Mark 4:11

KJV

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto them {G846}, Unto you {G5213} it is given {G1325} to know {G1097} the mystery {G3466} of the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}: but {G1161} unto them {G1565} that are without {G1854}, all these things {G3956} are done {G1096} in {G1722} parables {G3850}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered them, "To you the secret of the Kingdom of God has been given; but to those outside, everything is in parables,

Berean Standard Bible

He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables,

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:11 is a foundational verse in Jesus' teaching, revealing the dual purpose of His parables: to unveil the profound truths of the kingdom of God to His committed disciples while simultaneously obscuring these same truths from those outside His immediate circle, whose hearts were unreceptive. This distinction highlights God's sovereign choice in revelation and the critical role of a receptive heart in understanding spiritual mysteries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows Jesus' telling of the [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-3-9 "Mark 4:3-9 - The Parable of the Sower") to a large crowd by the Sea of Galilee. After the crowd disperses, Jesus' disciples, along with other close followers, approach Him privately to inquire about the meaning and purpose of His parables, specifically asking, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" ([Mark 4:10](/mark/4-10 "Mark 4:10 - Disciples Ask About Parables")). Mark 4:11 is Jesus' direct and profound answer, setting the stage for His subsequent detailed explanation of the Parable of the Sower to His inner circle ([Mark 4:13-20](/mark/4-13-20 "Mark 4:13-20 - Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower")) and further teachings on the nature of the Kingdom of God. It acts as a hermeneutical key for understanding not only this parable but all of Jesus' parabolic teaching.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry was characterized by large public teachings, often delivered in accessible outdoor settings like the seashore, as seen in [Mark 4:1](/mark/4-1 "Mark 4:1 - Jesus Teaches by the Sea"). Parables were a common pedagogical tool in ancient Jewish culture, used by rabbis to illustrate moral or spiritual truths through relatable stories. However, Jesus' use of parables, as explained in this verse, carried a unique dimension of divine judgment and revelation. The distinction between "those within" (the disciples, who had left everything to follow Him) and "those without" (the general public, often characterized by skepticism, indifference, or outright hostility) was crucial. This reflects the reality of spiritual receptivity in a society grappling with the radical claims of Jesus' messianic identity and the inauguration of God's reign.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:11 introduces and reinforces several central themes within Mark's Gospel and broader New Testament theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Revelation and Concealment**, emphasizing that understanding spiritual truth is not merely an intellectual exercise but a divinely granted gift. "Unto you it is given" underscores God's sovereign initiative in disclosing His purposes to those He chooses, typically those who have committed to following Him. This leads directly to the theme of **The Mystery of the Kingdom of God**. The "kingdom of God" is the central message of Jesus' ministry, referring to God's sovereign rule and redemptive activity, which is now breaking into human history through Christ. It is called a "mystery" (Greek: _mystērion_) not because it is inherently incomprehensible, but because it was previously hidden in God's eternal plan and is now being progressively unveiled through Jesus' words and deeds, particularly to His disciples. Finally, the verse highlights **The Purpose of Parables** as more than simple illustrations; they serve as a divine filter. For those with receptive hearts, the parables illuminate truth, drawing them deeper into understanding the [nature of the Kingdom](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom of God"). For "them that are without," they function as riddles, preventing understanding due to hardened hearts or unwillingness to believe, as further elaborated in [Mark 4:12](/mark/4-12 "Mark 4:12 - The Purpose of Parables to Conceal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb (G1325) signifies "to give," "to bestow," or "to grant." Its use here, "it is given," employs a passive voice, often referred to as a "divine passive" in biblical studies. This grammatical construction implicitly attributes the action to God, emphasizing that the ability to "know the mystery of the kingdom of God" is not achieved by human effort or intellect alone but is a gracious gift from God. It underscores the divine initiative in spiritual revelation.
* **mystery (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** The term (G3466) refers to "a secret" or "a mystery." In the New Testament, particularly in Pauline theology and here in Mark, _mystērion_ does not denote something inherently unknowable or obscure. Rather, it describes a truth that was previously hidden or concealed in God's eternal plan but is now being revealed or unveiled through a specific divine act, especially through the person and work of Jesus Christ. It implies a truth that requires divine disclosure to be understood, rather than one that is simply difficult to comprehend.
* **without (Greek, _éxō'_):** This adverb (G1854) literally means "out(-side, of doors)." In this context, "them that are without" (Greek: _tois exō_) metaphorically refers to those outside the inner circle of Jesus' discipleship, outside the covenant community, or outside the spiritual understanding that comes through faith and a receptive heart. It signifies a spiritual separation or exclusion from the deeper truths of the kingdom, not necessarily a physical location.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: Jesus is speaking specifically to His disciples and close followers, who have approached Him privately after His public teaching. This indicates a shift from public discourse to private instruction, highlighting the exclusive nature of the revelation that follows.
* **"Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:"**: This is the core statement of revelation. "Unto you" (the disciples) signifies a privileged access to understanding. The passive "it is given" points to God as the giver of this understanding. The object of this knowledge is "the mystery of the kingdom of God," referring to the profound, previously hidden truths about God's sovereign reign and redemptive plan that are now being inaugurated and revealed through Jesus.
* **"but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:"**: This clause presents a stark contrast, introduced by the adversative "but." "Them that are without" refers to those outside the circle of faith and spiritual receptivity. For this group, the same "things" (the truths of the kingdom) are "done in parables." The Greek verb _ginomai_ (G1096), translated "are done" or "happen," suggests that the parables _function_ in a way that obscures meaning for the uninitiated. The parables, while illustrative for some, become a veil for others, serving to conceal rather than reveal due to their spiritual condition.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 4:11 powerfully employs **Contrast** as its primary literary device. Jesus explicitly differentiates between "unto you" (His disciples) and "unto them that are without" (the general public or unbelievers). This stark dichotomy highlights the two distinct ways His teaching is received and understood. Coupled with this is **Paradox**, as the parables, seemingly simple stories designed to make truth accessible, are revealed to have a dual function: they simultaneously illuminate truth for the receptive and obscure it for the unreceptive. This paradoxical nature underscores the divine judgment inherent in Jesus' teaching method. Furthermore, the phrase "mystery of the kingdom of God" functions as a **Metaphor** or **Symbolism**, representing the profound, divinely orchestrated truths about God's reign that are now being unveiled through Christ, requiring spiritual insight to grasp. The phrase "them that are without" also uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "without" (referring to a spatial position) stands for a spiritual condition of being outside the realm of understanding and faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:11 profoundly shapes our understanding of divine revelation and human receptivity. It asserts God's sovereign prerogative in disclosing His truth, emphasizing that spiritual insight is a gift, not an earned right. This verse challenges the notion that spiritual understanding is merely an intellectual exercise, instead highlighting the necessity of a divinely opened heart and mind. The "mystery of the kingdom" refers to God's unfolding plan of salvation and His reign, which was hidden in ages past but is now being revealed through Christ. This revelation, however, is not universally received; it is unveiled to those who, by God's grace, are "within"—those who have committed themselves to Jesus and possess a receptive spirit. Conversely, for those "without," the same truths remain veiled, not because God desires to hide truth arbitrarily, but because their hearts are hardened or unwilling to believe, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of spiritual blindness. This highlights the crucial role of faith and obedience in accessing divine knowledge.

* [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - The Purpose of Parables Explained")
* [1 Corinthians 2:7-10](/1_corinthians/2-7-10 "1 Corinthians 2:7-10 - God's Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit")
* [Romans 11:25](/romans/11-25 "Romans 11:25 - The Mystery of Israel's Partial Hardening")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound call to self-examination regarding our spiritual posture. Are we among those to whom "it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God," or do we, by our spiritual indifference or hardened hearts, remain "without"? Understanding the truths of God's Word is not merely about intellectual capacity; it requires a humble, receptive heart, eager to be taught by the Spirit of God. We are invited to actively seek deeper understanding, cultivating a posture of discipleship that listens attentively to Jesus' teachings, recognizing that genuine spiritual discernment is a gracious gift. This means moving beyond a superficial engagement with Scripture and prayer, seeking instead a transformative encounter with divine truth. It encourages us to pray for open eyes and ears, acknowledging our dependence on God's revelation to truly grasp the profound realities of His kingdom and to live in light of them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically approach God's Word? Is my heart receptive and eager to learn, or do I sometimes approach it with indifference or a closed mind?**
* **What "mysteries of the kingdom" in my own life or in God's Word am I currently seeking to understand more deeply? What steps can I take to cultivate a more receptive heart in these areas?**
* **In what ways might I inadvertently be "without" in certain areas of my spiritual walk, perhaps due to pride, busyness, or an unwillingness to obey certain truths?**

