And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

MARK 11:21KJV
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Mark 11:21 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:21 mean?

Mark 11:21 describes Peter noticing and pointing out to Jesus that the fig tree Jesus had cursed earlier is now completely withered. Peter calls Jesus "Master" and expresses surprise that the tree responded so fully to Jesus' words.

In this scene, Peter is speaking directly to Jesus as they walk by the fig tree on their way back to Jerusalem. The verse highlights Peter's realization and amazement at the visible effect of Jesus' curse on the tree. This moment draws attention to the power of Jesus' words and sets up the teaching that follows about faith and prayer.

The Greek behind Mark 11:21

  • "remembrance" (ἀναμνησθεὶς, transliterated anamnēstheis): This word means recalling or remembering something. Here, it shows that Peter is actively thinking back to what Jesus did the day before, not just noticing the tree by chance.
  • "behold" (ἴδε, transliterated ide): This is a strong word for "look!" or "see!" Peter is urging Jesus to notice the outcome, emphasizing his own surprise and the dramatic change in the tree.
  • "cursedst" (κατηράσω, transliterated katērasō): This word means to call down a curse or pronounce judgment. The Greek here carries the sense of a deliberate, powerful act, not just a casual statement.

Why Mark 11:21 matters

  • Mark 11:21 clears up that the withering of the fig tree was not a natural event but a direct result of Jesus' spoken curse, as Peter specifically connects the two.
  • The verse emphasizes the authority and effectiveness of Jesus' words, preparing the reader for Jesus' upcoming teaching about faith and the power of prayer.
  • By showing Peter's reaction, Mark highlights that even Jesus' closest followers were sometimes surprised by the results of his actions, making the event stand out as a significant lesson.

Where else these words appear

“remembrance” Greek G363 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
  • 2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

“cursedst” Greek G2672 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
  • Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

“Master” Greek G4461 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
  • Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
  • John 3:26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

“tree” Greek G4808 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
  • Luke 21:29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;