Matthew 21:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and {G1161} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, If {G1437} ye have {G2192} faith {G4102}, and {G2532} doubt {G1252} not {G3361}, ye shall {G4160} not {G3756} only {G3440} do {G4160} this {G3440} which is done to the fig tree {G4808}, but {G235} also if {G2579} ye shall say {G2036} unto this {G5129} mountain {G3735}, Be thou removed {G142}, and {G2532} be thou cast {G906} into {G1519} the sea {G2281}; it shall be done {G1096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered them, "Yes! I tell you, if you have trust and don't doubt, you will not only do what was done to this fig tree; but even if you say to this mountain, `Go and throw yourself into the sea!' it will be done.

Berean Standard Bible

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.

American Standard Version

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do what is done to the fig tree, but even if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea, it shall be done.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:21 stands as a profound declaration from Jesus Christ, revealing the extraordinary power accessible through genuine, unwavering faith. Following the disciples' astonishment at the instantaneous withering of the fig tree, Jesus assures them that a steadfast belief, utterly devoid of doubt, empowers His followers to accomplish feats that appear humanly impossible, symbolized by the literal displacement of a mountain into the sea. This teaching underscores the transformative potential of faith when aligned with divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Jesus' dramatic action of cursing a barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-19), which withered from the roots. The disciples, observing this swift and potent miracle, expressed their astonishment, prompting Jesus' teaching on faith. This event, in turn, follows Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11) and His subsequent cleansing of the Temple, where He overturned the tables of the money changers and denounced those who defiled His Father's house (Matthew 21:12-17). In this sequence, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority through both judgment (the fig tree, the Temple cleansing) and miraculous power, setting the stage for His profound lesson on the nature and efficacy of faith. The fig tree's barrenness serves as a parabolic warning against spiritual fruitlessness, while its immediate withering highlights the immediate consequences of rejecting God's purposes, a theme that resonates with the impending judgment upon Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during Jesus' final week before His crucifixion, a period charged with tension and significant teachings. Fig trees were common in ancient Israel, valued for their fruit, and often used symbolically in prophetic literature to represent Israel's spiritual condition. A fig tree with leaves but no fruit (as implied in the narrative) was a sign of deception and spiritual barrenness. The concept of "moving mountains" was a well-known Jewish idiom for overcoming immense, seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Rabbis would sometimes refer to particularly brilliant scholars as "mountain movers" because of their ability to resolve difficult theological or legal problems. Thus, Jesus' statement, while hyperbolic, would have been understood by His audience as a promise of power over the greatest of human difficulties, not necessarily a literal geological feat.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 21:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully emphasizes **the boundless power of faith**, presenting it not merely as intellectual assent but as an active, resolute trust in God's omnipotence. This faith serves as the conduit through which divine power can manifest, enabling believers to overcome "mountains" of obstacles, as also taught in [Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith Like a Mustard Seed"). Secondly, the verse highlights **the debilitating nature of doubt**. The explicit condition "and doubt not" is paramount, suggesting that a divided mind or wavering trust acts as a significant impediment to the full expression of faith and the realization of God's promises. This echoes the principle found in [James 1:6-8](/james/1-6-8 "James 1:6-8 - Asking in Faith") regarding the instability of a double-minded person. Finally, the imagery of the fig tree and the mountain underscores **the authority of Jesus and the kingdom of God**. Jesus' ability to command nature, and His promise that His followers, through faith, can also exercise such authority, points to the inbreaking of God's sovereign rule and the power available to those who align with His will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** Derived from `G4102`, _pístis_ encompasses more than mere intellectual belief; it signifies profound trust, conviction, and reliance upon God. It implies a moral conviction of religious truth and, specifically in the New Testament, a reliance upon Christ for salvation. In this context, it is the unwavering confidence in God's ability and willingness to act, which serves as the active principle for receiving divine power.
* **doubt (Greek, _diakrínō'_):** From `G1252`, _diakrínō_ means "to separate thoroughly," "to withdraw from," or "to discriminate." In its reflexive sense, it implies "to hesitate," "to waver," or "to be divided in one's mind." The negative "doubt not" (`G3361 mḗ` `G1252 diakrínō`) emphasizes the necessity of a singular, undivided focus of trust in God, without internal conflict, hesitation, or wavering, which would otherwise hinder the manifestation of faith.
* **it shall be done (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From `G1096`, _gínomai_ is a versatile verb meaning "to cause to be," "to become," or "to come into being." It denotes the active realization or occurrence of something. In this context, it assures the absolute certainty of the outcome: if the conditions of faith and no doubt are met, the seemingly impossible command will indeed come to pass, signifying God's active involvement in response to such faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you,"**: This introductory phrase establishes the authoritative nature of Jesus' subsequent declaration. The term "Verily" (Greek: _amēn_) functions as a solemn affirmation, emphasizing the absolute truth and certainty of what He is about to convey. It signals a profound and foundational teaching.
* **"If ye have faith, and doubt not,"**: This clause presents the essential conditions for the remarkable promise that follows. "Faith" (Greek: _pístis_) denotes a deep, abiding trust and conviction in God's power and faithfulness. The critical addition "and doubt not" (Greek: _mē diakrínō_) highlights the necessity of an undivided heart and mind. It speaks against internal hesitation, wavering, or being torn between belief and unbelief, which would neutralize the power of faith.
* **"ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree,"**: Jesus refers back to the immediate miracle of the withered fig tree, which had just astonished His disciples. He assures them that the power they witnessed Him exercise is not exclusive to Him but will also be available to them. This phrase implies that their faith will enable them to perform similar acts of divine authority and judgment, signifying power over spiritual barrenness and hypocrisy.
* **"but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea;"**: This is the hyperbolic climax of Jesus' promise. The "mountain" serves as a powerful symbol for the most formidable, seemingly insurmountable obstacles or challenges in life—whether spiritual, physical, emotional, or circumstantial. To "say unto this mountain" implies a declarative command issued with divine authority, and "Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea" signifies its complete and utter eradication or removal from one's path. This is a vivid metaphor for overcoming the greatest difficulties.
* **"it shall be done."**: This concluding affirmation reiterates the absolute certainty and efficacy of the promise. The Greek verb `gínomai` (to become, to come into being) here assures that the command, issued in faith, will indeed be accomplished. It underscores God's commitment to honor and act upon the faith of His children, demonstrating that nothing is impossible with Him.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 21:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the vivid imagery of commanding a "mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea." This exaggerated statement is not meant to be taken literally as a geological instruction but rather to emphasize the immense, seemingly impossible nature of the obstacles that can be overcome through unwavering faith. It functions to underscore the boundless power available to believers. Closely related is **Symbolism**, where the "mountain" symbolizes the greatest difficulties, trials, or spiritual strongholds that believers might face. The act of "casting into the sea" symbolizes their complete and irreversible removal or destruction. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** by comparing the relatively smaller miracle of the fig tree's withering with the vastly greater, hyperbolic act of moving a mountain, thereby highlighting the expansive potential of faith. Jesus also uses **Didactic Language**, directly instructing His disciples with a clear "If... then..." structure, making the conditions and consequences of faith explicit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God's omnipotence and His desire to work through human instruments of faith. It teaches that while God is sovereign, He has chosen to partner with humanity, empowering believers to participate in His redemptive work through faith. This is not a promise of arbitrary power for self-serving ends, but rather a declaration of the spiritual authority available to those whose hearts are fully aligned with God's will and who trust Him without reservation. The "mountain" represents not just personal obstacles but also the systemic evils and spiritual strongholds that oppose the kingdom of God. True faith, therefore, becomes a dynamic force that enables the believer to witness God's transformative power in the world, bringing about His purposes and demonstrating His glory. It challenges believers to move beyond human limitations and to embrace a divine perspective where nothing is impossible with God.

