King James Version

What Does Mark 11:22 Mean?

Mark 11:22 in the King James Version says “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. Have: or, Have the faith of God” — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 11:22 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

24

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God (Ἔχετε πίστιν Θεοῦ)—Jesus responds to the disciples' amazement (v. 21) by redirecting focus from the miracle to its underlying principle: faith in God. The Greek construction echete pistin theou (ἔχετε πίστιν Θεοῦ) can be translated "Have faith in God" (objective genitive) or "Have the faith of God" (subjective genitive)—likely the former, emphasizing trust in God's power and character. The present imperative echete (ἔχετε, "have") indicates continuous action: maintain ongoing faith, not merely momentary belief.

This simple command contains profound theology. Faith (pistis, πίστις) is not self-generated confidence or positive thinking but trust in God's character, promises, and power. The focus is theocentric—faith in God, not faith in faith. The withered fig tree demonstrates God's power working through Jesus' word; now Jesus teaches that faith in this same God enables His followers to participate in God's powerful work. The subsequent verses (vv. 23-25) elaborate: faith moves mountains, receives answers to prayer, and forgives others. But the foundation is verse 22: genuine faith is oriented toward God, rooted in His nature, and confident in His ability to accomplish His purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' emphasis on faith appears throughout His ministry: "Your faith has made you whole" (Mark 5:34; 10:52), "According to your faith be it unto you" (Matthew 9:29), "Where is your faith?" (Luke 8:25). Faith was central to Jesus' message and the early church's proclamation (Acts 16:31; Romans 1:17; 5:1; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8). The disciples needed this emphasis as they approached Jesus' crucifixion—events that would severely test their faith. Peter's denial (Mark 14:66-72), the disciples' desertion (Mark 14:50), and their despair after the crucifixion (Luke 24:21) showed how fragile their faith was. Yet resurrection faith transformed them: the same disciples who fled became bold proclaimers who faced persecution and martyrdom. This transformation fulfilled Jesus' promise that faith in God—even small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20)—accomplishes great things. The early church's rapid growth despite overwhelming opposition (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 6:7) demonstrated mountain-moving faith in action.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' command 'Have faith in God' distinguish authentic biblical faith from self-confidence or positive thinking?
  2. What does it mean practically to maintain continuous, ongoing faith in God (present imperative) rather than occasional, circumstantial belief?
  3. In what ways does focusing faith on God's character and power rather than desired outcomes transform how we pray and face obstacles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
καὶ1 of 8

“And”

G2532

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

ἀποκριθεὶς2 of 8

“answering”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

Ἰησοῦς3 of 8

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

λέγει4 of 8

“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

αὐτοῖς5 of 8

“unto them”

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

Ἔχετε6 of 8

“Have”

G2192

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

πίστιν7 of 8

“faith”

G4102

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

θεοῦ8 of 8

“in God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 11:22 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 11:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 62:8John 14:1Mark 9:23Isaiah 7:92 Chronicles 20:20Titus 1:1

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