Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The original text actually says "believe that you received them" (past tense), not "believe that you will receive them." This shifts the focus from a future hope to a present reality, urging us to embrace what we've asked for as if it's already ours in God's eyes as we pray. It’s about grasping the answer in faith, not just anticipating it.
Immediately after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and a forceful cleansing of the temple, he cursed a fig tree that yielded no fruit. The next morning, his disciples were astonished to see the tree had completely withered. This event prompts Jesus to teach them about the power of faith and prayer, explaining that if they have faith in God and do not doubt, they can even move mountains, leading into the promise that whatever they ask for in prayer, believing they have received it, will be theirs.
When you pray, does God's 'yes' feel like it's already happened, or is it still a future hope? Jesus gives us a clue here.
Jesus says, 'believe that you have received it.' This isn't just wishful thinking; it's a profound shift in perspective. The Greek word used here, 'elabete,' is in the past tense. This means we're called to believe that in the moment of prayer, our request is already granted in God's sight. It's about trusting that when we ask according to His will, the answer is already secured. This moves prayer from a plea to a declaration of faith in what God has already done or will do based on His promises.
Jesus links prayer directly to faith, especially after a dramatic display of His power. What does this connection reveal about how we should pray?
This verse is nestled within a narrative where Jesus demonstrates incredible power, like withering the fig tree. The disciples' astonishment leads Jesus to talk about faith. He teaches that prayer isn't just speaking words; it's the expression of a deep trust in God's ability and willingness to act. True prayer, empowered by faith, is the 'language of faith' itself. It means aligning our requests with God's character and promises, and believing that He is able to do what we ask, not because of our own merit, but because of His faithfulness.
Does 'whatever you ask' mean we can pray for anything and expect it? There's a crucial condition attached to this incredible promise.
While Jesus says 'whatever you ask,' the commentaries remind us that this promise is not a blank check for selfish desires. It's implicitly understood that our prayers should align with God's revealed will and His glory. The focus is on prayers that are for the confirmation of His Gospel, for His name's sake, and that are 'for our good' and 'for God's glory.' This requires discernment and a deep knowledge of Scripture, so we can ask for things that are truly in line with His heart and purposes. When our requests echo His own desires, our faith can be unshakeable.
Understand the original words
proseuchē · Greek Noun
A solemn petition, request, or act of worship directed toward God, characterized by dependence upon His grace and alignment with His will.
This promise of answered prayer is closely tied to Jesus' actions during his final week in Jerusalem, particularly his cursing of the unfruitful fig tree. It's a powerful reminder that faith, coupled with action and a desire for God's glory, is key to receiving from Him.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem for the last week of his earthly ministry, teaching in the Temple and confronting religious authorities.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
Jesus curses a fig tree that had leaves but no fruit, a symbolic act illustrating judgment on those who appear religious but bear no true spiritual fruit.
Early 1st century AD
Second Temple Cleansing
Jesus drives out money changers and merchants from the Temple again, reinforcing his message about the Temple being a house of prayer.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Teaches in the Temple
Jesus teaches and heals in the Temple, drawing large crowds and further angering the chief priests and scribes.
This passage directly parallels Mark 11:24, stating, 'And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.' It emphasizes the crucial link between faith and receiving answers to prayer.
1 John 5:14This verse speaks to the confidence we can have when praying according to God's will: 'And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.' This highlights that faith in prayer is rooted in alignment with God's purposes.
Romans 8:26-27This passage explains that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness when praying, even interceding for us according to God's will. This shows that our faith in prayer is supported by divine assistance, ensuring our requests align with God's plan.
Hebrews 4:16This verse encourages us to 'come boldly into the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.' It underscores that when we pray with faith, we can approach God with confidence, knowing He is ready to give what we need.
Jeremiah 29:11-13God assures Jeremiah that He has plans for welfare and not for evil, to give hope and a future. The passage then states, 'You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart,' connecting sincere seeking with divine response, much like the faith required in Mark 11:24.
ellicottMark 11:24: "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
(24) Believe that ye receive them. —The better MSS. give the latter verb in the past tense, “Believe that ye received them.” It is obvious that, as a rule, such words imply prayer for spiritual rather than temporal blessings. In that region the subjective faith becomes an objective reality. We are to believe, not that we shall one day have what we pray for in…
calvinMark 11:11-24: "And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve."
- And when he entered into Jerusalem, the whole city was moved, saying, Who is this? 11. And the multitudes said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth in Galilee. 12. And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and drove out all that sold and bought in the temple, and overturned the tables of the mon…
The original text actually says "believe that you received them" (past tense), not "believe that you will receive them." This shifts the focus from a future hope to a present reality, urging us to embrace what we've asked for as if it's already ours in God's eyes as we pray. It’s about grasping the answer in faith, not just anticipating it.
Immediately after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and a forceful cleansing of the temple, he cursed a fig tree that yielded no fruit. The next morning, his disciples were astonished to see the tree had completely withered. This event prompts Jesus to teach them about the power of faith and prayer, explaining that if they have faith in God and do not doubt, they can even move mountains, leading into the promise that whatever they ask for in prayer, believing they have received it, will be theirs.
Immediately after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and a forceful cleansing of the temple, he cursed a fig tree that yielded no fruit. The next morning, his disciples were astonished to see the tree had completely withered. This event prompts Jesus to teach them about the power of faith and prayer, explaining that if they have faith in God and do not doubt, they can even move mountains, leading into the promise that whatever they ask for in prayer, believing they have received it, will be theirs.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Mark 11:24 is available in the Sola app.
Early 1st century AD
Confrontation with Religious Leaders
Jesus engages in sharp debates with the religious leaders, challenging their authority and exposing their hypocrisy.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Predicts Temple Destruction
Jesus foretells the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, a prophecy that would profoundly impact his followers.
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." — The original text actually says "believe that you received them" (past tense), not "believe that you will receive them." This shifts the focus from a future hope to a present reality, urging us t…
