Mark 4:23

The Lesson of the Lamp · Mark 4:21–25
Read Mark 4

Translations

Modern
If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Traditional
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
Literal
If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Latin
Si quis habet aures audiendi, audiat.

Interlinear

Greek
English
If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Notes

One day, the lamp (that is, Jesus; compare John 8:12) will reveal everything hidden. This includes every thought and secret action (Mark 13:26; 14:62; see Philippians 2:10–11). The time to listen is now, before this happens (Mark 4:9).

These sayings connect with the call to listen carefully (4:9, 23–24) and with the difference between insiders and outsiders (4:11–12, 24–25). They show how people in God’s kingdom will live.

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 Secret of the Messiah

Events

Parallels

Luke 8:16–18

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven Mark, Gospel of

Topics

Burning Candles Ears Jesus, the Christ: Parable of the Sower (At Lake Galilee) Sermon: Beside Lake Galilee