Mark 4:10

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

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}.

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

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

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

Mark 4:10 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' teaching ministry, illustrating the distinction between the general crowd and His committed followers. After delivering the Parable of the Sower to a large audience, Jesus retreats to a private setting.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' public teaching of the Parable of the Sower and the Soils (Mark 4:1-9), delivered from a boat to a multitude by the sea. The shift to a private setting, "when he was alone," marks a transition from general proclamation to specific, deeper instruction. The group described as "they that were about him with the twelve" refers to Jesus' inner circle—the twelve apostles and other close disciples who consistently followed Him and desired a more profound understanding of His message. Their inquiry about the parable sets the stage for Jesus' explanation regarding the purpose of parables, as detailed in the subsequent verses (Mark 4:11-20), which reveal spiritual truths to those with ears to hear, while concealing them from those unwilling to truly seek.

Key Themes

  • Seeking Spiritual Understanding: The disciples' act of asking demonstrates a genuine hunger for spiritual truth beyond surface-level hearing. This initiative is crucial for discovering deeper meaning in God's Word.
  • Privileged Revelation: Jesus' willingness to explain the parable only to this inner circle highlights that spiritual mysteries are often revealed to those who are committed and actively pursue understanding, rather than just passively listening. This distinction between the crowd and the disciples is a recurring theme in the Gospels.
  • The Nature of Discipleship: True discipleship involves more than just being present; it requires intentional engagement, asking questions, and seeking clarification to grow in knowledge and faith.

Linguistic Insights

The term "parable" comes from the Greek word parabolē (παραβολή), which literally means "a placing alongside" or "a comparison." It refers to a story or earthly illustration used to convey a heavenly or spiritual truth. The phrase "when he was alone" (Greek: katamonas, though often translated from a broader phrase meaning "by themselves") emphasizes the intimate, secluded nature of this teaching moment, reserved for those who had chosen to draw near to Jesus.

Practical Application

Mark 4:10 encourages believers today to cultivate a similar posture of intentional seeking. Just as the disciples withdrew with Jesus to ask for clarification, we are called to move beyond casual listening to actively pursue a deeper understanding of Scripture. This often involves personal study, prayer, and meditating on God's Word in quiet moments. The verse reminds us that spiritual insights are often granted to those who diligently seek them, fostering growth in our relationship with Christ and a clearer grasp of His kingdom's truths.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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