* [Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith Like a Grain of Mustard Seed")
* [Mark 11:23](/mark/11-23 "Mark 11:23 - Faith and the Mountain")
* [James 1:6-8](/james/1-6-8 "James 1:6-8 - Asking in Faith Without Doubting")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 21:21 serves as both a profound encouragement and a significant challenge for believers today. It calls us to examine the depth and sincerity of our faith, urging us to cultivate an unwavering trust in God's power, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, our "mountains." These mountains can manifest as chronic illness, relational brokenness, financial ruin, deep-seated sin, or spiritual oppression. Jesus' words remind us that our limitations are not God's limitations. The critical element is not the size of our faith, but the object of our faith—the infinitely powerful God. Therefore, we are invited to bring our biggest challenges before Him in prayer, not with hesitant requests, but with confident expectation, believing that He is able to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). This requires a conscious decision to reject doubt, which often stems from fear, past disappointments, or a limited view of God. Instead, we are called to immerse ourselves in God's Word, to remember His past faithfulness, and to lean into His character, allowing His truth to dismantle every stronghold of unbelief in our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains" are currently standing in your life that seem impossible to move, and how might this verse encourage you to approach them with renewed faith?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself struggling with doubt, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate a more unwavering trust in God?**
* **How does the example of the fig tree challenge you to consider the "fruit" of your own spiritual life and the potential consequences of spiritual barrenness?**
* **How might a deeper understanding of God's character empower you to pray with greater confidence and less doubt?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus' promise mean I can literally move physical mountains if I have enough faith?**

