Question 1

What does Mark 11:20 mean?

Accepted Answer

Mark 11:20 describes how, the morning after Jesus spoke to a fig tree, his followers saw that the tree had completely withered away, starting from its roots. This shows that the fig tree’s condition had drastically changed overnight as a direct result of what Jesus had said the previous day. Earlier, Jesus had approached the fig tree looking for fruit and, finding none, pronounced that no one would eat from it again. The next morning, as Jesus and his disciples were passing by, they noticed the tree was not just wilted on the surface but had dried up from the very roots, indicating a total and irreversible change.

Question 2

The Greek behind Mark 11:20

Accepted Answer

ῥίζα (rhiza, "roots"): The Greek word for "roots" emphasizes that the fig tree was dried up from its very foundation, not just its leaves or branches. This detail shows the thoroughness of the withering, making it clear that the change was complete and not superficial. ἐξηραμμένην (exērammenēn, "dried up"): This word is often used for something that has become completely withered or parched. In this context, it underscores that the tree was entirely lifeless, not just temporarily wilted.

Question 3

Why Mark 11:20 matters

Accepted Answer

Mark 11:20 clarifies that the withering of the fig tree was not a gradual or partial process but a sudden and total event, which would have been striking to the disciples. The detail about the roots highlights that the change was deep and irreversible, not just a surface-level reaction. This verse connects directly to the lesson Jesus was teaching about faith and the consequences of spiritual barrenness, setting up the discussion that follows in the next verses.

Mark 11:20 (KJV)