King James Version

What Does Mark 11:26 Mean?

Mark 11:26 in the King James Version says “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” — study this verse from Mark chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Mark 11:26 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

24

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

25

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.

26

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

27

And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

28

And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus taught: 'But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses' (εἰ δὲ ὑμεῖς οὐκ ἀφίετε, οὐδὲ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς ἀφήσει τὰ παραπτώματα ὑμῶν). This follows teaching on faith and prayer (vv. 22-25). Jesus conditions God's forgiveness on our forgiving others. This doesn't mean we earn forgiveness by forgiving (salvation is by grace, not works). Rather, genuine reception of divine forgiveness transforms us into forgiving people. Unwillingness to forgive reveals we haven't truly grasped God's forgiveness. The parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35) illustrates this principle—those forgiven enormous debt must forgive smaller debts. Unforgiving spirits indicate hardened hearts unregenerate by grace. True Christians, having received mercy, show mercy (Matthew 5:7; James 2:13). Forgiveness isn't optional add-on to Christianity but essential evidence of salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish prayer tradition (Amidah, 'Eighteen Benedictions') included petition for forgiveness. Jesus taught that prayers for forgiveness ring hollow when harboring unforgiveness toward others. The principle appears throughout Jesus' teaching: Lord's Prayer conditions forgiveness on forgiving others (Matthew 6:12, 14-15); Sermon on Mount teaches reconciliation before worship (Matthew 5:23-24). Early church practiced church discipline including forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-20; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11). Paul commanded forgiveness as Christ forgave (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). Yet this raised questions: must Christians forgive unrepentant offenders? How does this relate to justice? Reformed theology distinguishes judicial forgiveness (God's once-for-all pardon at justification) from paternal forgiveness (maintaining fellowship), while emphasizing that genuine believers exhibit forgiving spirits reflecting the grace they've received.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the condition that God forgives only if we forgive others reveal the transformative nature of genuine salvation?
  2. What's the relationship between forgiveness (showing mercy) and justice (pursuing accountability for wrong)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
εἰ1 of 17

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 17

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμεῖς3 of 17

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

οὖκ4 of 17

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀφησεὶ5 of 17

“do”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

οὐδε6 of 17

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

τὰ7 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

πατὴρ8 of 17

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὑμῶν9 of 17

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τὰ10 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

ἐν11 of 17

“is in”

G1722

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

τὰ12 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

οὐρανοῖς13 of 17

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ἀφησεὶ14 of 17

“do”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τὰ15 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

παραπτώματα16 of 17

“trespasses”

G3900

a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression

ὑμῶν17 of 17

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

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 11:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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