Devine Scripture

Mark 4:2

What does Mark 4:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:2 means

From the boat, Jesus presented His teachings to the gathered crowds using parables—earthly stories with heavenly meanings. This method of instruction was characteristic of Jesus' public ministry, designed to communicate profound spiritual truths in a memorable and accessible way. It also served to both reveal and conceal, depending on the listener's spiritual receptiveness. His teaching here marks a shift in how He communicates kingdom principles.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his teaching,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his teaching,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he gave them teaching about a number of things in the form of stories, and said to them in his teaching, Give ear:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he taught them many things in similes, and he said to them in his teaching:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his doctrine:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he taught them many things in parables. And he said to them in his doctrine,

Context

Following the explicit description of Jesus' teaching location, this verse introduces the *method* of His teaching: parables. It directly precedes the telling of the Parable of the Sower, establishing that the audience can expect to hear these kinds of stories. This is crucial because the disciples will later ask for an explanation, highlighting that the parables were not always immediately understood by everyone.

v.1And again he began to teach by the sea side. And there is gathered unto him a very great multitude, so that he entered into a boat, and sat in the sea; and all the multitude were by the sea on the land.

v.2This passage

v.3Hearken: Behold, the sower went forth to sow:

Cross references

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

  • John 18:19

    The high priest therefore asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his teaching.

  • Matthew 13:10

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

  • Matthew 13:3

    And he spake to them many things in parables, saying, Behold, the sower went forth to sow;

  • Mark 12:38

    And in his teaching he said, Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, andto have salutations in the marketplaces,

  • John 7:16

    Jesus therefore answered them, and said, My teaching is not mine, but his that sent me.

  • Psalms 78:2

    I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 4

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 4.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 4:2.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary