- *G3916 *18 παραχρῆμα (par-akh-ray'-mah) : from G3844 and G5536 (in its original sense); at the thing itself, i.e. instantly:--forthwith, immediately, presently, straightway, soon.
- παραχρημα *18
- Matthew 21:19 ... henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
- Matthew 21:20 ... it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
- Luke 1:64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue ...
- Luke 4:39 ... it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.
- Luke 5:25 And immediately he rose up before them, and took ...
- Luke 8:44 ... of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
- Luke 8:47 ... and how she was healed immediately.
- Luke 8:55 ... came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give ...
- Luke 13:13 ... his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
- Luke 18:43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, ...
- Luke 19:11 ... the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
- Luke 22:60 ... what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, ...
- Acts 3:7 ... lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ...
- Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, ...
- Acts 12:23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, ...
- Acts 13:11 ... for a season. And immediately there fell on him ...
- Acts 16:26 ... of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, ...
- Acts 16:33 ... and all his, straightway.
42. Matthew 21:20 Immediately
Matthew 21:20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away ! [kjv]
και ιδοντες οι μαθηται εθαυμασαν λεγοντες πως παραχρημα εξηρανθη η συκη [gnt]
The disciples notice. Peter will notice again on the way back, in Mark.
The ancient Greek word
"παραχρῆμα" ≈ "at once, immediately" and comes from two Greek words.
"παρά" ≈ "beyond", not (modern) "parallel" as in "beside".
"χρῆμα" ≈ "need, want, goods, property, thing, matter".
It is not clear how the meaning comes from the constituent parts.
[Mustard seeds and tree and birds]
[Book: The Tipping Point]
43. Strongs - dry up
*G3583 *15 ξηραίνω (xay-rah'-ee-no) : from G3584 ξηρός; to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature:--dry up, pine away, be ripe, wither (away).
*G3584 *8 ξηρός (xay-ros') : from the base of G3582 (through the idea of scorching); arid; by implication, shrunken, earth (as opposed to water):--dry land, withered.
 |
Words: εξηραμμενην=2 εξηρανεν εξηρανθη=10 εξηρανται ξηρα ξηραινεται ξηραν=4 ξηρας ξηρω ξηρων
|
The ancient Greek word
"εξηρανθη" ≈ "dried up, withered".
The ancient Greek word
"ἄνθος" ≈ "blossom, bloom" which is the source of the English word
"anthology".
44. Usage - dry up
45. Matthew 21:20 Dry it again
Matthew 21:20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away ! [kjv]
και ιδοντες οι μαθηται εθαυμασαν λεγοντες πως παραχρημα εξηρανθη η συκη [gnt]
As a play on words, the Greek word for
"blossom" is embedded in the word for
"dry up" or
"withered" (in the case of plants).
"εξηρανθη" ≈ "dried up, withered".
"ἄνθος" ≈ "blossom, bloom".
Jesus uses this exact word in Matthew only here and in the rocky part of the parable of the sower and the seed.
How would this "
tree" appear again? Will they
dry it again? How about the parable of the mustard seeds and the tree and the birds making nests in the tree?
46. Matthew 13:31-32 KP3 Parable of the mustard seed
Matthew 13:31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: [kjv]
13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. [kjv]
The
"mustard seed" :
is not the "smallest" of all "seeds".
is not the "greatest" of all "herbs".
grows into a bush, not a tree.
The
"birds" do
not (usually) nest in small bushes. Are the
"birds" good? What is a
"mustard seed"? What does a
"tree" represent?
The
KJV (King James Version) translates as
"least" the Greek word that means
"smallest". There is another Greek word for "
least".
47. Matthew 21:20
KJV: And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away !
Greek: και ιδοντες οι μαθηται εθαυμασαν λεγοντες πως παραχρημα εξηρανθη η συκη
48. Matthew Move a mountain
Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. [kjv]
If Rome is considered a
"mountain", as in an "
empire", then
Constantine, through
"faith", did "
move" the
"mountain" of
Rome to
Constantinople.
Less than 200 years later, Western Roman Empire (Rome) fell into the sea.
In 1452, the Eastern Roman Empire (Constantinople) was conquered.
