New Testament
Luke 17:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus teaches that even a tiny amount of faith can lead to remarkable outcomes.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
The Lord replied, "If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Uproot yourself and plant yourself in the sea,' and it would obey you.
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 Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches that even a tiny amount of faith can lead to remarkable outcomes. He uses the example of a mustard seed, which is very small, to illustrate that faith does not need to be large to be powerful. The mulberry tree, or sycamine tree, represents obstacles or challenges in life. Jesus emphasizes that with genuine faith, one can command these challenges to be removed or transformed, just as one would command a tree to uproot itself and move to the sea. This statement highlights the authority and potential of faith in God, suggesting that belief can lead to significant changes in one’s circumstances. It encourages believers to trust in God’s power, no matter how small their faith may seem, and to act on that faith with confidence. The focus is on the power of faith rather than the size of it, reminding us that God can work through even the smallest belief to accomplish great things. Explore related perseverance.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 17:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to cultivate even a small amount of faith in our daily lives. When faced with challenges, we should remember that our faith, no matter how small, can lead to significant changes. Trusting God can empower us to overcome difficulties and achieve the impossible.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 17:6 mean?
Luke 17:6 means that even a small amount of faith can lead to powerful results. Jesus uses the mustard seed as a metaphor to show that genuine faith, no matter how tiny, can overcome significant challenges.
What is the meaning of mustard seed in Luke 17:6?
In Luke 17:6, the mustard seed symbolizes the idea that faith does not need to be large to be effective. It illustrates that even a little faith can bring about remarkable changes in one’s life.
How can I apply Luke 17:6 in my life?
You can apply Luke 17:6 by trusting in God during difficult times, knowing that even a small amount of faith can lead to significant changes. Remember that your belief can empower you to face challenges.
What does the mulberry tree represent in Luke 17:6?
In Luke 17:6, the mulberry tree represents obstacles or challenges in life. Jesus uses it to illustrate that with faith, one can command these challenges to be removed or transformed.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.