Responding to the Apostles after they see the fig tree wither away.
Matthew 21:21 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.
Matthew 21:21Truly 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.
Ameni, I'm telling you: when you have confidence and don't feel divided, not only this. the fig tree, will you perform, instead if also to the mountain/mule to this one, you say, "Be raised and tossed into the sea, it will happen by itself.
Mountains can be stubborn, but we can take them down.
The passive words here, "be lifted up" and "be thown" are important here, though lost in the NIV, because they mean some other power is acting on the mountain.
Also, the word translated as "mountain" here is a play on words that Jesus uses elsewhere, where "mountain" can also mean "mule," implying stubbornness.
Jesus here is referring to our human tendency to second-guess ourselves and be conflicted in our beliefs, but this idea is lost in translation because the Greek word meaning "divided" or "decided" is translated as "doubt," when it has not relationship to trust or faith.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "if" does not capture the specific meaning of the word.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "doubt" does not capture the specific meaning of the word.
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The phrase "which is done" doesn't exist in the source.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "but" does not capture the specific meaning of the word.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "shall" does not mean the future tense.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "mountain" is not shown in the English translation.
- WV - Wrong Voice - The verb here is translated as passive but it is the middle voice,"by itself."
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "done" should be something more like "happen."
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "if" does not capture the specific meaning of the word.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "doubt" does not capture the specific meaning of the word.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "can" should be something more like "will."
- IP - Inserted Phrase-- The phrase "was done" doesn't exist in the source.
- CW - Confusing Word -- The "but" does not capture the specific meaning of the word.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "if" is not shown in the English translation.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "can" should be something more like "might."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the" before "mountain" is not shown in the English translation.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "go" should be something more like "lift up."
- WV - Wrong Voice - The verb "go" is translated as active but it is passive, "be lifted up."
- WV - Wrong Voice - The verb "throw" is translated as active but it is passive, "be thrown."
- WV - Wrong Voice - The verb here is translated as passive but it is the middle voice,"by itself."
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "done" should be something more like "happen."
Verily -- The word translated as "verily" is from the Hebrew word that means "truly" or "certainly," but it sounds like the Greek word with the same meaning. In Greek, the word also means "to reap." See this article discussing this "amen phrase."
I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the following verb.
say -- The word translated as "say" is the most common word that means "to say," and "to speak," but it also means "to teach," which seems to be the way Christ uses it more frequently. It also has many ancillary meanings such as "to count" ("to number" or like we might say, "to recount" a story) or "to choose for yourself." Christ usually uses this word to refer to his own speaking or teaching.
unto -- This word "unto" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English, but the translator must decide which preposition to use: a "to" as an indirect object.
you, -- The Greek pronoun "you" here is plural and in the form of an indirect object, "to you," "for you," etc.
If - (CW) The Greek word translated as "if" indicates more of an expectation of something happening than "if" alone. We would probably use "when."
ye - -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
have - -- The word translated as "have" means to "have," "possess," "bear," "keep close," "have means to do," "to have due to one," or "keep" and many specific uses.
faith, - "Faith" is from a noun that means "confidence," "assurance," "trustworthiness," "credit," "a trust," and "that which give confidence."
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").
doubt - (CW) The term translated here as "doubt" is from a word that means "to divide," that Jesus only uses three times. It is most often translated as "doubt" twice (though it isn't translated that way elsewhere) and once as "judge." Jesus's literal meaning is "judge by." It captures the idea of "dividing" by distinguishing, dividing, one thing from another. It also means "to question," which can mean doubt in English but not in Greek. There are a number of Greek words that do mean "doubt" or "lack of faith" that are used in the Gospels, but the term here means "divide." It is also passive, so "be divided" as we might say "conflicted."
not, - The negative used "not" here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" to do or "don't feel" something, not that it isn't felt or done. If it wasn't done, the objective negative of fact would be used. More about the Greek negative in this article.
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the verb is the future tense or a form that indicates possibility at some time. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
not - The Greek word translated as "not" here is the Greek negative used to deny objective facts, not opinions. This is different than the "not" above. It makes a negative statement of fact, in fact, which is captured in English with adverbs like "really."
only - "Only" is not from an adverb but an adjective that means "alone" or "solitary."
do - The Greek word translated as "ye shall...do" has the primary meaning of "making" or producing" something or "causing" or "rendering" as service.
this - -- The word translated as "this" is the Greek definite article, which when not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
which is done -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "which is done" in the Greek source.
to -- This word "to" comes from the genitive case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession. However, it can also mean "belonging to," "part of," "which is," "than" (in comparisons), or "for," "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
fig tree, - The word for "fig tree" is possessive, "of the fig tree."