49. Matthew 21:21 Mountain into the sea
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [kjv]
αποκριθεις δε ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις αμην λεγω υμιν εαν εχητε πιστιν και μη διακριθητε ου μονον το της συκης ποιησετε αλλα καν τω ορει τουτω ειπητε αρθητι και βληθητι εις την θαλασσαν γενησεται [gnt]
If
Constantine (and Rome) did not divide, as
"through division" or
"discernment", translated
"doubt" in the
KJV, into east and west, that entire
"mountain" could have been moved into the
"sea".
50. Play on words
51. Matthew 21:21 Doubt and discernment
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [kjv]
The
KJV uses
"doubt" but the Greek word is
"discern" as in
"through division". Does this make sense?
The Greek word for "
throw" used by Jesus has the Greek word for "
oblivion" in it as a play on words.
That is, "
If you do not discern, you can do this...". You better be careful. If you do not
"discern" you might do something that may not be good. Might this happen if your faith is lacking? What if you "
over-think" it?
52. Aristotle: one and many
In his
Sophistic Refutations where he deals with false reasoning, Aristotle describes the fallacy made in some translations for what Paul said. The one as "
you" is obscured by the "
many" in the list and the "
us" in the verse.
English: In fallacies connected with accident the deception is due to inability to distinguish the identical and the different, the one and the many, and what kinds of predicates have all the same accidents as their subject. (Loeb #400, p. 45)
Greek: Τῶν δὲ παρὰ τὸ συμβεβηκὸς διὰ τὸ μὴ δύνασθαι διακρίνειν τὸ ταὐτὸν καὶ τὸ ἕτερον, καὶ ἓν καὶ πολλά, μηδὲ τοῖς ποίοις τῶν κατηγορημάτων πάντα ταὐτὰ καὶ τῷ πράγματι συμβέβηκεν. [189b]
The Greek word for "
different" used by Aristotle is the same word used by Paul for "
other (different)". The word for
"distinguish" is sometimes translated as
"doubt" in the
GNT (Greek New Testament).
53. Aristotle: Meteorology
The ancient Greek word
"διάκρινω" ≈ "separate, distinguish, discern"
Aristotle uses this word often in his work
Meteorologica. In this case, the
"through separation" is that of
"evaporation" or
"separation of elements".
English: ... then it must be air and the water that surrounds the earth - for vapour is evaporated water. (Loeb #397, p. 19)
Greek: ...λείπεται δ' ἀέρος καὶ τοῦ περὶ τὴν γῆν πᾶσαν ὕδατος· ἡ γὰρ ἀτμὶς ὕδατος διάκρισίς ἐστιν. [340b]
54. Matthew 21:21
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [kjv]
αποκριθεις δε ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις αμην λεγω υμιν εαν εχητε πιστιν και μη διακριθητε ου μονον το της συκης ποιησετε αλλα καν τω ορει τουτω ειπητε αρθητι και βληθητι εις την θαλασσαν γενησεται [gnt]
How might this "mountain" as an empire be lifted and thrown into oblivion/forgetfulness in the sea?
How might this "mountain" as an definition be lifted and thrown into oblivion/forgetfulness in the sea?
Would they be
oblivious to such happenings?
55. Matthew 21:21 Translation issues
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [kjv]
αποκριθεις δε ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις αμην λεγω υμιν εαν εχητε πιστιν και μη διακριθητε ου μονον το της συκης ποιησετε αλλα καν τω ορει τουτω ειπητε αρθητι και βληθητι εις την θαλασσαν γενησεται [gnt]
There are some translation issues in this verse: "
faith", "
doubt", "
removed".
The translation issues arise, in part, from basing the English translation on the Latin Vulgate and the meanings decided by the Latin rather than the meaning of the Greek words at the time they were spoken.
56. Matthew 21:21 Faith, belief, persuasion
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [kjv]
αποκριθεις δε ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις αμην λεγω υμιν εαν εχητε πιστιν και μη διακριθητε ου μονον το της συκης ποιησετε αλλα καν τω ορει τουτω ειπητε αρθητι και βληθητι εις την θαλασσαν γενησεται [gnt]
The
KJV, as usual, translates as "
faith" the Greek word that means "
belief" or "
persuasion". Through the Latin, translators have decided they know what Jesus (and Paul, etc.) mean and use "
faith" or "
belief" as they see fit.
