Mark 9:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, If {G1487} thou canst {G1410} believe {G4100}, all things {G3956} are possible {G1415} to him {G846} that believeth {G4100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to him, "What do you mean, `if you can'? Everything is possible to someone who has trust!"

Berean Standard Bible

“If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!”

American Standard Version

And Jesus said unto him, If thou canst! All things are possible to him that believeth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 9:23 presents Jesus' profound response to a father's plea for his demon-possessed son, challenging the father's doubt by asserting that the true limitation is not in divine power but in human belief. This pivotal statement shifts the focus from Jesus' capability to the transformative power unleashed when genuine faith encounters God's limitless possibilities, underscoring that "all things are possible to him that believeth."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a dramatic narrative immediately following the Transfiguration and preceding Jesus' second prediction of His passion. Upon descending the mountain, Jesus and His inner circle are met by a large crowd and the remaining disciples, who have failed to cast out a demon from a boy. The desperate father approaches Jesus directly, expressing his doubt with the plea, "If thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us" ([Mark 9:22](/mark/9-22 "Mark 9:22 - The Father's Plea")). Jesus' powerful rejoinder in verse 23 directly addresses and reframes the father's "if," moving the emphasis from Jesus' ability to the father's capacity for faith. This exchange serves as a stark contrast to the disciples' lack of power, which Jesus later attributes to their need for prayer and fasting ([Mark 9:29](/mark/9-29 "Mark 9:29 - Prayer and Fasting")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, demon possession was a recognized and terrifying reality, often associated with physical ailments and social ostracism. Exorcism was practiced by various religious figures, but success was not guaranteed. The father's desperate appeal reflects the common understanding that such afflictions required divine intervention. The setting, likely near Capernaum after descending Mount Hermon (the traditional site of the Transfiguration), places this event in a region where Jesus had performed many miracles, yet skepticism and a lack of understanding regarding His true identity and mission persisted, even among His own disciples. The public nature of this healing also served as a demonstration of Jesus' unique authority, distinguishing Him from other healers of the time.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 9:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Mark. It powerfully highlights the **sovereignty of belief**, asserting that human faith is a crucial catalyst for experiencing God's miraculous power, rather than a prerequisite for God's ability. It also underscores the theme of **overcoming doubt**, as Jesus directly challenges the father's conditional plea, urging a move from uncertainty to trust. Implicitly, the verse reaffirms **God's unlimited power** (omnipotence), demonstrating that when human faith aligns with divine will, no situation is beyond God's capacity to transform. This episode also serves as a pedagogical moment for the disciples, illustrating the spiritual warfare they are called to engage in and the source of true power, contrasting their recent failure with Jesus' effortless authority, which is rooted in unwavering faith, as seen throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "The Gospel of Mark").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **canst (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** This verb signifies "to be able," "to have power," or "to be possible." In the father's initial plea ("If you canst do anything"), it expresses a doubt about Jesus' capability. Jesus' response, however, subtly reorients this "ability" not to His own divine power (which is unquestionable), but to the human capacity for faith. It's a direct challenge, implying, "The question is not whether I have the power, but whether you have the capacity to believe."
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** Derived from _pístis_ (faith), this verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)," or "to credit." It implies trust, conviction, and reliance. In this verse, it is presented as the crucial element that unlocks divine possibility. The repetition of this word ("If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth") emphasizes its centrality, making belief the active agent in receiving God's power.
* **possible (Greek, _dynatós'_):** This adjective, closely related to _dýnamai_, means "powerful or capable," and in its neuter form, "possible." When Jesus declares "all things are possible," He is affirming the boundless reach of God's power when met with faith. It contrasts sharply with the father's perceived limitations and the disciples' inability, asserting that for the one who truly believes, no outcome is beyond the realm of divine accomplishment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus said unto him":** This simple declarative phrase signals Jesus' direct and authoritative response to the father's plea. It immediately establishes Jesus as the one who holds the ultimate answer and the divine perspective on the situation.
* **"If thou canst believe":** This is Jesus' direct counter-question to the father's "If thou canst do any thing." Jesus turns the father's conditional "if" back on him, not to question His own power, but to highlight the father's own capacity for faith. It's a profound rhetorical move, shifting the perceived barrier from Jesus' ability to the father's belief.
* **"all things are possible to him that believeth":** This powerful declaration is the core of the verse. It asserts an absolute truth: when faith is present, there are no limitations to what God can accomplish. The phrase "all things" is comprehensive, encompassing every conceivable challenge or impossibility. The condition "to him that believeth" makes it clear that this possibility is activated through the individual's active trust and reliance on God.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 9:23 is rich with literary artistry. Jesus employs a subtle **Rhetorical Question** by echoing the father's "if thou canst," thereby redirecting the focus from His own power to the father's faith. This is further enhanced by **Wordplay** or **Paronomasia**, as Jesus uses forms of the Greek root *dynamai* (from which *dýnamai* "canst" and *dynatós* "possible" derive) to underscore the connection between ability and possibility, effectively stating, "If you have the ability to believe, then all things are able to be done for the one who believes." The verse also presents a powerful **Paradox**: what seems impossible to human strength or understanding becomes possible through the simple act of faith. This statement serves as a profound **Emphasis** on the pivotal role of faith, contrasting the disciples' failure due to a lack of faith with the limitless power available to the one who believes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 9:23 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the dynamic relationship between divine power and human faith. It teaches that God's power is not constrained by the magnitude of a problem, but rather by the presence or absence of belief in the one seeking intervention. This is not to say that human faith *creates* God's power, but that it provides the channel through which God's already limitless power can operate effectively in specific situations. The verse challenges a passive or conditional approach to God, urging believers to cultivate an active, unwavering trust that aligns with God's omnipotence and willingness to act. It underscores that God's desire to bless and intervene is often met by human doubt, making faith the essential key to unlocking the divine.

