New Testament
Matthew 17:20
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He told them, "Because of your unbelief. I tell you the truth — if you have faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible for you."
Compare translations
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.
What Matthew 17:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses his disciples, explaining that their lack of faith is the reason they struggle to achieve great things. He uses the metaphor of a mustard seed, which is very small, to illustrate that even a tiny amount of genuine faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes. The idea is that faith, no matter how small, has the power to accomplish what seems impossible, like moving a mountain. This teaching emphasizes that faith is not about its size but about its authenticity and the trust placed in God. Jesus reassures them that with true faith, they can overcome significant challenges and obstacles in their lives. The message encourages believers to cultivate their faith, as it can lead to miraculous results when aligned with God's will.
How to apply Matthew 17:20 to your life
To apply this teaching, focus on nurturing your faith, even if it feels small. Trust that God can work through you to achieve great things. When facing challenges, remember that with faith, you can overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable. Keep believing and acting on that belief.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 17:20 mean?
Matthew 17:20 means that even a small amount of genuine faith can lead to significant results. Jesus explains that their struggles stem from unbelief, and that true faith, no matter how tiny, can accomplish what seems impossible.
What is the meaning of 'mustard seed' in Matthew 17:20?
The 'mustard seed' in Matthew 17:20 symbolizes the idea that even a small amount of faith can have great power. It illustrates that faith does not need to be large to be effective; what matters is its authenticity.
How can I apply Matthew 17:20 in my life?
To apply Matthew 17:20, focus on nurturing your faith, even if it feels small. Trust that God can help you overcome challenges, and remember that with genuine belief, you can achieve what seems impossible.
What does Jesus mean by 'nothing shall be impossible unto you' in Matthew 17:20?
When Jesus says 'nothing shall be impossible unto you,' he emphasizes that true faith can lead to remarkable outcomes. It reassures believers that with faith aligned with God's will, they can overcome significant obstacles.
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