And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

MARK 11:25KJV
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Mark 11:25 (KJV)

What does Mark 11:25 mean?

Mark 11:25 teaches that when you are praying, you should forgive anyone you hold something against, so that God in heaven will also forgive your own wrongdoings. The verse links your willingness to forgive others with God's willingness to forgive you.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his followers as they are in Jerusalem, teaching them about prayer and faith. The instruction comes right after Jesus talks about the power of prayer, showing that forgiving others is a key part of a genuine prayer life. The verse highlights that holding onto grudges can affect your relationship with God, making forgiveness not just a personal matter but a spiritual one.

The Greek behind Mark 11:25

  • ἀφίετε (aphiete, "forgive"): This Greek word means to let go, release, or send away. Here, it emphasizes an active choice to release any resentment or claim against someone, not just a passive feeling.
  • ἔχετε τι (echete ti, "have ought against any"): The phrase means to have anything against anyone. It covers any sort of grievance, big or small, showing that Jesus is calling for a broad, generous forgiveness.
  • παράπτωμα (paraptōma, "trespasses"): This word refers to missteps, faults, or wrongdoings. It reminds the reader that everyone needs forgiveness, not just those who have been wronged.

Why Mark 11:25 matters

  • Mark 11:25 clarifies that forgiveness is not optional or secondary in the life of someone who prays; it is essential for a right relationship with God.
  • The verse connects personal relationships with spiritual health, showing that how you treat others directly relates to how God responds to you.
  • In the context of Jesus’ teachings in Jerusalem, this verse adds depth to his message about faith and prayer, making clear that faith is lived out in practical ways, especially in forgiving others.

Where else these words appear

“stand” Greek G4739 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
  • Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
  • Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

“trespasses” Greek G3900 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
  • Romans 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

“if” Greek G1536 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

“praying” Greek G4336 · used in 82 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;
  • Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
  • Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.