King James Version

What Does Mark 11:21 Mean?

Mark 11:21 in the King James Version says “And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 11:21 · KJV

Context

19

And when even was come, he went out of the city.

20

And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

21

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

22

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. Have: or, Have the faith of God

23

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away (Ῥαββί, ἴδε ἡ συκῆ ἣν κατηράσω ἐξήρανται)—Peter vocalizes the disciples' astonishment. The verb anamnestheistheis (implied, "calling to remembrance") indicates Peter remembered Jesus' curse from Monday (v. 14) and now observes its fulfillment. He addresses Jesus as Rabbi (Ῥαββί), Hebrew for "my teacher" or "my master," a title of respect and recognition of Jesus' teaching authority. The aorist verb katērasō (κατηράσω, "cursedst") recalls Jesus' pronouncement of judgment.

The perfect tense exērantai (ἐξήρανται, "is withered") emphasizes completed action with ongoing state—the tree remains dead. Peter's exclamation sets up Jesus' teaching on faith and prayer (vv. 22-25). The disciples' focus on the miracle's mechanics ("How did the fig tree wither?") redirects to spiritual lessons about faith's power and the necessity of forgiveness. This pattern repeats throughout Mark: Jesus performs signs to teach deeper theological truths, not merely to amaze. The withered tree becomes an object lesson demonstrating that faith in God can accomplish the impossible—even moving mountains (v. 23).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's role as spokesman for the disciples appears repeatedly in the Gospels (Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29; John 6:68). His impetuous, outspoken nature sometimes led to rebukes (Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33) but also to commendation (Matthew 16:17-19). Here his observation launches Jesus' teaching on faith, prayer, and forgiveness—lessons urgently needed as the disciples faced Jesus' imminent death and their future ministry challenges. The early church would need mountain-moving faith to proclaim the gospel despite persecution, hostile authorities, and overwhelming obstacles. Peter himself would need this faith when arrested (Acts 4:1-22; 12:1-17), when confronting false teaching (Galatians 2:11-14), and when facing martyrdom (according to tradition, crucified upside-down in Rome around AD 64-68). The withered fig tree's lesson sustained early Christians: God's word is powerful, His judgments are certain, and faith in Him can accomplish the humanly impossible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Peter's observation of the withered fig tree demonstrate that Jesus' words carry absolute authority and accomplish exactly what He declares?
  2. What does Jesus' use of the miracle as a teaching opportunity reveal about the purpose of signs—not merely to amaze but to instruct in deeper spiritual truths?
  3. In what ways should the certainty of Jesus' judgment on the fig tree assure believers that His promises are equally certain and trustworthy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἀναμνησθεὶς2 of 13

“calling to remembrance”

G363

to remind; (reflexively) to recollect

ὁ3 of 13
G3588

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

Πέτρος4 of 13

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

λέγει5 of 13

“saith”

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

αὐτῷ6 of 13

“unto him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ῥαββί7 of 13

“Master”

G4461

my master, i.e rabbi, as an official title of honor

ἴδε8 of 13
G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἡ9 of 13
G3588

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

συκῆ10 of 13

“the fig tree”

G4808

a fig-tree

ἣν11 of 13

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

κατηράσω12 of 13

“thou cursedst”

G2672

to execrate; by analogy, to doom

ἐξήρανται13 of 13

“is withered away”

G3583

to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 11:21 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 Mark 11:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 16:22Matthew 23:7Proverbs 3:33Zechariah 5:3-4Matthew 25:41

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