57. Matthew 21:21 Belief in faith
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [kjv]
αποκριθεις δε ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις αμην λεγω υμιν εαν εχητε πιστιν και μη διακριθητε ου μονον το της συκης ποιησετε αλλα καν τω ορει τουτω ειπητε αρθητι και βληθητι εις την θαλασσαν γενησεται [gnt]
Jesus does not say on whom or what the "
belief" or "
persuasion" rests. A good candidate in this context is that of oneself as in "
mammon".
58. Matthew 21:21 Discerning the doubt
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [kjv]
Does what Jesus say have anything to do with "
doubt"? The
KJV, through the Latin, has "
doubt". The Greek word is that of "
discerning" as in, literally, "
through separation".
59. Matthew 21:21
KJV: Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
Greek: αποκριθεις δε ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις αμην λεγω υμιν εαν εχητε πιστιν και μη διακριθητε ου μονον το της συκης ποιησετε αλλα καν τω ορει τουτω ειπητε αρθητι και βληθητι εις την θαλασσαν γενησεται
60. Moving translation bias
Matthew 17:20 … ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. [kjv]
… ερειτε τω ορει τουτω μεταβα ενθεν εκει και μεταβησεται και ουδεν αδυνατησει υμιν [gnt]
21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [kjv]
… αλλα καν τω ορει τουτω ειπητε αρθητι και βληθητι εις την θαλασσαν γενησεται [gnt]
The Greek word used
twice in Matthew 17:20 means
"move". The word in Matthew 21:21 means
"lifted up" not "moved".
Does it make sense for a "mountain" to be "lifted up" rather than "moved"?
Does it make sense for a "definition" to be "lifted up" rather than "moved"?
The translation is one verse effects the translation of a
different word in
another verse. The "
re" prefix in English means to
do and
not to
repeat. If you think the "
re" means
repeat, then you should
research that (do it - for the first time).
61. Translation
What happened to the
"lifted up" in the Greek in the
NIV (New International Version)?
NIV:
Jesus replied, Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.
NLT (New Living Translation):
Then Jesus told them, I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.
Berean Literal Bible:
And Jesus answering said to them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith and not do doubt, you will do not only this of the fig tree, but even if you should say to this mountain, 'Be you taken away and be you cast into the sea,' it will come to pass.
62. Matthew 21:22 All
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. [kjv]
και παντα οσα αν αιτησητε εν τη προσευχη πιστευοντες λημψεσθε [gnt]
The Greek for
"all" requires a context to supply a domain of application. The "
things" is
added. Might the
"all" refer to what was just said?
The ancient Greek word
"πᾶς" ≈ "all, every".
In the plural this would be as a "complete" unit with possible exceptions.
In the singular, it is "each", "every", "all" of the domain that fits the context.
In
general, when the Greek
"all" is used, inspect the preceding context to determine the
appropriate domain for the "
all".
[Gossip girls from Hee-Haw, ARMS, you need sufficient faith]
[science - all as system under consideration]
63. Matthew 21:22 And all
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. [kjv]
και παντα οσα αν αιτησητε εν τη προσευχη πιστευοντες λημψεσθε [gnt]
The Greek for
"all" requires a context to supply a domain of application. The "
things" is
added. Might the
"all" refer to what was just said?
That
previous context should be inspected to determine the
domain for the "
all".
... and all (of what I just said), as far as if/when you ask ...
[gossip, tell me all]
64. Matthew 21:22 As far as if this is done
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. [kjv]
και παντα οσα αν αιτησητε εν τη προσευχη πιστευοντες λημψεσθε [gnt]
The
KJV translates as "
whatsoever" for
two Greek words.
"ὅσα" ≈ "as far as" which is a synonym of "ὡς" ≈ "like, as, according to". This word indicates that there may be exceptions to what follows and what is stated is a potentiality and not necessarily a reality - as in an analogy.
"αν" ≈ "if, when" and is short for "ἐάν" ≈ "if, when". This is a conditional that is dependent on the following precondition for the following postcondition to apply (bottom-up reasoning).
