Matthew 21:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} all things {G3956}, whatsoever {G302}{G3745} ye shall ask {G154} in {G1722} prayer {G4335}, believing {G4100}, ye shall receive {G2983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In other words, you will receive everything you ask for in prayer, no matter what it is, provided you have trust."

Berean Standard Bible

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:22 presents a profound declaration from Jesus, asserting that when believers ask in prayer with genuine faith, they will receive all things. This statement, delivered in the context of Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, underscores the transformative power of unwavering trust in God's capacity and willingness to respond to the petitions of His disciples, linking divine action directly to the quality of human faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' dramatic action of cursing a fig tree for its barrenness, causing it to wither instantly ([Matthew 21:19](/matthew/21-19 "Matthew 21:19 - Jesus curses the fig tree")). The disciples, astonished by this sudden and powerful miracle, question Jesus about its cause. Rather than simply explaining the mechanics of the miracle, Jesus uses the event as a springboard to teach a deeper spiritual principle: the power of faith. He shifts the focus from His own miraculous power to the potential power available to those who believe. This teaching is part of a broader series of lessons Jesus delivers during His final days in Jerusalem, often addressing themes of authority, the nature of the Kingdom, and the requirements for discipleship, particularly in the face of the religious establishment's unbelief. The passage thus serves as a direct commentary on the spiritual state required for effective interaction with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during Passion Week, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Jesus had just entered the city triumphantly ([Matthew 21:1-11](/matthew/21-1-11 "Matthew 21:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem")) and then cleansed the Temple, declaring it a "house of prayer" ([Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12-13 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus cleanses the Temple")). Prayer was a central tenet of Jewish life, with specific times and places for devotion. The disciples, as devout Jews, were familiar with the Old Testament narratives of God answering the prayers of His people. However, Jesus' teaching here elevates their understanding of prayer beyond mere ritual, emphasizing the internal disposition of faith. The cultural understanding of miracles as signs of divine approval also plays a role, as the disciples' astonishment at the fig tree's withering highlights their expectation of God's direct intervention in the natural world.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 21:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **supremacy and necessity of faith** in the Kingdom of God. Jesus consistently links faith to divine action, whether in healing the sick or performing other miracles, as seen in passages like [Matthew 9:28-29](/matthew/9-28-29 "Matthew 9:28-29 - Jesus heals two blind men according to their faith"). Secondly, it illuminates the **nature and efficacy of prayer**, presenting it not as a passive request but as an active engagement with God that requires profound trust. The "all things" implies God's boundless capacity and generosity, though always understood within the framework of His sovereign will and perfect plan, a concept further explored in [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Confidence in asking according to God's will"). Finally, the verse implicitly addresses the **hindrance of doubt**, contrasting the immediate, visible consequence of the fig tree's withering due to Jesus' word with the potential for believers to achieve great things if they pray without wavering, echoing the sentiments found in [James 1:6](/james/1-6 "James 1:6 - Asking in faith without doubting").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ask (Greek, _aitéō'_):** This term refers to a specific request or petition, an active appeal made to a superior. Unlike other Greek words for asking that might imply demanding or inquiring, _aitéō_ carries the nuance of a humble yet direct plea, highlighting the posture of dependence a believer takes before God. It signifies the act of making one's desires known to the divine.
* **believing (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** Derived from the word for "faith" (_pistis_), _pisteúō_ signifies more than intellectual assent; it denotes a deep, abiding trust and confidence in the character, power, and promises of God. It implies a full commitment and reliance, a conviction that God is both able and willing to act. This belief is not merely a mental exercise but a spiritual posture that entrusts one's entire being and petition to God.
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb means "to take," "grasp," or "obtain." In the context of prayer, it indicates the certain outcome of faithful asking—the actual acquisition or experience of what was requested. It conveys the idea of a sure possession, emphasizing the tangible result of a prayer offered in faith, distinguishing it from merely having something offered or presented.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer":** This opening clause establishes the expansive scope of the promise. "All things" (G3956, _pâs_) combined with "whatsoever" (G302, _án_ and G3745, _hósos_) suggests an unlimited range of possibilities. The crucial condition is that these "all things" must be sought "in prayer" (G1722, _en_ G4335, _proseuchḗ_). This specifies the medium and context: a direct, relational appeal to God, rather than a mere wish or demand. The implication is that the request is brought into the spiritual realm of communion with God.
* **"believing":** This single word provides the indispensable condition for the promise's fulfillment. The Greek word (G4100, _pisteúō_) signifies a deep, unwavering faith and trust in God's ability and willingness to grant the petition. It is not a superficial hope but a profound conviction that God will act. This belief must accompany the act of asking, indicating that the efficacy of the prayer is directly tied to the sincerity and strength of the petitioner's faith. Without this component, the promise is not activated.
* **"ye shall receive":** This final clause declares the certain outcome. The verb "receive" (G2983, _lambánō_) denotes the actual acquisition or obtaining of the requested "all things." It is a definitive promise of reception, contingent upon the preceding condition of asking in prayer with belief. This outcome is presented as a guaranteed consequence, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises when His people approach Him with genuine, unwavering trust.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all things, whatsoever," which, while seemingly limitless, is understood within the theological framework of God's will and wisdom. This exaggerated language serves to emphasize the vastness of God's power and generosity, rather than promising a blank check for any human desire. **Conditionality** is central to the verse's structure, presenting a clear "if-then" proposition: *if* you ask in prayer, *and if* you believe, *then* you will receive. This highlights the prerequisites for divine action. Furthermore, there is an implicit **contrast** with the disciples' initial astonishment at the fig tree, suggesting that their limited understanding of power should be replaced by a boundless faith in God's ability to act through their prayers. The **emphasis** on "believing" acts as a pivotal hinge, underscoring that faith is the non-negotiable element that unlocks the divine response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 21:22 is a cornerstone teaching on the power of prayer and faith, deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved and responsive to the cries of His people. The phrase "all things" must be interpreted through the lens of God's sovereign will and perfect wisdom. True faith, as taught throughout Scripture, aligns itself with God's purposes, seeking His glory above personal gratification. Therefore, "receiving all things" implies receiving what is good, beneficial, and aligned with God's Kingdom agenda, as determined by His infinite knowledge and love. This verse encourages believers to approach God with bold confidence, knowing that He delights in answering prayers that reflect a heart surrendered to Him.

