Devine Scripture

Mark 4:13

What does Mark 4:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:13 means

Jesus gently rebuked His disciples for not understanding the Parable of the Sower, implying it was a foundational parable. He then challenged them, asking how they could hope to comprehend all the other parables of the Kingdom if they couldn't grasp this fundamental one. This question underscores the importance of the Sower parable as a key to unlocking other spiritual truths.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he saith unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how shall ye know all the parables?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he saith unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how shall ye know all the parables?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, If you are not clear about this story, how will you be clear about the others?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he saith to them, `Have ye not known this simile? and how shall ye know all the similes?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he saith to them: Are you ignorant of this, parable? and how shall you know all parables?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he says to them, Do ye not know this parable? and how will ye be acquainted with all the parables?

Context

This verse serves as a bridge, immediately following Jesus' explanation of *why* He speaks in parables, and directly preceding His detailed interpretation of the Parable of the Sower itself. His question to the disciples emphasizes the foundational nature of this parable, indicating that understanding it is essential for comprehending the broader mysteries of the Kingdom of God that He would later reveal.

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.

v.13This passage

v.14The sower soweth the word.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 3:1

    And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ.

  • Hebrews 5:11

    Of whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become dull of hearing.

  • Matthew 13:18

    Hear then ye the parable of the sower.

  • Mark 7:17

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

  • Matthew 13:51

    Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea.

  • Matthew 15:15

    And Peter answered and said unto him, Declare unto us the parable.

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