Devine Scripture

Mark 4:10

What does Mark 4:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:10 means

Later, when Jesus was alone with His closest followers, including the twelve apostles and other disciples, they approached Him privately. They sought clarification on the parables He had just taught the crowds, indicating that the deeper meaning was not immediately obvious to them either. This private interaction shows their desire for deeper spiritual understanding.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parables.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parables.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when he was by himself, those who were round him with the twelve put questions to him about the purpose of the stories.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And when he was alone, those about him, with the twelve, did ask him of the simile,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he was alone, the twelve that were with him asked him the parable.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when he was alone, those about him with the twelve asked him [as to] the parables.

Context

This verse marks a transition from Jesus' public teaching by the sea to a private, inner circle discussion. It immediately follows Jesus' call for those with "ears to hear" and sets the stage for the explanation of the Parable of the Sower. This shift in setting and audience is crucial, as it indicates that certain truths of the Kingdom are reserved for those committed to following Him and seeking deeper understanding.

v.9And he said, Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

v.10This passage

v.11And he said unto them, Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 4:34

    and without a parable spake he not unto them: but privately to his own disciples he expounded all things.

  • Matthew 13:36

    Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

  • Proverbs 13:20

    Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise; But the companion of fools shall smart for it.

  • Luke 8:9

    And his disciples asked him what this parable might be.

  • Matthew 13:10

    And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

  • Mark 7:17

    And when he was entered into the house from the multitude, his disciples asked of him the parable.

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