65. Matthew 21:22 In the wish put forward
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. [kjv]
και παντα οσα αν αιτησητε εν τη προσευχη πιστευοντες λημψεσθε [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"προσεύχομαι" ≈ "pray, vow, request" as in putting forth a
"request" or
"wish". The Greek is "
in the prayer" or, literally, "
in the wish put forward". Might this
"the" refer to a "
wish" from what was just covered about moving a "
mountain", without proper "
discernment" instead of just
any "
wish" or "
prayer"?
Where does Jesus say the following?
Be careful what you ask for. You might get it.
How about right here in this verse (and the preceding verses providing the context)?
66. Matthew 21:22 Receive the take
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. [kjv]
και παντα οσα αν αιτησητε εν τη προσευχη πιστευοντες λημψεσθε [gnt]
The Greek word translated as "
believing" is that of a "
persuasion". The verse does not say anything about
what one is "
believing" or how
strong that "
belief" is.
The Greek word translated "
shall receive" is that of "
shall take". It appears that, from the perspective of what Jesus says, the only things one are to "
take" are one's "
cross" and "
oneself". The two appear to be related.
[to understand is a
take on what is said]
67. Matthew 21:22 Confirmation bias
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. [kjv]
και παντα οσα αν αιτησητε εν τη προσευχη πιστευοντες λημψεσθε [gnt]
Does one see what one wants to see?
Does one take what one wants to take?
If you seek will you find what you are seeking? (for better or worse)
In a not good sense, if you do not "
discern" "
through separation", can you make things much worse by doing to
the "
mountain" what Jesus did to
the "fig tree"?
Can you then put forward a "
wish", "
believing", and "
take" (in a not good sense) what you are "
persuaded" you should "
take"?
How might one
avoid this scenario of "
confirmation bias" as described by Jesus?
68. Confirmation bias

A confirmation bias is a bias of accepting only facts that agree with what you have already decided is true and ignoring other facts.
That is, one accepts only new information that confirms what one already believes or has heard, etc. You can ignore facts that you do not know about (ignorance of the law) or ignore things in order to deceive others (and yourself).

A confirmation bias can be encouraged by the use of "
cherry picking" information to view or accept.
69. Matthew 21:22
KJV: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Greek: και παντα οσα αν αιτησητε εν τη προσευχη πιστευοντες ληψεσθε λημψεσθε
70. Matthew 21:22 Translations
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. [kjv]
και παντα οσα αν αιτησητε εν τη προσευχη πιστευοντες λημψεσθε [gnt]
NIV:
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
NLT:
You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.
ESV (English Standard Version):
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.
Berean Literal Bible:
And all things, as many as you might ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
71. Mark 11:12
Mark 11:12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: [kjv]
και τη επαυριον εξελθοντων αυτων απο βηθανιας επεινασεν [gnt]
Let us look at this episode in he Gospel of Mark, Peter's gospel as told to and recorded by Mark.
Many of the some observations from Matthew apply here. The language has become more literal.
72. Mark 11:12
KJV: And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
Greek: και τη επαυριον εξελθοντων αυτων απο βηθανιας επεινασεν
73. Mark 11:13
Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. [kjv]
και ιδων συκην απο μακροθεν εχουσαν φυλλα ηλθεν ει αρα τι ευρησει εν αυτη και ελθων επ αυτην ουδεν ευρεν ει μη φυλλα ο γαρ καιρος ουκ ην συκων [gnt]
Peter makes interesting scientific observations throughout his gospel as recorded by Mark. He will be the one to notice a change on the way out of Jerusalem.
The time of
"figs" was
not yet. Why would Jesus desire
"figs" before the time for
"figs"? Perhaps there is a greater teaching lesson, as recorded by Matthew.
74. Mark 11:13
KJV: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
Greek: και ιδων συκην απο μακροθεν εχουσαν φυλλα ηλθεν ει αρα ευρησει τι ευρησει εν αυτη και ελθων επ αυτην ουδεν ευρεν ει μη φυλλα ου ο γαρ ην καιρος ουκ ην συκων
75. Mark 11:14
Mark 11:14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. [kjv]
και αποκριθεις ειπεν αυτη μηκετι εις τον αιωνα εκ σου μηδεις καρπον φαγοι και ηκουον οι μαθηται αυτου [gnt]
In Matthew, Jesus does not say that no man is to eat of the fruit forever.
