Devine Scripture

Mark 4:33

What does Mark 4:33 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:33 means

Jesus continued to teach the crowds using many such parables, speaking only what they were ready and able to comprehend. This indicates His wisdom in tailoring His instruction to His audience's capacity, revealing truth progressively. He did not overwhelm them with more than they could receive, showing sensitivity to their spiritual development and understanding.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And with a number of such stories he gave them his teaching, as they were able to take it:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And with many such similes he was speaking to them the word, as they were able to hear,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And with many such parables, he spoke to them the word, according as they were able to hear.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And with many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear,

Context

This verse summarizes Jesus' public teaching method, immediately following the conclusion of the Parable of the Mustard Seed. It reinforces the idea that He spoke in parables as His primary mode of public instruction. This acts as a final transition before stating His private instructional practice with His disciples, setting up a distinction in how different audiences received His truth.

v.32yet when it is sown, groweth up, and becometh greater than all the herbs, and putteth out great branches; so that the birds of the heaven can lodge under the shadow thereof.

v.33This passage

v.34and without a parable spake he not unto them: but privately to his own disciples he expounded all things.

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 5:11

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

  • 1 Corinthians 3:1

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

  • Matthew 13:34

    All these things spake Jesus in parables unto the multitudes; and without a parable spake he nothing unto them:

  • John 16:12

    I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

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