Mark 4:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G3753} he was {G1096} alone {G2651}, they that were about {G4012} him {G846} with {G4862} the twelve {G1427} asked {G2065} of him {G846} the parable {G3850}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yeshua was alone, the people around him with the Twelve asked him about the parables.

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as Jesus was alone with the Twelve and those around Him, they asked Him about the parable.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:10 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' teaching ministry, revealing the distinction between general proclamation and intimate instruction for His committed followers. After publicly delivering the Parable of the Sower, Jesus withdraws to a private setting where His inner circle, comprising the twelve apostles and other close disciples, approach Him with a specific request for clarification regarding the meaning of the parable. This inquiry highlights their genuine desire for deeper spiritual understanding and sets the stage for Jesus' explanation of why He teaches in parables, emphasizing the principle of privileged revelation for those who earnestly seek truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' public teaching of the [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-1-9 "The Parable of the Sower and the Soils") to a large multitude gathered by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had delivered this parable from a boat, speaking to the crowds on the shore. Mark 4:10 marks a significant transition from this public discourse to a private, intimate teaching session. The shift in setting—"when he was alone"—is crucial, signaling a change in audience and the depth of instruction. What follows in [Mark 4:11-20](/mark/4-11-20 "Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower") is Jesus' detailed explanation of the parable, which is reserved only for this inner circle, contrasting sharply with the general, enigmatic presentation to the crowds. This pattern of public parables followed by private explanations is a recurring feature in Jesus' ministry, particularly in the Synoptic Gospels, highlighting the intentionality behind His teaching methods.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish teaching traditions, it was common for rabbis to teach publicly to a broad audience and then offer more detailed or esoteric explanations to a select group of dedicated disciples. This practice aligns with the scene in [Mark 4:10](/mark/4-10 "The Disciples Ask About the Parable"), where Jesus moves from addressing the general populace to engaging with His committed followers. The "twelve" refer to the apostles, Jesus' specially chosen inner circle, who were being trained for future ministry. The "they that were about him" likely refers to other consistent disciples who had left much to follow Jesus, demonstrating a higher level of commitment than the casual crowd. The act of "asking" in private was a sign of respect and a genuine desire for deeper understanding, a hallmark of serious students of a rabbi. This setting underscores the personal, relational nature of discipleship in the first century.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:10 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **discipleship and commitment**. The disciples' initiative in seeking private instruction demonstrates their earnest desire to understand Jesus' teachings, contrasting with the passive hearing of the crowds. This highlights that true discipleship involves active engagement and a hunger for spiritual truth, as Jesus later implies in [Mark 4:24-25](/mark/4-24-25 "Listen Carefully"). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **privileged revelation**. Jesus' willingness to explain the parable only to this inner circle underscores that spiritual mysteries are often revealed to those who are committed and actively pursue understanding, rather than just passively listening. This concept is further elaborated in [Mark 4:11-12](/mark/4-11-12 "The Purpose of Parables"), where Jesus explains that parables serve to both reveal and conceal truth, depending on the listener's spiritual receptivity. Lastly, it touches on the **nature of God's Kingdom**, suggesting that its truths are not always immediately obvious but require diligent seeking and divine illumination.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **alone (Greek, _katamónas'_):** From *katá* (according to) and *mónos* (sole), meaning "separately" or "by themselves." This word emphasizes the intimate and secluded nature of the teaching moment. It signifies a deliberate withdrawal by Jesus from the public sphere, creating a private space for deeper instruction. This separation is crucial for understanding the context of privileged revelation that follows.
* **asked (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** This verb means "to interrogate" or "to request." In this context, it signifies a genuine inquiry, a seeking of clarification rather than a mere casual question. The disciples' act of *erōtáō* demonstrates their active engagement and hunger for understanding, setting them apart from the general crowd who heard the parable but did not pursue its meaning. It implies a desire for an authoritative explanation.
* **parable (Greek, _parabolḗ'_):** Derived from *parabállō* ("to throw alongside"), meaning "a similitude" or "comparison." It refers to a fictitious narrative, often drawn from common life, used to convey a moral or spiritual truth. The disciples' inquiry about "the parable" indicates their recognition that it contained a deeper meaning beyond its surface story, prompting them to seek the hidden spiritual truth Jesus intended to convey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was alone,"**: This phrase establishes the setting for the subsequent interaction. It signifies Jesus' intentional withdrawal from the large crowd to a private space, highlighting the transition from public proclamation to intimate, exclusive instruction. The solitude implies a moment of focused teaching reserved for a select group.
* **"they that were about him with the twelve"**: This identifies the specific audience who approached Jesus in His private moment. "The twelve" refers to the core group of apostles, while "they that were about him" indicates other close disciples who consistently followed Jesus and demonstrated a deeper commitment than the casual onlookers. This group represents those who had chosen to draw near to Jesus and His teachings.
* **"asked of him the parable."**: This clause reveals the purpose of their approach: to seek clarification on the meaning of the parable Jesus had just taught publicly. Their act of asking demonstrates an active desire for understanding, a spiritual hunger that distinguishes them from the general crowd who heard but did not inquire further. It sets the stage for Jesus' explanation of the purpose and meaning of parables.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 4:10 employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, as the verse sharply distinguishes between Jesus' public teaching to the large crowd (implied from the preceding verses) and His private instruction to His inner circle. This immediate shift in setting and audience underscores a thematic separation between general hearing and specific, deeper understanding. The phrase "when he was alone" functions as a **motif** throughout the Gospels, often signaling moments of significant revelation or intimate teaching reserved for the disciples. Furthermore, the disciples' act of "asking" serves as an implicit **foreshadowing** of the deeper truths that Jesus is about to unveil, not just about the Parable of the Sower, but about the very nature of the Kingdom of God and the purpose of His parabolic teaching. This moment also subtly uses **synecdoche** by referring to "the twelve" as a representative part of the larger group of committed disciples, signifying the core leadership within the broader circle of followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:10 highlights a profound theological principle: the revelation of divine truth is often contingent upon a heart that actively seeks and is prepared to receive. Jesus' willingness to explain the parable only to His inner circle underscores that spiritual understanding is not passively absorbed but is granted to those who earnestly pursue it. This distinction between the crowd and the disciples emphasizes the importance of commitment and spiritual receptivity in grasping the mysteries of God's Kingdom. It teaches us that while God's word is proclaimed broadly, its deeper truths are often unveiled in moments of intimate seeking and intentional discipleship, inviting believers to move beyond casual listening to active engagement with the divine message.