The adding of rules and/or implications by the disciples is similar to Eve adding rules when interacting with Satan in the garden.
76. Mark 11:14
KJV: And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
Greek: και αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν αυτη μηκετι εκ σου εις τον αιωνα εκ σου μηδεις καρπον φαγοι και ηκουον οι μαθηται αυτου
77. Mark 11:15
Mark 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; [kjv]
και ερχονται εις ιεροσολυμα και εισελθων εις το ιερον ηρξατο εκβαλλειν τους πωλουντας και τους αγοραζοντας εν τω ιερω και τας τραπεζας των κολλυβιστων και τας καθεδρας των πωλουντων τας περιστερας κατεστρεψεν [gnt]
78. Mark 11:15
KJV: And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
Greek: και ερχονται εις ιεροσολυμα και εισελθων ο ιησους εις το ιερον ηρξατο εκβαλλειν τους πωλουντας και τους αγοραζοντας εν τω ιερω και τας τραπεζας των κολλυβιστων και τας καθεδρας των πωλουντων τας περιστερας κατεστρεψεν
79. Mark 11:19-20
Mark 11:19 And when even was come, he went out of the city. [kjv]
και οταν οψε εγενετο εξεπορευοντο εξω της πολεως [gnt]
11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. [kjv]
και παραπορευομενοι πρωι ειδον την συκην εξηραμμενην εκ ριζων [gnt]
Mark, from what Peter told Mark, has a few differences from Matthew.
What happened to the
"roots"? Might those
"roots" grow again?
[Nebuchadnezzar]
80. Mark 11:19
KJV: And when even was come, he went out of the city.
Greek: και οτε οταν οψε εγενετο εξεπορευετο εξεπορευοντο εξω της πολεως
81. Mark 11:20
KJV: And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
Greek: και πρωι παραπορευομενοι πρωι ειδον την συκην εξηραμμενην εκ ριζων
82. Mark 11:21-22
Mark 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. [kjv]
και αναμνησθεις ο πετρος λεγει αυτω ραββι ιδε η συκη ην κατηρασω εξηρανται [gnt]
11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. [kjv]
και αποκριθεις ο ιησους λεγει αυτοις εχετε πιστιν θεου [gnt]
Peter, as a scientist, noticed what happened to the
"fig tree". This had happened, but Peter is just noticing it.
Jesus tells Peter to have
"faith" in "
God". Going back to Matthew, Jesus appears to have been saying (and teaching) that one is
not to have
"faith" in
oneself. Perhaps Peter missed that point, as did those who related what they had remembered to Luke.
83. Mark 11:21
KJV: And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
Greek: και αναμνησθεις ο πετρος λεγει αυτω ραββι ιδε η συκη ην κατηρασω εξηρανται
84. Mark 11:22
KJV: And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Greek: και αποκριθεις ο ιησους λεγει αυτοις εχετε πιστιν θεου
85. Mark 11:23 This mountain
Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. [kjv]
αμην λεγω υμιν οτι ος αν ειπη τω ορει τουτω αρθητι και βληθητι εις την θαλασσαν και μη διακριθη εν τη καρδια αυτου αλλα πιστευη οτι ο λαλει γινεται εσται αυτω [gnt]
The reference to doing something to the "
fig tree" that was in Matthew is not present in Mark.
Adding the "
his" and "
heart", that is not in Matthew, breaks the model in Matthew.
86. Mark 11:23
KJV: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Greek: αμην γαρ λεγω υμιν οτι ος αν ειπη τω ορει τουτω αρθητι και βληθητι εις την θαλασσαν και μη διακριθη εν τη καρδια αυτου αλλα πιστευση πιστευη οτι α λεγει ο λαλει γινεται εσται αυτω ο εαν ειπη
87. Mark 11:24
Mark 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. [kjv]
δια τουτο λεγω υμιν παντα οσα προσευχεσθε και αιτεισθε πιστευετε οτι ελαβετε και εσται υμιν [gnt]
The
KJV translates as "
desire" the Greek word that is "
ask" (the way this word is translated in the corresponding Matthew passage). The usual Greek word for "
desire" is not used in this verse.