but - (CW) "But" is from a conjunction that means "otherwise," "but," "still," "at least," "except," "yet," nevertheless," "rather," "moreover," and "nay."
also if - "Also if" is from a contraction that means "and if," "and when," "even if," and "although."
ye -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
shall -- (CW) This helping verb "shall" does not indicate the future tense, but that the verb describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice. A "might" or "should" in English is more appropriate, but is assumed in an "if/when/whoever" clause as it is here. Helping verbs are not needed in Greek since the main verb carries this information in its form.
say - "Say" is from the Greek verb that means "to say" and "to speak." Here the form is that indicates that the action or the event as something wanted or expected.
unto -- This word "unto" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.
this -- "This" is translated from a Greek word that means "this," "that," "the nearer." - -- The word translated in KJV as "thus" is in its adverbial form, so it means "in this manner" or "in this way."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
mountain, - The word translated as "\mountain" means "mountain" or "hill," which is how Jesus almost always used it, but it could also be the word which means "mule." It could also be a third word, spelled just like the Greek word "mountain" means "boundary" and "the decision of judges." Both words, "mountain/boundary" and "mule" are in the form of an indirect object and the surrounding definite article and demonstrative pronoun agree with both, even though they are different genders, "mule" being masculine and "mountain" being neutral.
Be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
thou -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb. This pronoun is not usually used in a command. which is what we have here.
removed, - "Be removed" is from a verb that means "to lift up," "to raise," "to raise up," "to exalt," "to lift and take away," and "to remove." In an earlier verse, Matthew 17:20, Christ actually does use a verb that means "be removed," but not here.
and - -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
thou -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb. This pronoun is not usually used in a command. which is what we have here.
cast - The word translated as "cast" has a number of meanings revolving around "throw" as we do in English with both "throw" and "toss." In dice, it means "to throw" the dice, but with the sense of being lucky. This word is also a middle passive, the tree is throwing itself in the fire.
into -- The word translated as "unto" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in regards to" a subject, and "up to" limits in time and measure.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
sea; -- The "sea" is from the Greek word for "sea" and "sea water." Water is Jesus's symbol for the temporary, physical reality.
it -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
shall -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the verb is the future tense or a form that indicates possibility at some time. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be -- (WV) This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. but this verb is not passive, but the middle voice, something acting on itself. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
done. -- (WW) The word translated as " done" means "to become," that is, to enter into a new state. In Greek, especially as used by Jesus, it is the opposite of "being," which is existence in the current state. Referring to situations, it means "to happen."
Truly -- The word translated as "truly " is from the Hebrew word that means "truly" or "certainly," but it sounds like the Greek word with the same meaning. In Greek, the word also means "to reap." See this article discussing this "amen phrase."
I -- This is from the first-person, singular form of the following verb.
tell -- The word translated as "say" is the most common word that means "to say," and "to speak," but it also means "to teach," which seems to be the way Christ uses it more frequently. It also has many ancillary meanings such as "to count" ("to number" or like we might say, "to recount" a story) or "to choose for yourself." Christ usually uses this word to refer to his own speaking or teaching.
you, -- The Greek pronoun "you" here is plural and in the form of an indirect object, "to you," "for you," etc.
if - (CW) The Greek word translated as "if" indicates more of an expectation of something happening than "if" alone. We would probably use "when."
you - -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
have - -- The word translated as "have" means to "have," "possess," "bear," "keep close," "have means to do," "to have due to one," or "keep" and many specific uses.
faith, - "Faith" is from a noun that means "confidence," "assurance," "trustworthiness," "credit," "a trust," and "that which give confidence."
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").
do -- This helping verb is used to create questions, commands, negative statements, and smooth word flow in English, but the Greek could be either a question or a statement.
not, - The negative used "not" here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" to do or "don't feel" something, not that it isn't felt or done. If it wasn't done, the objective negative of fact would be used. More about the Greek negative in this article.
doubt - (CW) The term translated here as "doubt" is from a word that means "to divide," that Jesus only uses three times. It is most often translated as "doubt" twice (though it isn't translated that way elsewhere) and once as "judge." Jesus literal meaning is "judge by." It captures the idea of "dividing" by distinguishing, dividing, one thing from another. It also means "to question," which can mean doubt in English but not in Greek. There are a number of Greek words that do mean "doubt" or "lack of faith" that are used in the Gospels, but the term here means "divide." It is also passive, so "be divided" as we might say "conflicted."
not - The Greek word translated as "not" here is the Greek negative used to deny objective facts, not opinions. This is different than the "not" above. It makes a negative statement of fact, in fact, which is captured in English with adverbs like "really."
only - "Only" is not from an adverb but an adjective that means "alone" or "solitary."
can -- (WW) This helping verb "can" indicates that the verb is the future tense or a form that indicates possibility at some time. This is not the Greek word for "can."
