promise within the broader biblical context. The "desire" spoken of here is not for selfish or worldly gain, but for things that align with God's character, His will, and His kingdom purposes. Jesus' teaching is always framed by His own submission to the Father's will (e.g., [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Furthermore, the preceding context of the withered fig tree and the subsequent teaching on forgiveness ([Mark 11:25](/mark/11-25 "Mark 11:25 - Forgiveness in Prayer")) indicate that effective prayer is rooted in a right relationship with God and others, and a heart aligned with divine purposes. As [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer") clarifies, our confidence in prayer comes when we ask "according to his will."

**How can I "believe that I receive" something that I haven't physically seen yet?**

Answer: This is the essence of faith as defined in [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith"): "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Believing that you receive means having a settled conviction in your spirit that God has heard your prayer and has already acted on it, even if the physical manifestation is yet to come. It's a spiritual appropriation of the promise, trusting in God's faithfulness and power more than in your current circumstances. This requires cultivating a deep relationship with God, knowing His promises, and standing firm on His Word, even when your senses tell you otherwise. It's an act of spiritual warfare, where you declare the outcome based on God's truth, not on visible reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 11:24, while a powerful teaching on prayer for all believers, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Jesus is the perfect embodiment of the one who prays with absolute faith, always aligning His desires with the Father's will (as seen in [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does What He Sees the Father Do")). His life was a continuous demonstration of believing and receiving, culminating in His ultimate act of obedience on the cross, where He "received" the sins of the world to accomplish our salvation. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the access point to the Father, making it possible for us to approach God with the same confidence He possessed. We can now "believe that we receive" because we pray in His name, by His authority, and through the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells us ([John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name") and [Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit Intercedes")). Our ability to exercise this kind of faith is a direct result of our union with Christ, who has already secured every spiritual blessing for us in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Thus, Mark 11:24 is not merely a technique for getting what we want, but an invitation to participate in the ongoing work of God's kingdom, empowered by the finished work of Christ and guided by His Spirit.

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 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

1 John 5:14

¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:15

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

1 John 3:22

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

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.

Matthew 18:19

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.