* [Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith as a Mustard Seed")
* [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - Nothing is Impossible with God")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 9:23 stands as a timeless challenge and encouragement for every believer. In a world often defined by limitations and perceived impossibilities, Jesus' words invite us to re-evaluate the true source of constraint. It's not God's power that is lacking, but often our own willingness to fully trust Him. This verse calls us to move beyond conditional faith ("If you can...") to a confident, expectant faith ("Because you can!"). It prompts us to examine the areas of our lives where doubt has taken root, perhaps in our prayers for healing, provision, or breakthrough in difficult circumstances. When we approach God with a heart that genuinely believes in His boundless ability and His good intentions, we position ourselves to witness His miraculous work. This is not a promise that every desire will be granted, but that "all things" that align with God's sovereign will and purpose become possible through the conduit of faith. It encourages us to pray boldly, to live expectantly, and to cultivate a deep, unwavering trust in the God for whom nothing is impossible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "if" statements do I often bring to God in my prayers or thoughts, and how might Jesus' words in Mark 9:23 challenge those assumptions?**
* **In what specific areas of my life or ministry do I struggle with doubt, and how can I intentionally cultivate a deeper, more active belief in God's power?**
* **How does the understanding that "all things are possible to him that believeth" impact my approach to seemingly insurmountable challenges or long-standing prayers?**

### FAQ
**Does "all things are possible" mean God will grant every desire if I just believe hard enough?**

Answer: Not necessarily in the way of granting every personal whim or desire. The phrase "all things are possible to him that believeth" must be understood within the broader context of God's character, His sovereign will, and His redemptive purposes. It speaks to the limitless power of God when faith is present, particularly in the context of His kingdom work and overcoming spiritual obstacles, as seen in the healing of the demon-possessed boy. It means that no situation is too difficult for God, and that our faith enables us to tap into His power for His purposes. True faith aligns with God's will, not merely with human desires. As [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer") teaches, our confidence in prayer comes from asking "according to his will."

**Is the father's faith the *cause* of the healing, or is it Jesus' power?**

Answer: The healing is ultimately a demonstration of Jesus' divine power and authority. However, the father's faith serves as the necessary human response that allows Jesus' power to be manifested in that specific situation. Jesus' statement shifts the focus from His own omnipotence (which is unquestionable) to the human receptivity to that power. The father's faith, though initially weak ("Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief" - [Mark 9:24](/mark/9-24 "Mark 9:24 - The Father's Cry for More Faith")), was sufficient to connect with Jesus' willingness and ability to heal. It highlights that while God's power is absolute, its manifestation in our lives often requires our active trust and belief.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 9:23, though spoken in the context of a physical healing, points profoundly to the ultimate "possibility" made real in Christ: salvation and reconciliation with God. The "all things" that become possible through belief find their ultimate fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus, the Son of God. It is through faith in Him that the impossible task of bridging the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity is accomplished. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of this truth, demonstrating God's power over sin, death, and evil through His life, crucifixion, and resurrection. The [Gospel of John](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life") declares that "whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," making eternal life the supreme "all things possible" for those who believe. The power of God, once veiled, is fully revealed in Christ, who invites all to believe and experience the transformation from spiritual death to life ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Thus, Mark 9:23 is not merely about individual miracles but foreshadows the greatest miracle of all: the new creation made possible for all who put their trust in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in 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

John 11:40

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

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.

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 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.

Matthew 21:22

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

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.