Devine Scripture

Mark 4:34

What does Mark 4:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:34 means

Mark states explicitly that Jesus never spoke to the crowds without using parables. However, when alone with His own disciples, He would explain everything, providing deeper insight and clarity. This reiterates the dual purpose of parables: to convey truth in an accessible way for the masses, while simultaneously reserving profound understanding for those committed to Him, preparing them for future ministry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And without a story he said nothing to them: but privately to his disciples he made all things clear.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and without a simile he was not speaking to them, and by themselves, to his disciples he was expounding all.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And without parable he did not speak unto them; but apart, he explained all things to his disciples.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but without a parable spoke he not to them; and in private he explained all things to his disciples.

Context

This verse further clarifies Jesus' two-tiered teaching approach. It directly follows the summary of His public teaching in parables and emphasizes the contrast with His private explanations to the disciples. This verse is crucial for understanding the intentionality behind the parables, serving both as a revealing and concealing mechanism, and highlighting the disciples' privileged access to deeper meaning.

v.33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it;

v.34This passage

v.35And on that day, when even was come, he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 15:15

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

  • Luke 24:27

    And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

  • Luke 8:9

    And his disciples asked him what this parable might be.

  • Luke 24:44

    And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me.

  • Mark 7:17

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

  • John 16:25

    These things have I spoken unto you in dark sayings: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in dark sayings, but shall tell you plainly of the Father.

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