* [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "The Purpose of Parables")
* [Luke 8:9-10](/luke/8-9-10 "Why Jesus Spoke in Parables")
* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "Spiritual Discernment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:10 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today to cultivate a posture of intentional seeking and active engagement with God's Word. Just as the disciples withdrew with Jesus to ask for clarification, we are called to move beyond casual listening or superficial reading to diligently pursue a deeper understanding of Scripture. This often involves setting aside dedicated time for personal study, prayerfully meditating on passages, and asking the Holy Spirit for illumination. The spiritual insights and transformative truths of God's Kingdom are often granted to those who demonstrate a genuine hunger for them, fostering growth in our [relationship with Christ](/john/15-4 "Abiding in Christ") and a clearer grasp of His divine purposes. This verse encourages us to be disciples who not only hear the Word but also actively wrestle with it, seeking its profound implications for our lives and the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does my current posture towards God's Word reveal about my desire for deeper spiritual understanding?**
* **In what practical ways can I create "alone" time with Jesus to seek clarification and deeper insight into His teachings?**
* **How might my active pursuit of truth, as exemplified by the disciples, impact my spiritual growth and my ability to discern God's will?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus teach in parables to the crowds, but then explain them privately to His disciples?**

Answer: Jesus' use of parables served a dual purpose, as He Himself explains in [Mark 4:11-12](/mark/4-11-12 "The Purpose of Parables"). To the general crowds, parables functioned as veiled truths, revealing the Kingdom of God to those with "ears to hear" (i.e., spiritual receptivity) while simultaneously concealing or obscuring these truths from those whose hearts were hardened or unwilling to genuinely seek. This aligns with the prophetic tradition of Isaiah 6:9-10, which Jesus quotes. For His disciples, however, parables were a means of progressive revelation. By explaining the parables privately, Jesus provided deeper insight and spiritual understanding to those who had committed to following Him, preparing them to be stewards of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. This distinction highlights the principle that deeper spiritual truths are often revealed to those who actively seek them and are prepared to receive them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:10, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. The disciples' act of drawing near to Jesus "when he was alone" and asking for the parable's meaning foreshadows the ultimate necessity of approaching Christ Himself for true understanding of God's mysteries. Jesus is not merely a teacher of parables; He is the living Word, the embodiment of the truth these parables convey. His willingness to reveal the hidden meaning to His inner circle points to His role as the ultimate revealer of God's wisdom, a wisdom "hidden in God" but now "made known through the church" ([Ephesians 3:9-10](/ephesians/3-9-10 "The Mystery of Christ Revealed")). The disciples' seeking of the parable's meaning finds its fulfillment in our own need to seek Christ, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures")). He is the one who opens the eyes of the blind and grants understanding, not just to parables, but to the very heart of God's redemptive plan. The Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised, continues this work, guiding believers "into all truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, the scene in [Mark 4:10](/mark/4-10 "The Disciples Ask About the Parable") beautifully illustrates that access to divine understanding is found exclusively in drawing near to and learning from Jesus Christ, the one who perfectly reveals the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 13:10

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

Matthew 13:17

For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them].

Mark 4:34

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

Proverbs 13:20

¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Matthew 13:36

Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

Luke 8:9

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

Luke 8:15

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.