King James Version

What Does Luke 17:6 Mean?

Luke 17:6 in the King James Version says “And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Luke 17:6 · KJV


Context

4

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

5

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

6

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

7

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

8

And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus teaches about faith: 'And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.' The disciples requested increased faith (v. 5). Jesus responds that even 'faith as a grain of mustard seed' (πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως, pistin hōs kokkon sinapeōs)—proverbially the smallest seed—suffices for impossible tasks. The example: commanding 'this sycamine tree' (τῇ συκαμίνῳ ταύτῃ, tē sykaminō tautē)—a hardy tree with deep roots—'be plucked up... and planted in the sea' (Ἐκριζώθητι καὶ φυτεύθητι ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ, Ekrizōthēti kai phyteuthēti en tē thalassē), 'and it should obey you' (ὑπήκουσεν ἂν ὑμῖν, hypēkousen an hymin). The issue isn't quantity but quality—genuine faith, however small, accesses God's unlimited power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The mustard seed metaphor appears throughout Jesus' teaching (Matthew 13:31-32, 17:20). The point isn't faith's size but its reality—even tiny genuine faith accomplishes what seems impossible because it connects to God's omnipotence. The sycamine tree (often identified with the black mulberry) had deep, strong roots, making transplanting extremely difficult. That Jesus specifies not just uprooting but replanting in the sea emphasizes the impossibility. Yet faith makes impossible things happen—not because faith itself has power but because faith accesses God's power. This teaching challenges both presumption (demanding God perform according to our wishes) and despair (thinking nothing can change). Even weak faith in an almighty God moves mountains.

Reflection Questions

  1. What's the difference between faith's quantity and quality, and why does quality matter more?
  2. How does genuine faith, even when weak, access God's unlimited power?
  3. What 'impossible' situations in your life need even mustard-seed faith applied to them?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
εἶπεν1 of 25

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 25

And

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριος4 of 25

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Εἰ5 of 25

If

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

εἴχετε6 of 25

ye had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πίστιν7 of 25

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ὡς8 of 25

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

κόκκον9 of 25

a grain

G2848

a kernel of seed

σινάπεως10 of 25

of mustard seed

G4615

mustard (the plant)

ἐλέγετε11 of 25

say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἂν12 of 25

it should

G302

whatsoever

τῇ13 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συκαμίνῳ14 of 25

sycamine

G4807

a sycamore-fig tree

ταύτῃ15 of 25
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

Ἐκριζώθητι16 of 25

tree Be thou plucked up by the root

G1610

to uproot

καὶ17 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

φυτεύθητι18 of 25

be thou planted

G5452

to set out in the earth, i.e., implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine

ἐν19 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ20 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θαλάσσῃ·21 of 25

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

καὶ22 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑπήκουσεν23 of 25

obey

G5219

to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority

ἂν24 of 25

it should

G302

whatsoever

ὑμῖν25 of 25

you

G5213

to (with or by) you


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 17:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 17:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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