you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
do - The Greek word translated as "do" has the primary meaning of "making" or producing" something or "causing" or "rendering" as service.
what - -- The word translated as "what" is the Greek definite article, which when not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
was done -- (IP) There is nothing that can be translated as "was done" in the Greek source.
to -- This word "to" comes from the genitive case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is the "of" of possession. However, it can also mean "belonging to," "part of," "which is," "than" (in comparisons), or "for," "concerning" or "about" with transitive verbs.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
fig tree, - The word for "fig tree" is possessive, "of the fig tree."
but - (CW) "But" is from a conjunction that means "otherwise," "but," "still," "at least," "except," "yet," nevertheless," "rather," "moreover," and "nay."
also - (MW) "Also " is from a contraction that means "and if," "and when," "even if," and "although." This is missing the "if."
you -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb.
can -- (WW) This helping verb "can" does not indicate the future tense, but that the verb describes a possibility, the subjunctive voice. A "might" or "should" in English is more appropriate, but is assumed in an "if/when/whoever" clause as it is here. Helping verbs are not needed in Greek since the main verb carries this information in its form. This is not the Greek word for "can."
say - "Say" is from the Greek verb that means "to say" and "to speak." Here the form is that indicates that the action or the event as something wanted or expected.
to -- This word "unto" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object.
this -- "This" is translated from a Greek word that means "this," "that," "the nearer." - -- The word translated in KJV as "thus" is in its adverbial form, so it means "in this manner" or "in this way."
missing "the" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those"). See this article for more.
mountain, - The word translated as "\mountain" means "mountain" or "hill," which is how Jesus almost always used it, but it could also be the word which means "mule." It could also be a third word, spelled just like the Greek word "mountain" means "boundary" and "the decision of judges." Both words, "mountain/boundary" and "mule" are in the form of an indirect object and the surrounding definite article and demonstrative pronoun agree with both, even though they are different genders, "mule" being masculine and "mountain" being neutral.
into the sea,’ and it will be done.
Be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
thou -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb. This pronoun is not usually used in a command. which is what we have here.
Go, - (WW, WV) "Go" is from a verb that means "to lift up," "to raise," "to raise up," "to exalt," "to lift and take away," and "to remove." In an earlier verse, Matthew 17:20, Christ actually does use a verb that means "be removed," but not here.
and - -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also").
be -- This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
thou -- This is from the second-person, plural form of the verb. This pronoun is not usually used in a command. which is what we have here.
throw - (WV) The word translated as "throw" has a number of meanings revolving around "throw" as we do in English with both "throw" and "toss." In dice, it means "to throw" the dice, but with the sense of being lucky. This word is also a middle passive, the tree is throwing itself in the fire.
yourself -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "yourself" in the Greek source. The previous verb is not the middle voice.
into -- The word translated as "unto" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "in regards to" a subject, and "up to" limits in time and measure.
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
sea; -- The "sea" is from the Greek word for "sea" and "sea water." Water is Jesus's symbol for the temporary, physical reality.
and -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "and" in the Greek source.
it -- This is from the third-person, singular form of the verb.
will -- This helping verb "shall" indicates that the verb is the future tense or a form that indicates possibility at some time. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
be -- (WV) This helping verb "be" indicates that the verb is passive. but this verb is not passive, but the middle voice, something acting on itself. Helping or auxiliary verbs are needed to translate the Greek verb forms into English.
done. -- (WW) The word translated as " done" means "to become," that is, to enter into a new state. In Greek, especially as used by Jesus, it is the opposite of "being," which is existence in the current state. Referring to situations, it means "to happen."
ἀμὴν [88 verses](exclaim) "Verily" is amen, which is the Hebrew, meaning "truly," "of a truth," and "so be it." It has no history in Greek of this meaning before the NT. However, this is also the infinitive form of the Greek verb amao, which means "to reap" or "to cut."
λέγω [264 verses](1st sg pres ind act) "I say" is lego, which means "to recount," "to tell over," "to say," "to speak," "to teach," "to mean," "boast of," "tell of," "recite," nominate," and "command." It has a secondary meaning "pick out," "choose for oneself," "pick up," "gather," "count," and "recount." A less common word that is spelled the same means "to lay," "to lay asleep" and "to lull asleep."
ὑμῖν, (pron 2nd pl dat) "To you" is humin the plural form of su the pronoun of the second person, "you."
ἐὰν (conj) "If" is from ean, which is a conditional particle (derived from ei (if)and an (might)) which makes reference to a time and experience in the future that introduces but does not determine an event.
ἔχητε [181 verses](verb 2nd pl pres subj act) "Ye have" is echo, which means "to have," "to hold," "to possess," "to keep," "to have charge of," "to maintain," "to hold fast," "to bear," "to keep close," "to keep safe," and "to have means to do."
