Mark 4:11

Translations

Modern

He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables,

Traditional

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Literal

And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, everything is done in parables,

Latin

Et dicebat eis: Vobis datum est nosse mysterium regni Dei: illis autem, qui foris sunt, in parabolis omnia fiunt:

Original

Greek

English

He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables,

Notes

Mark 4:11–12

The true followers of Jesus could understand the secret of the kingdom of God. They knew the kingdom had arrived (1:14–15). They knew that the Christ, the Son of God, was among them (1:1). To those on the outside, it seemed like riddles.

When Jesus answered the disciples’ question, he showed that he used parables to keep outsiders from understanding. This was so that they would be unable to repent and be forgiven.
The quotation from Isaiah 6:9–10 in the Greek Old Testament version implies this was a deliberate judgment on the hearers. Jesus taught in parables, and outsiders did not believe. This fulfilled what the Scriptures had said would happen.
The teaching of Jesus about the Kingdom of God was sensitive (it could sound like a political threat and worry Roman rulers). Because of this, teaching in parables helped make his message less likely to cause conflict.

Mark 4:1–34

In this section, Mark gathers several teaching parables of Jesus. A parable is a short story that teaches a spiritual truth.

Theme notes and profiles

The Coming of God’s Kingdom The Secret of the Messiah

Events

Seaside Parables and Miraclec. AD 28

Related verses

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Luke 8:10
He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’
1 John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Colossians 4:5
Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
James 1:16–18
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
1 Thessalonians 4:12
Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
1 Corinthians 5:12–13
What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
1 Timothy 3:7
Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
Ephesians 1:9
And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ
Titus 3:3–7
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Ephesians 2:4–10
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
Luke 10:21–24
At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.

Mark 4:11

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