88. 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.
Greek: δια τουτο λεγω υμιν παντα οσα αν προσευχομενοι προσευχεσθε και αιτεισθε πιστευετε οτι λαμβανετε ελαβετε και εσται υμιν
89. Luke 13:6 Parable
Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. [kjv]
ελεγεν δε ταυτην την παραβολην συκην ειχεν τις πεφυτευμενην εν τω αμπελωνι αυτου και ηλθεν ζητων καρπον εν αυτη και ουχ ευρεν [gnt]
What people remembered and told Luke tends to be more literal, lacks the context and intricate detail and play on words in Matthew, and, in the literal sense, tends to be embellished with additional details.
Luke turns this short teaching lesson in Matthew into a full-blown "
parable".
90. Luke 13:6
KJV: He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
Greek: ελεγεν δε ταυτην την παραβολην συκην ειχεν τις πεφυτευμενην εν τω αμπελωνι αυτου πεφυτευμενην και ηλθεν καρπον ζητων καρπον εν αυτη και ουχ ευρεν
91. Luke 13:7
Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? [kjv]
ειπεν δε προς τον αμπελουργον ιδου τρια ετη αφ ου ερχομαι ζητων καρπον εν τη συκη ταυτη και ουχ ευρισκω εκκοψον αυτην ινα τι και την γην καταργει [gnt]
The
KJV translates as "
cumbereth" the Greek word that is "
to use up" but has a play on words with "
curse" in the word. It is unclear if that double meaning was intended.
"καταργέω" ≈ "entirely idle" as in "useless".
"καταρα" ≈ "curse".
Paul appears to use this word as a play on words in Romans and other letters.
92. Luke 13:7
KJV: Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
Greek: ειπεν δε προς τον αμπελουργον ιδου τρια ετη αφ ου ερχομαι ζητων καρπον εν τη συκη ταυτη και ουχ ευρισκω εκκοψον αυτην ινα τι και την γην καταργει
93. Romans 12:14
Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. [kjv]
ευλογειτε τους διωκοντας ευλογειτε και μη καταρασθε [gnt]
"καταρα" ≈ "curse".
94. Romans 12:14
KJV: Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Greek: ευλογειτε τους διωκοντας υμας ευλογειτε και μη καταρασθε
95. Strongs - use up
*G2673 *27 καταργέω (kat-arg-eh'-o) : from G2596 and G691; to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively:--abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void.
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Words: καταργει καταργειται=2 καταργηθη καταργηθησεται=2 καταργηθησονται καταργησαι καταργησαντος καταργησας καταργησει=3 καταργηση=3 καταργουμεν καταργουμενην καταργουμενον καταργουμενου καταργουμενων κατηργηθημεν κατηργηθητε κατηργηκα κατηργηται=3
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96. Usage - use up
- *G2673 *27 καταργέω (kat-arg-eh'-o) : from G2596 and G691; to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively:--abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void.
- καταργησει *3
- Romans 3:3 ... their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
- 1 Corinthians 6:13 ... for meats: but God shall destroy both it and ...
- 2 Thessalonians 2:8 ... of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
- κατηργηται *3
- Romans 4:14 ... is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
- Romans 7:2 ... if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
- Galatians 5:11 ... suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
- καταργηση *3
- 1 Corinthians 1:28 ... which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
- 1 Corinthians 15:24 ... even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and ...
- Hebrews 2:14 ... that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, ...
- καταργηθησεται *2
- 1 Corinthians 13:8 ... whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
- 1 Corinthians 13:10 ... that which is in part shall be done away.
- καταργειται *2
- 1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
- 2 Corinthians 3:14 ... of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
- καταργει
- Luke 13:7 ... it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
- καταργουμεν
- Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? ...
- καταργηθη
- Romans 6:6 ... him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we ...
- κατηργηθημεν
- Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead ...
- καταργουμενων
- 1 Corinthians 2:6 ... of this world, that come to nought:
- καταργηθησονται
- 1 Corinthians 13:8 ... whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
- κατηργηκα
- 1 Corinthians 13:11 ... when I became a man, I put away childish things.
- καταργουμενην
- 2 Corinthians 3:7 ... of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
- καταργουμενον
- 2 Corinthians 3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much ...