πίστιν [26 verses](noun sg fem acc) "Faith" is from pistis, which means "confidence," "assurance," "trustworthiness," "credit," "a trust," "that which give confidence," and, as a character trait, "faithfulness."-- The term translated as "faith" was much closer to our general idea of having confidence or trust in people and especially their words rather that the general sens of religious belief.
καὶ (conj.adv) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also") and, In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also."
μὴ (partic) "Not" is from me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." As οὐ (ou) negates fact and statement; μή rejects, οὐ denies; μή is relative, οὐ absolute; μή subjective, οὐ objective.
διακριθῆτε, [3 verses](verb 2nd pl aor ind pass) "Doubt" is diakrino, which means "to separate," "to separate one from another," "to discriminate," "to distinguish," "to decide," and "to separate into elemental parts."
οὐ (partic) "Not" is from ou which is the negative adverb for facts and statements, negating both single words and sentences. The other negative adverb, μή applies to will and thought; οὐ denies, μή rejects; οὐ is absolute, μή relative; οὐ objective, μή subjective.
μόνον [18 verses](adj sg neut nom/acc) "Only" is monos, which means "alone," "solitary," "only," "single," "unique," "made in one piece," "without [someone]," "only [something]," "unique," "one above all others," and "on one condition only."
τὸ (article sg neut acc) "This which" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one."
τῆς (article sg fem gen) ) "The" is the Greek definite article, which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one."
συκῆς [8 verses] (noun sg fem gen) "To the fig tree " is from syke, which means "fig tree."
ποιήσετε, [168 verses](verb 2nd pl fut ind act) "Ye shall do" is poieo, which means "to make," "to produce," "to create," "to bring into existence," "to bring about," "to cause," "to render," "to consider," "to prepare," "to make ready," and "to do."
ἀλλὰ [154 verses](conj) "But" is from alla, which means "otherwise," "but," "still," "at least," "except," "yet," nevertheless," "rather," "moreover," and "nay."
κἂν [8 verses](conj) "Also if" is kan, which means "and if," "even if," and "although." It is a conjunction of kai an. Kai is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." An, which is a particle used with verbs to indicate that the action is limited by circumstances or defined by conditions. There is no exact equivalent in English, but it is translated as "possibly," "would have," "might," "should," and "could."
τῷ (article sg masc/neut dat) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
ὄρει [10 verses](noun sg neut dat) "Mountain" is either from oros (noun sg neut dat) , or oreus (noun sg masc dat) . Oros means "mountain," "hill," "canton," and "parish." In Egypt, it was also used to mean the "desert" and a place of burial. Oreus means "mule." A homonym for oros means a "boundary," "landmark," "time limits," "decisions of judges," "memorial stones and pillars," "standard," "measure," "term (in logic)," "definition," "terms," and "conditions."
τούτῳ [51 verses](adj sg masc/neut dat) "This" is houtos, which as an adjective means "this," "that," "the nearer." As an adverb, it means "in this way," "therefore," "so much," "to such an extent," and "that is why." There are two other common forms, the genitive toutou, [51 verses] and the accusative, touto, [93 verses]. -- "This" is translated from a Greek word that means "this," "that," "the nearer."
εἴπητε [162 verses](verb 2nd pl aor subj act) "Ye shall say" is eipon, which means "to speak," "to say," "to recite," "to address," "to mention," "to name," "to proclaim," "to plead," "to promise," and "to offer." --
Ἄρθητι [56 verses](verb 2nd sg aor imperat pass) "Be thou removed" is airo, which means "to lift up," "to raise," "to raise up," "to exalt," "to lift and take away," and "to remove."
καὶ (conj/adv) "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
βλήθητι [54 verses](verb 2nd sg aor imperat pass) "Cast" is ballo, which means "to throw," "to let fall," "to cast," "to put," "to pour," "to place money on deposit," "push forward or in front [of animals]," "to shed," "to place," "to pay,"to throw [of dice,]" "to be lucky," "to fall," "to lay as foundation," "to begin to form," "to dash oneself with water," and "to bathe."
εἰς (prep) "Into" is from eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)."
τὴν (article sg fem acc) "The is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"), which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones."
θάλασσαν, [11 verses](noun sg fem acc)"Sea" is thalassa, which means also means "sea" or "sea water."
γενήσεται: [117 verses](verb 3rd sg fut ind mid) "It shall be done" is ginomai, which means "to become," "to come into being," "to happen," and "to be produced." It means changing into a new state of being. It is the complementary opposite of the verb "to be" (eimi)which indicates existence in the same state.
Play on the double meaning of the word "mountain" and "mule."
The use of the word "divide" as a weakness of faith.