Answer: While the verse uses the vivid imagery of moving a physical mountain, biblical scholars widely interpret this as a **hyperbole**—a deliberate exaggeration for emphasis. The "mountain" symbolizes immense, seemingly impossible obstacles, challenges, or difficulties in life. Jesus is not giving a literal instruction to rearrange geology, but rather assuring His disciples that through unwavering faith, they can overcome the most formidable spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial barriers. This interpretation aligns with the common Jewish idiom of "moving mountains" to describe overcoming great difficulties, and with other passages where Jesus speaks of faith in hyperbolic terms (e.g., a mustard seed of faith). The focus is on the power of God accessed through faith to accomplish what is humanly impossible.

**What kind of "doubt" is Jesus referring to that hinders faith?**

Answer: The Greek word for "doubt" (`diakrínō`) implies a state of being divided in one's mind, wavering, or hesitating. It's not merely intellectual questioning or seeking understanding, but a lack of conviction or an internal conflict that prevents one from fully trusting God. It's a double-mindedness that undermines the resolve of faith, as described in [James 1:6-8](/james/1-6-8 "James 1:6-8 - Asking in Faith Without Doubting"), where a "double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." This kind of doubt is a spiritual impediment that can neutralize the power of faith and hinder the manifestation of God's promises. It suggests a heart not fully surrendered or confident in God's ability or willingness to act.

**If I have faith and don't doubt, why do some prayers still seem unanswered?**

Answer: This is a profound question that requires careful consideration. While Matthew 21:21 emphasizes the power of faith, it's crucial to understand that faith operates within the context of God's sovereign will and His ultimate purposes. Unanswered prayers are not necessarily a sign of insufficient faith, but may relate to several factors:
1. **God's Will:** True faith aligns with God's will. As [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer") states, "if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." Sometimes, what we ask for may not be God's best plan, or it may not be His timing.
2. **Greater Purpose:** God may have a greater, unseen purpose in allowing a "mountain" to remain for a season, perhaps to refine our character, teach us dependence, or reveal a deeper truth.
3. **Sin and Unconfessed Issues:** Unconfessed sin can hinder our fellowship with God and, consequently, our prayers (e.g., [Psalm 66:18](/psalms/66-18 "Psalm 66:18 - If I regard iniquity in my heart")).
4. **Misunderstanding the "Mountain":** The "mountain" may be a spiritual stronghold that requires sustained spiritual warfare and perseverance, not just a single prayer (e.g., [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")).
The promise in Matthew 21:21 is a powerful assurance of God's ability and willingness to act on behalf of those who trust Him, but it is always within the framework of His divine wisdom and perfect plan for our lives and for His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the embodiment of perfect faith, never wavering, always in complete alignment with the Father's will. Jesus' own life was a testament to "mountain-moving" faith, as He confronted and overcame the greatest obstacles to humanity's flourishing: sin, death, and the power of Satan. His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension represent the ultimate "casting into the sea" of the mountain of human sin and separation from God, a feat accomplished not by human might, but by divine power accessed through His perfect obedience and faith. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has become the source of our faith, enabling us to participate in His victory. When we "have faith, and doubt not," it is not a self-generated power, but rather Christ's own life and Spirit working within us, empowering us to do what is humanly impossible. He is the "author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), and it is in Him that "all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily" (Colossians 2:9), making Him the ultimate "mountain-mover" who invites us to share in His triumph. Our ability to move mountains is thus a reflection of His indwelling presence and His ongoing work through His body, the church, as we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20).

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

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 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 11:22

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.

Luke 17:6

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.

Luke 17:7

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

1 Corinthians 13:2

And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.