- καταργουμενου
- 2 Corinthians 3:13 ... to the end of that which is abolished:
- καταργησαι
- Galatians 3:17 ... disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
- κατηργηθητε
- Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified ...
- καταργησας
- Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law ...
- καταργησαντος
- 2 Timothy 1:10 ... Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought ...
97. Strongs - curse
*G2671 *6 κατάρα (kat-ar'-ah) : from G2596 (intensive) and G685; imprecation, execration:--curse(-d, ing).
*G2672 *5 καταράομαι (kat-ar-ah'-om-ahee) : middle voice from G2671 κατάρα; to execrate; by analogy, to doom:--curse.
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Words: καταρα=2 καταραν καταρας=3 καταρασθε καταρωμεθα καταρωμενους κατηραμενοι κατηρασω
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98. Usage - curse
- *G2671 *6 κατάρα (kat-ar'-ah) : from G2596 (intensive) and G685; imprecation, execration:--curse(-d, ing).
- καταρας *3
- Galatians 3:13 ... us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: ...
- Hebrews 6:8 ... is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
- 2 Peter 2:14 ... an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
- καταρα *2
- Galatians 3:13 ... us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: ...
- James 3:10 ... proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ...
- καταραν
- Galatians 3:10 ... of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed ...
- *G2672 *5 καταράομαι (kat-ar-ah'-om-ahee) : middle voice from G2671 κατάρα; to execrate; by analogy, to doom:--curse.
- κατηραμενοι
- Matthew 25:41 ... Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, ...
- κατηρασω
- Mark 11:21 ... behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
- καταρωμενους
- Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for ...
- καταρασθε
- Romans 12:14 ... you: bless, and curse not.
- καταρωμεθα
- James 3:9 ... the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made ...
99. Romans 3:3
Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? [kjv]
τι γαρ ει ηπιστησαν τινες μη η απιστια αυτων την πιστιν του θεου καταργησει [gnt]
The Greek word for
"faith" and
"belief" and
"persuasion" is the same word.
The "faith" of God.
The "belief" of God.
The "persuasion" of God.
The first use is negated and the second is not negated.
"πιστός" ≈ "trustworthy, faithful, reliable".
"πίστις" ≈ "trust in others, faith, being persuaded".
"πείθω" ≈ "convince, persuade, obey, yield to, believe/trust in" and, in context, "mislead".
100. A hope in a persuasive belief in faith into Jesus
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [kjv]
ουτως και η πιστις εαν μη εχη εργα νεκρα εστιν καθ εαυτην [gnt]
Today, the word
"faith" tends to means a trust or expectation in something that cannot be known for sure. The similarities and differences between
"belief" and
"faith" can be seen in a few well-known verses in James. \Here we are not concerned with "
works" but with the words
"faith" and
"belief".
"πιστός" ≈ "trustworthy, faithful, reliable".
"πίστις" ≈ "trust in others, faith, being persuaded".
"πείθω" ≈ "convince, persuade, obey, yield to, believe/trust in" and, in context, "mislead".
101. Romans 3:3
Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? [kjv]
τι γαρ ει ηπιστησαν τινες μη η απιστια αυτων την πιστιν του θεου καταργησει [gnt]
The Greek word translated as
"without effect" is that of
"entirely idle". For the play on words of
"entirely idle" and
"curse" to be in play, the following would need to make sense.
... make the faith/belief/persuasion of God entirely idle.
... make the faith/belief/persuasion of God cursed.
Discuss: What is the
difference between
"without effect" and
"entirely idle"? This is the same "
idle" word that is part of "
idle" "
words" and that is related to the "
unpardonable" "
sin".
102. Romans 3:3
KJV: For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Greek: τι γαρ ει ηπιστησαν τινες μη η απιστια αυτων την πιστιν του θεου καταργησει
103. Luke 13:8
Luke 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: [kjv]
ο δε αποκριθεις λεγει αυτω κυριε αφες αυτην και τουτο το ετος εως οτου σκαψω περι αυτην και βαλω κοπρια [gnt]
The Greek word translated as "
let" is that of "
let go" and often translated as "
forgive".
Should the Lord "
forgive" the "
fig tree" that does not bear
"fruit"?