* [Mark 11:24](/mark/11-24 "Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.")
* [James 1:6-7](/james/1-6-7 "Asking in faith without doubting")
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "Confidence in asking according to God's will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 21:22 serves as both an incredible promise and a profound challenge to every believer. It calls us to examine the quality of our faith and the sincerity of our prayers. Are we merely uttering words, or are we truly engaging with the Almighty God with an unwavering conviction that He hears, cares, and is able to act? This verse compels us to move beyond superficial requests to a deep, abiding trust in God's character and His promises. It encourages us to cultivate a faith that is not easily swayed by circumstances or doubts, but rather rests firmly on the truth of God's Word. Furthermore, it reminds us that while God's power is limitless, our prayers should ultimately align with His perfect will, seeking His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom above all else. This alignment often requires a deeper relationship with God through His Word and Spirit, allowing our desires to be shaped by His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current prayer life demonstrate a genuine, unwavering belief in God's power and willingness to answer?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I struggle with doubt when I pray, and what steps can I take to strengthen my faith in those areas?**
* **How can I ensure that my "asking" in prayer is aligned with God's will and purpose, rather than solely focused on my own desires?**

### FAQ

**Does "all things" mean God will grant any desire I have, regardless of its nature?**

Answer: No, the phrase "all things" in Matthew 21:22 is understood within the broader biblical context of God's character, His sovereignty, and His perfect will. True faith, as taught by Jesus, is not a magical formula to manipulate God into granting selfish desires, but rather a trusting alignment with His divine purposes. While God's power is limitless, His answers are always consistent with His wisdom, love, and holiness. As [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Asking according to God's will") clarifies, "if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." Therefore, "all things" refers to all things that are good, righteous, and in alignment with God's plan for our lives and His Kingdom.

**If my prayers are not answered, does it mean I lack sufficient faith?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While lack of faith can certainly hinder prayer, as seen in Jesus' own ministry where He "did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith" ([Matthew 13:58](/matthew/13-58 "Matthew 13:58 - Jesus' limited miracles in Nazareth due to unbelief")), unanswered prayer is not always a direct indictment of one's faith. God's answers can be "yes," "no," or "wait." A "no" or "wait" answer may be due to God's superior wisdom, His desire to develop perseverance in us, or because what we are asking for is not ultimately for our good or His glory. Sometimes, God's greatest answers come in ways we don't expect or through refining our faith in the process of waiting. The focus should be on trusting God's character, even when His response differs from our expectation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who teaches about faith and prayer, but the very embodiment of perfect faith and the ultimate answer to prayer. Our access to God's boundless resources, implied by "all things," is made possible only through Christ. He is "the way, the truth, and the life," and "no one comes to the Father except through [Him]" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). It is through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection that believers are reconciled to God, gaining confident access to His throne of grace ([Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Access to God with confidence through Christ")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself lives to intercede for us at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ intercedes for us"), [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus lives to intercede for us")), ensuring that our prayers, offered in His name, are heard and presented perfectly before the Father. The "all things" we receive are ultimately spiritual blessings "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ")), culminating in the gift of the Holy Spirit, whom the Father gives to those who ask ([Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - The Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask")), empowering us to pray and live in alignment with God's will. Thus, the promise of Matthew 21:22 is not a standalone magical formula, but a profound invitation to participate in the divine life made possible by Christ's redemptive work.

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 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

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.

Mark 11:24

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

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 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

John 14:13

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