### FAQ
**What does "the mystery of the kingdom of God" mean?**

Answer: In the New Testament, particularly in Mark and Pauline epistles, a "mystery" (Greek: _mystērion_) is not something inherently unknowable or mysterious in the modern sense. Instead, it refers to a truth or divine plan that was previously hidden or concealed in God's eternal counsel but is now being revealed or unveiled through a specific divine act, especially through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "kingdom of God" refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, His redemptive activity, and the sphere of His authority that is breaking into human history through Jesus. Therefore, "the mystery of the kingdom of God" refers to the profound, previously undisclosed truths about God's reign and salvation plan that are now being inaugurated and revealed through Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. This understanding is a divine gift, granted to those who are receptive to Christ's teaching, as opposed to those who remain outside the circle of faith and understanding, for whom these truths remain veiled in parables ([Mark 4:12](/mark/4-12 "Mark 4:12 - The Purpose of Parables to Conceal")).

**Who are "them that are without" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "Them that are without" (Greek: _tois exō_) refers to those outside the immediate circle of Jesus' committed discipleship. This group includes the general public, the crowds who heard His parables but did not commit to following Him, and particularly those whose hearts were hardened, unreceptive, or hostile to His message. Jesus' parables served as a means of distinguishing between those who genuinely sought to understand and embrace the truths of the Kingdom and those who, due to spiritual indifference, pride, or unbelief, remained spiritually blind. For the "without," the parables functioned not as explanations but as riddles, preventing deeper understanding because their hearts were not prepared to receive the spiritual revelation being offered. This distinction underscores the importance of a receptive heart and genuine faith in comprehending divine truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:11, while speaking of the mystery of the kingdom, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clarification in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. He is not merely the one who teaches about the mystery; He *is* the mystery revealed. As the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), Jesus embodies the very truth of God's kingdom. The "mystery of the kingdom of God" that is "given to know" to the disciples is ultimately the mystery of God's redemptive plan centered on Christ, a truth "hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints" ([Colossians 1:26](/colossians/1-26 "Colossians 1:26 - The Mystery of Christ")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus inaugurates and embodies God's reign, making God's saving purposes accessible. The distinction between "them that are within" and "them that are without" is ultimately determined by one's response to Christ. To be "within" is to have faith in Him, to follow Him, and to receive the Spirit who grants understanding ([1 Corinthians 2:10-14](/1_corinthians/2-10-14 "1 Corinthians 2:10-14 - The Spirit Reveals God's Wisdom")). To be "without" is to reject or remain indifferent to Him, thus remaining in spiritual darkness. Jesus is the [Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), and it is through Him alone that the mysteries of God's kingdom are truly known and experienced, as God has "spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

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 11:25

¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Luke 8:10

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

James 1:16

Do not err, my beloved brethren.

James 1:18

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Colossians 4:5

¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

1 Corinthians 5:12

For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

1 Corinthians 5:13

But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.