Mark 11 24

Mark 11:24 kjv

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

Mark 11:24 nkjv

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Mark 11:24 niv

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:24 esv

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:24 nlt

I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours.

Mark 11 verses

Mark 11 24 Meaning

Mark 11:24 declares that genuine prayer, when offered with unwavering faith that the desired outcome has already been granted by God, will certainly materialize. The verse emphasizes that true belief involves acting as if the request is already a present reality in God's eyes, preceding its physical manifestation.

Mark 11 24 Context

Mark 11:24 is situated within a significant narrative following Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and directly after two related events: the cursing of the barren fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21) and the cleansing of the Temple (Mark 11:15-19). The disciples had witnessed Jesus speak to the fig tree, and then saw it withered. Jesus then points them towards faith in God (Mark 11:22). He further explains the power of faith, illustrating it with the metaphor of moving a mountain (Mark 11:23). Therefore, Mark 11:24 is the culmination of Jesus' teaching on radical faith applied to prayer. The broader historical and cultural context for Jesus' audience involved a deep understanding of prayer in Jewish tradition, the significance of the Temple as a place of prayer, and a concept of God as omnipotent and responsive to His people's cries, though often with a more passive waiting for divine intervention rather than the active "belief that you have received" Jesus now taught. This teaching on demanding faith could be seen as challenging some existing beliefs by pushing the boundaries of what humans could expect when connected with divine power through belief.

Mark 11 24 Word analysis

• "Therefore" (διὰ τοῦτο, dia touto): This linking phrase indicates a conclusion drawn from the preceding discussion. It connects the promise of answered prayer directly to the example of the withered fig tree and Jesus' command to "have faith in God" (Mark 11:22) and speak to the mountain (Mark 11:23). It signals that what follows is an explanation of the power demonstrated.
• "I tell you" (λέγω ὑμῖν, legō hymin): This is a strong declaration from Jesus, conveying His divine authority and personal endorsement of the truth being shared. It lends weight and certainty to the promise.
• "whatever" (πάντα ὅσα ἄν, panta hosa an): This Greek phrase conveys an inclusive sense of "all things whatsoever" or "anything at all." It points to the broad scope of permissible requests, limited not by the type of thing asked but by the underlying condition of faith and God's will.
• "you ask for" (αἰτεῖσθε, aiteisthe): From the Greek verb aiteō, meaning to ask, request, or beg. It signifies a direct, deliberate request made to a higher authority, in this context, God. It implies the intentional formulation of a specific petition.
• "in prayer" (προσευχόμενοι, proseuchomenoi): From proseuchomai, indicating a sacred and directed act of communion with God. This distinguishes mere wishing from a devoted, reverent appeal to the Divine. It denotes approaching God with devotion.
• "believe" (πιστεύετε, pisteuete): From pisteuō, meaning to put trust in, rely upon, or be persuaded of. This is a crucial, active, and ongoing faith. It is a present imperative, signifying a continuous state of believing. It's not a fleeting emotion but a settled conviction.
• "that you have received it" (ὅτι ἐλάβετε, hoti elabete): elabete is an aorist active indicative verb, meaning "you received" or "you have received." This is perhaps the most critical and distinct part of the verse. It indicates a faith that perceives the desired outcome as already accomplished from God's perspective. It's a settled conviction that God, being faithful, has already acted on the request, even if the physical manifestation has not yet appeared. It implies seeing with the eyes of faith.
• "and it will be yours" (ἔσται ὑμῖν, estai hymin): From estai (future indicative of eimi, "to be") and hymin (to you). This confirms the absolute certainty of the outcome once the condition of faith is met. The physical manifestation is guaranteed as a result of the belief that it has already been received in the spiritual realm.

Words-group analysis

• "whatever you ask for in prayer": This phrase highlights the comprehensive scope and proper context for asking. It is not vague wishing, but deliberate requests brought before God in the consecrated act of prayer. The "whatever" suggests vast possibility, constrained by divine wisdom and purpose.
• "believe that you have received it": This is the transformative core of the verse. It implies a profound level of faith that shifts from "God can do it" to "God has done it." This active belief in a completed divine act, before the physical evidence, is essential. It requires a mind fully persuaded of God's power, goodness, and readiness to grant. This belief anticipates the outcome and treats it as a settled fact.
• "and it will be yours": This segment assures the manifestation of what was requested. It is the divine guarantee, indicating that once the spiritual condition of "having received" by faith is met, the tangible reality is inevitable. It emphasizes the direct and assured outcome of prayer aligned with genuine faith.

Mark 11 24 Bonus section

The teaching of Mark 11:24 is closely linked to Mark 11:22, where Jesus says, "Have faith in God." The power of "whatever you ask" flows from faith in God Himself, not just in a generic concept of power or wishing. This emphasis on the object of faith ensures that the power of prayer remains tethered to divine wisdom and love. Furthermore, this verse must always be interpreted in conjunction with Mark 11:25, where Jesus immediately connects answered prayer to a forgiving heart. A lack of forgiveness acts as a barrier to receiving, showing that spiritual conditions beyond mere belief are vital for effective prayer. The "mountain" referred to in the preceding verse (11:23) serves as a metaphor for immense, humanly impossible obstacles, signifying that even the greatest challenges can be overcome through this kind of faith-filled prayer. This prayer principle implies aligning one's heart and desires with Christ's, as highlighted in John 15:7, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." This alignment prevents the principle from being a license for selfish requests.

Mark 11 24 Commentary

Mark 11:24 provides a foundational principle for effective prayer rooted in the unwavering character of God. It's not a formula for demanding selfish desires but an invitation to co-create with God's will through radical faith. The key is "believe that you have received it." This implies more than hope or wish; it is a profound trust in God's faithfulness and ability to act instantly and completely in the spiritual realm, even before we see it in the physical. This kind of faith stems from an intimate knowledge of God's heart and purposes. If a prayer aligns with God's will and glorifies Him, and one truly believes it is already granted, then its manifestation is assured. This active, "already done" faith cultivates an attitude of thanksgiving even before the visible answer appears, which aligns with God's perfect timing and power. It also filters prayers through God's character; one cannot truly believe a selfish or unholy request has already been granted by a holy God. Practically, this verse encourages bold, specific prayers, followed by active thanksgiving and expectation, rather than doubt and despair. For instance, if praying for healing, one should thank God for healing even while symptoms persist; if praying for wisdom, one should move forward with the conviction that wisdom has been given.