Devine Scripture

Mark 4:11

What does Mark 4:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:11 means

Jesus explained to His disciples that they were given the privilege of understanding the "mystery of the kingdom of God." This indicates that certain truths about God's reign were revealed to them but were presented to outsiders in parables. The parables served as a filter, allowing those with receptive hearts to grasp deeper meaning while obscuring it from those who were unwilling to believe or understand. The mystery refers to previously hidden truths now revealed in Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, To you is given the secret of the kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, all things are given in the form of stories;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said to them, `To you it hath been given to know the secret of the reign of God, but to those who are without, in similes are all the things done;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, To you is given [to know] the mystery of the kingdom ofGod; but to them who are without, all things are done in parables,

Context

This verse begins Jesus' private explanation to His disciples regarding His use of parables. It directly answers their question from the previous verse about the parables. This statement establishes two distinct levels of understanding based on one's relationship with Jesus, setting the framework for His subsequent interpretation of the Parable of the Sower and other teachings about the Kingdom.

v.10And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parables.

v.11This passage

v.12that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest haply they should turn again, and it should be forgiven them.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 10:21

    In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father; for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight.

  • 1 Timothy 3:7

    Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

  • Ephesians 1:9

    making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him

  • Matthew 11:25

    At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes:

  • 1 John 5:20

    And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6

    Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

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