And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus uses a striking image: the sycamine tree, known for its incredibly deep and strong roots, to represent something seemingly impossible. He's not just talking about big miracles, but highlighting that even the smallest measure of genuine faith has the power to uproot and relocate deeply entrenched things, whether in nature or within ourselves, when directed by God.
And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples, after witnessing Jesus cast out a demon that they themselves couldn't, ask him to "increase our faith." Jesus responds by explaining that even a tiny amount of genuine faith, like a mustard seed, possesses immense power, capable of uprooting a sturdy mulberry tree and transplanting it into the sea, demonstrating that with true faith, nothing is impossible. This statement, made in the context of their struggle with unbelief, aims to show them the potential power available to them through faith, even in seemingly insurmountable situations.
Ever felt like your faith is too small to make a difference? Jesus uses a tiny seed to show us the immense power packed into even the smallest measure of true faith.
Jesus compares true faith to a mustard seed, the smallest seed commonly sown. But what does this comparison really mean?
Why a mulberry tree? Jesus chose a specific image to drive home a powerful point about what true faith can overcome. This tree was known for its stubbornness.
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The sycamine tree (often translated as mulberry tree) was not just any tree. It was known for being deeply rooted and incredibly difficult to remove, often growing by pathways and becoming a fixture.
Does Jesus' teaching mean we can just demand anything from God? Not quite. There's a crucial distinction between true faith and wishful thinking.
It's essential to understand that Jesus isn't encouraging reckless demands or spiritual presumption. His words point to a faith that is aligned with God's will and power.
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, this is a firm conviction or trust in God, specifically in His character and power, which allows for the accomplishment of God's will. It is not defined by the size of the believer's subjective belief, but by the object of that faith—God Himself.
The disciples' request for increased faith comes at a time of immense religious and political upheaval in Jewish history, with memories of exile and destruction of the Temple still potent. Jesus' powerful metaphor of the sycamine tree highlights that even the smallest amount of genuine faith can accomplish the seemingly impossible, emphasizing God's power working through His people, especially in overcoming internal struggles like unforgiveness.
c. 732 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in Levant
The Neo-Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III begins a period of aggressive expansion, which will later impact the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Fall of Israel
The northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, its people exiled, and the land resettled by foreigners. This marks a significant upheaval and dispersal for many Israelites.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquers Judah, beginning the deportations of Jewish elites and skilled workers to Babylon, including figures like Daniel.
c. 587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar II destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population. This is a catastrophic event for Jewish identity and worship.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great overthrows the Babylonian Empire, allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Rededicated
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem is completed and rededicated, marking a significant moment of restoration for the returning exiles.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus travels and teaches throughout Galilee, gathering disciples and performing miracles. This period culminates in the events of Luke 17.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' teaching on faith and mountains, emphasizing that even a small amount of faith can accomplish seemingly impossible feats.
Mark 4:30-32This parable illustrates how the Kingdom of God, like a mustard seed, starts small but grows to become the greatest of all, highlighting the immense potential within even the smallest beginnings of faith.
Hebrews 11:1This foundational definition of faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen' provides the conceptual basis for how faith can interact with and influence the physical world, even in seemingly miraculous ways.
1 Corinthians 13:2This passage states that even with faith that can move mountains, without love, it amounts to nothing, reminding us that the power of faith described by Jesus is always to be exercised within the context of God's greater purposes, especially love.
vincentLuke 17:6: "And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."
SycamineOr mulberry. Luke distinguishes between this and συκομορέα, the fig-mulberry (Luke 19:4). The names were sometimes confused, but a physician would readily make the distinction, as both were used medicinally.
pulpitLuke 17:6: "And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."
Verse 6. - And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. The Lord signifies that a very slight real faith, which he compares to the mustard seed, that sma…
Jesus uses a striking image: the sycamine tree, known for its incredibly deep and strong roots, to represent something seemingly impossible. He's not just talking about big miracles, but highlighting that even the smallest measure of genuine faith has the power to uproot and relocate deeply entrenched things, whether in nature or within ourselves, when directed by God.
The disciples, after witnessing Jesus cast out a demon that they themselves couldn't, ask him to "increase our faith." Jesus responds by explaining that even a tiny amount of genuine faith, like a mustard seed, possesses immense power, capable of uprooting a sturdy mulberry tree and transplanting it into the sea, demonstrating that with true faith, nothing is impossible. This statement, made in the context of their struggle with unbelief, aims to show them the potential power available to them through faith, even in seemingly insurmountable situations.
The disciples, after witnessing Jesus cast out a demon that they themselves couldn't, ask him to "increase our faith." Jesus responds by explaining that even a tiny amount of genuine faith, like a mustard seed, possesses immense power, capable of uprooting a sturdy mulberry tree and transplanting it into the sea, demonstrating that with true faith, nothing is impossible. This statement, made in the context of their struggle with unbelief, aims to show them the potential power available to them through faith, even in seemingly insurmountable situations.
"And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you." — Jesus uses a striking image: the sycamine tree, known for its incredibly deep and strong roots, to represent something seemingly impossible. He's not just talking about big miracles, but highlighting…
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Last reviewed October 2026