104. Luke 13:8
KJV: And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Greek: ο δε αποκριθεις λεγει αυτω κυριε αφες αυτην και τουτο το ετος εως οτου σκαψω περι αυτην και βαλω κοπριαν κοπρια
105. Luke 13:9 Fruit
Luke 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. [kjv]
καν μεν ποιηση καρπον εις το μελλον ει δε μηγε εκκοψεις αυτην [gnt]
106. Luke 13:9
KJV: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Greek: καν μεν ποιηση καρπον ει δε μηγε εις το μελλον ει δε μηγε εκκοψεις αυτην
107. James 3:12 Fig tree
James 3:12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. [kjv]
μη δυναται αδελφοι μου συκη ελαιας ποιησαι η αμπελος συκα ουτε αλυκον γλυκυ ποιησαι υδωρ [gnt]
James mentions the
"fig tree". It is unclear if there is a connection to the
cursed "fig tree" or the
"fig tree" in the Olivet Discourse.
108. James 3:12
KJV: Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
Greek: μη δυναται αδελφοι μου συκη ελαιας ποιησαι η αμπελος συκα ουτως ουδεμια πηγη ουτε αλυκον και γλυκυ ποιησαι υδωρ
109. Revelation 6:13-14 Figs and mountains
Revelation 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. [kjv]
6:14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. [kjv]
Might this reference to a
"fig tree" in Revelation be related to the cursed
"fig tree" and the
"fig tree" in Matthew? The verse following has a reference to
"mountains" and "
islands" being "
moved" out of their "
places".
"νῆσος" ≈ "island".
"ὄλῠνθος" ≈ "fruit of the wild fig".
110. Revelation 6:13 Star falling
Revelation 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. [kjv]
και οι αστερες του ουρανου επεσαν εις την γην ως συκη βαλλει τους ολυνθους αυτης υπο ανεμου μεγαλου σειομενη [gnt]
Compare the "
stars" of "
heaven" falling with "
manna" falling from "
heaven".
The children of Israel in the "
desert" wanted more than
"manna" as the
"bread" of "
life". They wanted
"birds". Later, they wanted a "
king". Today, many churches want a "
pastor". Discuss the similarities and differences.
111. Revelation 6:13 Earth
Revelation 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. [kjv]
και οι αστερες του ουρανου επεσαν εις την γην ως συκη βαλλει τους ολυνθους αυτης υπο ανεμου μεγαλου σειομενη [gnt]
The Greek word for "
earth" can be "
sand".
What "
falls" "
into" or "
against" "
earth" or "
sand"?
112. Matthew 21:18-22 Summary
Matthew 21:18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. [kjv]
21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. [kjv]
21:20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away ! [kjv]
21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [kjv]
21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. [kjv]
Taking any verse by itself out of context can lead to strange meanings or sermons.
113. Cursed fig tree discourse paraphrase
21:18: and in the morning, as Jesus returned to the city, the disciples decided (later) that he must have been hungry.
21:19: And when Jesus saw one fig tree in the way, he said to the fig tree, "let no fruit grow on thee from now on". Immediately, the fig tree dried up.
21:20: When the disciples saw it, they wondered, saying, "How quickly is the fig tree dried up".
21:21: Jesus says, "Verily I say unto you" (connect this with the previous saying), If you believe and do not discern, you will not only do what has been done to this fig tree, but (in addition) if you say to this mountain/definition, be lifted up and cast [oblivion, forgetfulness] into the sea (of humanity,) it will come into being.
21:22: and all these (not good) things (just mentioned), if you request (them) as a wish, believing, you shall take it.
[kp2: birds: weeds and wheat, lust, opinions]
[kp3: fish: mustard seed, tree, birds, oaths]
[kp4: pigs: woman, leaven]
114. United Methodist vision statement
The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections. (released 2025-05-01)
Does the church form disciples? Does the Holy Spirit form disciples?
What does it mean to love boldly? Does Jesus ever use the Greek word for boldly?
Does Jesus ever say to lead? Does Jesus ever say not to lead?
Does Jesus ever use a word for courageous?
What does Jesus actually say?
Better check out the
fine print. To be continued.
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Details are left as a future topic.
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115. End of page