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.

MARK 11:23KJV
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Mark 11:23 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:23 mean?

Mark 11:23 says that anyone who truly believes and does not doubt can speak to a mountain and command it to move, and if they have faith, what they say will happen. The verse uses strong language to show the power of faith and trust in God’s ability to do what seems impossible.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples after they saw a fig tree wither at his command. He uses the image of moving a mountain—a common way of describing something extremely difficult—to teach about the effectiveness of genuine faith. Jesus emphasizes not just belief, but a heart free from doubt, showing that faith is more than words; it is deep trust in God’s power.

The Greek behind Mark 11:23

  • ἀμὴν (amēn, "verily"): This word is a strong affirmation, often translated as "truly" or "certainly," highlighting that what Jesus is about to say is especially important and trustworthy.
  • διακριθῇ (diakrithē, "doubt"): The Greek word here carries the sense of wavering or hesitating, not just intellectual uncertainty but an inner conflict or divided heart. Jesus points to the need for undivided trust.
  • καρδία (kardia, "heart"): In Greek thought, the heart is the center of one’s inner life, not just emotions but also thoughts and will. Jesus is calling for faith that comes from the deepest part of a person.
  • γενήσεται (genēsetai, "shall come to pass"): This verb emphasizes that what is spoken in faith will actually happen, not just in theory but in reality, according to God’s will.

Why Mark 11:23 matters

  • Mark 11:23 clears up the idea that faith is only about positive thinking or saying the right words; Jesus ties effective faith to a heart that does not waver or doubt.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ authority and the trust he calls for from his followers, connecting their faith to God’s power rather than their own ability.
  • Mark 11:23 fits into a larger lesson about prayer and faith in the surrounding verses, showing that Jesus is teaching his disciples how to rely on God in all circumstances, even when faced with what seems impossible.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G1252 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
  • Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

“mountain” Greek G3735 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Mark 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
  • John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

“sea” Greek G2281 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
  • 1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

“this” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.