Matthew 21 22

Matthew 21:22 kjv

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Matthew 21:22 nkjv

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

Matthew 21:22 niv

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Matthew 21:22 esv

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."

Matthew 21:22 nlt

You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it."

Matthew 21 verses

Matthew 21 22 Meaning

Matthew 21:22 states that if believers approach God in prayer with genuine faith, their petitions will be answered. It emphasizes the direct correlation between sincere belief and the efficacy of prayer, assuring that whatever is asked in alignment with God's will and purposes, accompanied by trust, shall be received. This promise underscores the profound power available to those who pray with an unwavering conviction in God’s omnipotence and faithfulness.

Matthew 21 22 Context

Matthew 21 chronicles Jesus’ profound entrance into Jerusalem during Passover week, marking the critical final week before His crucifixion. The chapter begins with the Triumphal Entry (vv. 1-11), where Jesus is publicly acknowledged as the Messiah, setting the stage for His confrontation with the religious establishment. Following this, Jesus cleanses the Temple (vv. 12-17), a powerful act signifying judgment against its commercialization and spiritual barrenness. The immediate context for verse 22 is the episode of the withered fig tree (vv. 18-22). Hungry, Jesus approached a fig tree but found it unfruitful. He cursed it, and it withered instantly. This event served as a powerful parable, symbolizing Israel’s spiritual unfruitfulness and impending judgment. When His disciples marveled at the sudden miracle, Jesus used it as a pivotal teaching moment on the profound power of faith and prayer, culminating in the promise of verse 22. This exchange then directly precedes challenges to His authority by the chief priests and elders.

Matthew 21 22 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): This conjunction serves as a transition, linking Jesus' general statement about faith's power to the specific application in prayer, reinforcing that the promise stems directly from the miracle of the fig tree.

• whatever things (πάντα ὅσα - panta hosa): Panta means "all" or "every," and hosa translates to "as many as" or "whatever." This combined phrase signifies an encompassing scope. However, its broadness is inherently qualified by God's character and perfect will as understood throughout Scripture. It implies abundance and generosity, not unrestrained license for selfish or ungodly desires (Jas 4:3).

• you ask (αἰτήσητε - aitēsēte): From aiteō, meaning "to ask for," "to beg," "to request." The specific Greek tense (optative with an) suggests a potential or conditional request, highlighting that the act of prayer itself is a necessary precursor for receiving. It denotes an act of humble petition, acknowledging dependence on a greater power.

• in prayer (ἐν τῇ προσευχῇ - en tē proseuchē): Proseuchē refers to an act of devotion and communication with God, extending beyond mere verbal requests to include reverence, adoration, confession, and thanksgiving. It emphasizes that petitions are made within a relationship of communion and dependence on God.

• believing (πιστεύοντες - pisteuontes): From pisteuō, "to have faith," "to trust," "to be convinced of." As a present active participle, it conveys a continuous or persistent state of faith concurrent with the act of asking. It's not a fleeting thought, but a firm conviction in God's capability and willingness to act, stemming from an abiding trust in His character. This faith is active, not passive.

• you will receive (λήμψεσθε - lēmpsesthe): From lambanō, "to take," "to grasp," "to receive." This future indicative verb makes the outcome a definite, certain promise. Receipt of the request is guaranteed, directly consequent upon the conditions of faith and prayer having been met, underscoring God's absolute faithfulness to His word.

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • "And whatever things you ask": This phrase opens the promise to an expansive range of possibilities, conveying God's boundless ability to respond. It assures the believer that no need is too great or too small for His attention, provided the request falls within His perfect plan and nature.
  • "in prayer, believing": These two components form the crucial spiritual qualifications. "In prayer" emphasizes the established channel of communication and intimacy with God, implying a submissive and reverent attitude. "Believing" defines the internal disposition—a unwavering, active trust in God’s power, wisdom, and readiness to answer, rooted in His revealed will. These two elements must work in tandem for effective prayer.
  • "you will receive": This is the direct, assured consequence. It highlights God's commitment to honor the faithful prayers of His children. This promise strengthens confidence in approaching God and encourages persistent, trust-filled communication with Him.

Matthew 21 22 Bonus section

This verse flows directly from Matthew 21:21, where Jesus emphasizes faith and the absence of doubt. The miraculous withering of the fig tree serves as a vivid illustration of the "mountain-moving" power Jesus attributes to genuine faith, both in Himself and later in His disciples. It teaches that through a living faith in God, His power can manifest through believers to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles—whether physical or spiritual. The teaching consistently presented by Jesus across Gospels underscores the absolute centrality of faith in the relationship between God and His people, demonstrating that access to divine power and blessings is directly proportionate to the level of belief and trust placed in Him.

Matthew 21 22 Commentary

Matthew 21:22 offers a potent assurance regarding prayer, following Jesus' dramatic cursing of the barren fig tree. The lesson is clear: authentic, unwavering faith in God unlocks divine power. The phrase "whatever things you ask" must be understood within the larger framework of biblical truth, not as an unlimited promise for selfish desires, but for petitions made according to God's will and for His glory. True faith is an active, continuous trust, not just a fleeting hope, in God's ability and character. When prayer is coupled with this profound belief, the outcome—"you will receive"—is certain. This promise encourages believers to engage in bold, confident prayer, recognizing that their requests, when aligned with God's purposes, are heard and answered by a faithful God. Effective prayer is therefore not just speaking words, but a posture of deep dependence and alignment with the divine heart.

• Examples:
  • Praying for spiritual wisdom and discernment when facing a complex decision, fully believing God will guide.
  • Asking for inner peace amidst distressing circumstances, trusting God's promise to sustain you.
  • Interceding for a missionary's safety and effectiveness, confident that God will protect and empower for His Kingdom work.